This is the first appearance at this theatre of this most talked of entertainer. We discovered this afternoon that closing the show was no place for an act of this character, and beginning with the night show we moved him up to the position of opening the second half. We advertised Houdini very big during the past two weeks and I expect he will draw quite some business.
16 min. F.S. Houdini got out of a straight jacket today in full view of the audience in about four minutes, followed by his well known “can” trick. Received plenty of applause, closed very strong. This Challenge Week, and Houdini will attempt something new each day.
42 min. F.S. Got a big advance hand today and went through the regulation handcuff and can-and-box trick to big applause. It was a capacity house and undoubtedly owing considerably to Houdini’s booking as he is always a success in Philadelphia. The future of his engagement will depend entirely upon the success of his challenges and the interest he arouses.
2 shows, 21 min. open in 1, close in 3 – This man is one of the cleverest card manipulators we have ever had here, almost equaling Thurston. Finishes with a trunk act, the box being a handsome piece of furniture and much the smallest ever used in public here. He has to fairly double himself up to get into it. It is locked, and then covered with canvas which is laced and then bound with cord. He gets out of it in about seven seconds. It is the sort of act that makes people talk, and was one of the best things in our bill this afternoon. At night, he is bound to make a big hit.
(26 mins.) He still remains, in our opinion, the greatest of showmen and his present offering created the same amount of interest he has always aroused in this house, where he has appeared often. He was cordially welcomed and his whole act was a big feature.
28 min in 2 and 4. Same Houdini personality and showmanship. Act is a little long, but will probably tighten up a bit. Interesting and closed to a good hand.
Time Indefinite. F.S. The act is well known. It takes well here, but does not reach the sensational popularity it has received in other cities. Houdini has several new tests, although for the most part he still depends chiefly upon hand-cuffs and straight jackets.
Disrobing, Marvel. Young man of pleasing personality working full dress frees himself from a straight jacket while in a small cabinet changes from full dress to tights in a 15 inch tube and escapes from a straight jacket while under water in full view of the audience. Billed this man as an extra feature and he certainly held his own. The act is very nicely worked up. All of his various stunts were greatly appreciated and got big applause. Presume the act will get them talking during the week. While it conflicts alightly with Houdini on account of the straight jacket work, the difference is so great, that in the general tone and make up, I hardly think it would depreciate the value of “Houdini”. 28 minutes full stage.
This man was responsible for the largest advance sale in the history of vaudeville at this theatre. Did not make the great sensation he will tonight and later on when he will do more sensational box trick and straight jacket. However, he made a big stir and is probably the most talked of feature we have ever played. He is a wonderful worker, which is a big part of his success and some big tricks are in store for the remainder of the week. Broke out of prison here today. 23 min, full stage, 2 shows.
Went great. Did handcuff and shackle stunts. – Also trunk trick. – Got out of everything in which he was fastened and very quickly. He has everybody talking and the outlook is that he will more than make a hit here this week. – This is really the first set we have had since the house opened that I can honestly say has drawn a dollar into the house individually. Palace: 28 minutes.
