The Three Raymonds proved magnetic tag enders in their holding-them-in proclivities. It’s a two-women-one-men combination, with one of the former performing on a slack wire “iron jawed” between the other two at opposite sides of the elevated platforms.
“Did you vote?” featuring William E. Morris and Co. (New Acts) preceded Will J. Evans the “happy nobo [sic],” in very Nat Wills get-up and a gag routine that possibly antedates the days of Wills. Evans is wanting for material, but otherwise is a monologist with a pleasing voice that bespeaks possibilities. He is sure-fire on the present time, but a rejuvenated line of talk is advisable. Some of the old boys have been “released” so long they sound almost new, although Evans’ author probably was some minstrel joke book. Evans concludes with a dash of stepping that could be built up, although he suffices as a talker were he fortified with modernized patter.
Charles and Cecil McNaughton, mixed team, reopened proceedings with a song, dance and talk routine that went for all it was worth. The girl is a “looker” and in her abbreviated costume monopolized the gaze of the audience. Charles McNaughton displayed a resonant tenor with his numbers, and the parody medley finish sent them off as well as it did because of their clear enunciation.
Gordon & Gordon, with a hybrid dance and acrobatic routine, chalked up a neat hit from the start. The boys make natty appearance, and following their opening song and dance go into their acrobatic and contortion work to encouraging.
15 Mins.; One. Sidney Barcy and Frank Farrington are the two leading male players in “The Million Dollar Mystery.” The pair have had little experience on the vaudeville stage, as their present turn shows. They are picture actors and it is to their disadvantage that they have sought vaudeville. Anyone upon seeing them on the boards will never give them the credit they should get for their work in pictures. The act opens with a reel showing the men as they appear in the serial. They receive a note from the management stating they will be cancelled if they do not put in an immediate appearance as the audience is waiting. Some trick photography is used in the dressing of the two men. Their clothes spring to them from places around the room. The picture shows them rushing to the theatre. At this point they appear n the stage and the few real picture fans present on the roof Monday night (not many, or they would have been downstairs) let forth some applause. The two men stood upon the stage in an assumed dazed manner and questioned each other what they should do. Bracy told Farrington nearly lost his life in one of the last episodes. Then both threw bouquets at themselves with Bracy finally going into a sob recitation, the best thing done. Farrington follows with a burlesque story on his job of villain. This failed to amuse as did many of his antics. Frank may be able to do a number of things before the camera that won’t go over in vaudeville. For the finale the two sing about the “Mystery” and they make a hasty exit, to return for a last attempt at comedy by Farrington. It is a freak act and the names should bring business in the houses where the picture has been playing. The turn is running too long, opening.
10 Mins.; Two. These two girls announce themselves as appearing in “A Professional Tryout.” They sing published numbers and work in “two” with a couple of dresses hanging on the back wall of a supposed dressing-room. The stout girl is on the June Mills type and puts her songs over in much the same manager. Her partner is a slim person, and sings rather listlessly. The big girl has a change to put the turn over, but title might as well go out, for it is useless. They just sing, that’s all.
[New Act] songs, 14 mins; one. A man and woman team, with piano and songs, the man playing the instrument. The woman attempts to deceive the audience into the belief she is a female impersonator, or it seems that way from her remarks, but if she succeeded it made no difference.
It’s a small time mixed double with songs. The pianist plays a solo. Among the songs sung by the woman in “Little Cottage.” At the American it was placed to open after intermission, appearing without a silk curtain it carries. That may help some in the No. 4 small time position.
A familiar turn in the second part were Robert Henry Hodge and Co. in “Bill Blithers Lawyer.” The act played the 5th Avenue last week and is now started over the Loew time. It’s a laugh maker, with Mr. Hodge’s rural attorney the central figure together with his work, and will do much better in a theatre proper than it did on the roof, though it passed there.
The Weiss Troupe (from the circus) in No. 2 had a bad handicap through being unable to use their long perch. It prevented the roof crowd from securing the real line of the three men, now appearing without a woman and attempting some comedy.
[New Act] Violinist, 12 mins.; one. (Oct.28). Boy who looks 12 but probably around 18 enters playing semi-classical number on violin, the music preceding his appearance. Is dressed in ragged garb and absence of makeup gives his pale, wistful appearance which aids in sympathetic appeal.
Plays another number straight then sings a ballad in a sweet baritone, closing with a song and a violin accompaniment at same time. More than made good opening second half of roof bill.
