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CHICAGO NOTES
Sidney Craven, who formerly hit the
high tenor notes with the Apollo quar-
tette and did the part of the cab driver
In its excellent sketch. "The Man Out-
side," is making good in the Singer
show, "The Golden Girl," which Is play-
Ing to big business in the west and
niddle west. Craven is scoring a hit
'with the laughing song.
Ted Robinson, a slack-wire artist, who
has been playing eastern time, has ar-
rived in Chicago to arrange for book-
Ings over western circuits. This is his
first trip to Chicago and he Is well
pleased with the prospects for work.
Robinson has been rehearsing some new
stunts, which he will introduce for the
first time in the west. Robinson, al-
though a young man. Is considered a
wonderful artist In his line.
Gilday and Fox, who are appearing
in vaudeville In a sixteen-minute sketch,
entitled "Cohen and His Ward," have
made a big hit, and they are being
booked for a sixteen weeks' run on In-
terstate time. Gilday and Fox mingle
pathos with comedy in their act and the
'work of the team is receiving favorable
press comment everywhere it appears.
Sparkling lines and a lively climax are
features.
Douglass & Van, two merry young
comedians, who have been playing
southern time, have resumed their
vaudeville tour, after a recent lay-off.
George Douglass has been quite ill in
a hospital, but is again able to be out
and around. His numerous friends will
be pleased to learn of his recovery.
The Mayo Comedy Pour, with its
comedy and music, is a big feature of
Arthur Sidney's "A Smack in School,"
now playing Chicago dates, after a su-
cessful trip on the middle west and
western time. Last week at a West
Side house the boys were called back
again and again, their singing being a
tremendous hit. The Mayo Comedy
Four comprises Joe Knerr, first tenor;
Earl Cavanaugh, second tenor; George
Bray, baritone; Orrie Tuttle, bass. The
quartette has been together for some
time and the boys are featuring topical
song hits. Their biggest success is
"You've Got Me Going, Going, Kid."
There are nine members in the Sidney
act and another enjoyable feature, In
addition to the Mayo Comedy Four, is
the buck and wing dancing of Earl
Cavanaugh and Alice Church. They
have a pleasing routine of steps.
Era Mandel, "Dispenser of Raggy Mel-
odies," proved one of the big hits of the
bill at Rock Island, Ill., this week,
where she was booked by tte Walter
F. Keefe agency. Miss Mandel has been
"going big" alt season with her coon
songs, her rendition of "Cubanola Glide"
being unusually well received. She plays
her own accompaniment.    Her act is
done in full stage.
Barnes and Robison, who are known
on the Pacific coast as the "champion
ragtime piano players and that singing
comedienne," have arrived in Chicago to
arrange for further time. Their act in
Its present shape has never been seen
in the east and after playing the middle
west and south, they expect to get
bookings in the east. They have been
playing on the Pantages circuit for the
past two years. Ed Barnes was for-
merly in vaudeville with Johnny Ford.
Barnes and Ford were on the Orpheum
circuit for a long time before Mabel
Robinson joined the act.
Beecher & Maye have signed contracts
for twenty solid weeks on the Independ-
ent Booking Office time and will open
January 20. Beecher, who Is a White
Rat. has been prominent in the fight
against Chicago agents using the old
form of contract.
Y. M. C. A. Turned Into Theater.
ALBANY, Nov. 2.-The purchase of
the old Y. M. C. A. building at Piuts-
field, Mass., used partly for offices, has
been consummated by W. J. Eaton, of
this city, acting Jointly with several
-other Albanians. The property is to be
remodeled into a first class theater.
Mr. Eaton said that it was proposed to
expend from $150,000 to $200,000 on im-
provements but that possession would
not be taken until July, when the leases
of tne present tenants expired. It has
not been decided as to what the policy
-of the proposed new theater would be.
though several bids have been already
made for it, he said. As there is a
theater in Pittsfield under the syndicate
management of Messrs. Klaw and Er-
langer, it is possible that the Shuberts
will get control of tnehouse. This. Mr.
Eaton said, was quite probable though
he stated that it was as yet too carry
to predict.-CARDOZE.
Bert Davis Engaged.
Bert Davis, who won the honor of be-
Ing named the best clown in circusdom
in the Show World contest, announces
that he has been reengaged with the
Buffalo Bill-Pawnee Bili shows for the
Beason of 1910. Mrs. Davis, known as
'Aunt Lucinda," is also engaged with
the same show.
LONDON LETTER
LONDON ACTORSLOOK
FONDLYATVARIETY
Legitimate Players No Longer Snub Music Hall Engagements
-" Ma Gosse " Is Immoral But Popular
LONDON, Oct. 23.-Sir Herbert Beer-
bohm Tree confesses that he wouldn't
turn the frozen eye upon a vaudeville
contract, not that he seeks engagement
in this sphere of entertainment. This
is about the view that every dramatic
star with two pennyworth of common-
sense will have to take. It was at one
time the habit of the legitimate top
notcher to sneer with the utmost vehe-
menconatsthesuggestion of employment
in a music hail. One actor, a clever
fellow, but by no means a clock stop-
per, upon entering vaudeville almost
wanted his life insured in case the shock
tohisusoulproved fatal. Tn eway that
the music halls, the rinks and tine pic-
ture shows have chopped lumps off the
revenues of the dramatic houses it is
not unlikely that more distinguished
actor laddies will become quite eager
for vaudeville consideration.
This week London managers have been
busy engaging pantomine artists. There
is so much poverty in the amusement
business over here that performers of
every type fight like tigers for employ-
ment. Failure to obtain a pantomine-
or what you would call an extravaganza
-engagement means perhaps months of
bitter hardship. You can see people
who have achieved considerable success
as artists scrambling after a job carry-
ing a remuneration of ten dollars a
week.
The French sketch, "Ma Gosse," was
done for the first time in England at
the Palace on Monday. The scene is a
thief's kitchen in the red light quarter
of Paris which is being visited by En-
glish rubbernecks intent on seeing the
apache as he really is. A violent row
occurs between two of the hangers on
ofan unfortunate woman during which
one of them is mortally wounded. The
English visitors get the scare of their
lives and beat it as soon as possible,
forgetting to take up the change from
a ten-pound note tendered for wine.
Just after they have gone all the char-
acters receive the congratulations of
the landlord for their assistance in what
was only a grafting stunt. An apache
dance is introduced and as it is about
as daring as it can be the turn will no
doubt run a good time. It is quite an
unpleasant show, but like all the un-
pleasant dancing shows and posing acts
we have had in London, every one will
insist on seeing it, because it is "so
artistic."
The members of the Sketch Associa-
tion met at the Crown hotel, Leicester
square, on Sunday last. George Gray
took the chair. In the course of his ad-
dress he condemned any leaning toward
Trade Union or Socialistic principles,
which sounded like a slash at the Var-
iety Artistes Federation. It would seem
that the sketch people on this side are
not disposed to accept the glad hand
proffered by that body at their meeting
of some weeks ago, but will manage
their own affairs and enjoy the good
times for which they seem destined
without the dictation of those who have
ere now been disposed to regard them
as interlopers.
"Has anybody here seen Kelly?" is
undoubtedly the song of the year. Ev-
eryone in the provinces is roaring it,
and now that its singer, Floyd Ford,
has returned to London it will duplicate
the popularity of "Bill Bailey."
Will H. Fox is playing the Shepherd's
Bush Empire this week with customary
success. lie has dropped the old "Pad-
diwhiski" rig out for a very neat plum-
colored lounge suit with shoes and tie
and hat to match.   His wife, Monie
Mine, is a notable contributor to the
same program. Mrs. Fox came to Amer-
ica as one of the Sisters Emerald.
Jack Ross, of Ross and Lewis, tells
me that he is gradually regaining good
health. A chill, contracted in Ireland,
followed by hard work in South Africa,
produced a lung strain which necessi-
tated a considerable rest.
It is regrettable to record the close of
"The Great Divide" at the Adelphi to-
night. A   show of such great merit
should have had a much longer run.
Ed Lang, "the happy yid," of the
Gothams and subsequently of the Big
Four, is doing a Jewish monologue in
English vaudeville just now.
The largest permanent rink in En-
gland, located at Brixton, the profes-
sional residential quarter of London, was
opened on Tuesday by the mayor of
Lambeth. There is a skating area of
36,000 square feet.
Bransby Williams is playing at the
Oxford this week. He will remain in
London until he leaves for your side in
December. He informs me that you will
see him in Chicago.
Ritter and PFoster are appearing at
Gibbon's Peckham Hippodrome this
week. They are highly delighted with
the reception recently accorded them at
the Alhambra Paris. This house is quite
the rendezvous for the English and
American people, so one night Max no-
ticing so many in front remarked, "It's
quite like home," which was promptly
followed by, "You bet it is," from a
chorus of voices in front.
Joe Hayman, of Hayman and Frank-
lin, who has promised us a Toplitsky
sketch, is about to produce a musical
comedy sketch entitled, "Pursued by
Fortune," utilizing forty performers.
Alex Carr is working twobhalls a night
ttnis week, viz., the Canterbury and tine
Shoreditch Olympia. The latter estab-
lishment being in the heart of the Jew-
ish quarter of London, "Toplitsky," is a
big card for the Gibbons' people to play.
Harry First, who is making a big hit
at the Queen's Park Hippodrome this
week with "The Matrimonial Fee," is
booming himself all he can against his
Hebrew competitors. He figuresthat is
sketchn made the starting for his class
of work on this side and he evidently
intends that his position shall not be
assailed.
London is to haveanother music hall.
It will tbe accorded to Battersea, the
neighborhood to which the late "Pony
Moore" supplied "The Washington" that
has been none too successful.
That smart little American lady, Marie
George, will be principal boy in the
forthcoming Drury Lane pantomine. She
is playing Stoll time just now.
THE SHOW WORLD
NOvember 6, I909
CHICAGO NOTES
Prank Dale hasbeeen engassa
director with "Babes in Tylada"'tf
. Russ Smith, formerly manager
the Murry stock company and Otherat.
tractions, is in the city.
P. S. McLean is in Chicago
people for his stock com     naglhil se
Bend, Ind.           cmaytoi        flk
George Stevenson, who has been C
nected with the Amusement Guide 1
New York City,arrived inChicago MboyA6
wveek.                              el
Fred Herzog has become a memberof
the Elite stock company at Davenpr   l
Iowa.
Edgar Murphy, formerl y    theP.
ple's stock, in this city, baaenteof
vaudeville and is appearing in theact
"Copping the Coin."
Robert Sherwood has Joined "Just      .
Woman's Way" company.             1
Sheridan Davidson has signed to    i
pear with the Kinzie stock company      t
Ollie Eaton, the well knownPls?
and who is now appearingi theaye
emy stock company of Scranton,pa,11
has been engaged as leadingwonP
for the Wright-Huntington Pla     ,
favorite stock organization, located at
Terre Haute, Ind.
L. E. Dibble, the popular manager of
the Faribault    theater at Fartbault, IVIA
Minn., was in Chicago this week. Mr. DOEB
Dibble reports excellent business for
his playhouse.   In conjunctionstobig
theater management he will direct the
tour of the eloquent lecturer, Edward IFE
Balch Barr.                         Pathe c
Eleanor Otis left Chicago last week
to become a member of the Harvey
stock company.
Carolyn Carr, a popular young act- INES
ress, has joined the cast of the "Sil. LEN
ver Sword."
:  tu
Mrs. Harry Shannon and daughter
Hazel Shannon, are in Chicago and are
the guests of Eunice Fitch, the well
known playwright.
Boyle Woolfolk, manager of "The LabinI
Sunyside of Broadway," will arrivein  o awi
Chicago this week to arrange for th'  n
tour of "The Winning Miss," whichwill
be sent on the road In three week    r
The book of this musical comedy has arth
been rewritten and a large and seleO  ct
company will present this offering,  -1
D. G. Hartman is managing the tour
of the well known comedian, Harry
Beresford.
E.  . Carpenter arrivedIn Chicago TE
Tuesday from    St. Louis, where he h gpop
been looking over the erection of th
New   Princess theater in that city,
which he is part owner. Mr. Carpentse
is well satisfied with the way the bull  i
ing is progressing, and until the open,
ing of same, which will occur in JanWAT
ary, he will remain in Chicago an
direct the tour of the Sam and 14
Shubert western one-night-stand prodl
ucts.
Maud Leone, formerly leading woma 11
at ' tPeoples'theater on the West side IS
has gone to Salt Lake where she wil Vito
become a member of Willard Mack's 'e
company. Miss Leone is Mrs. Willaitd cult
Mack in private life.               nI
ie.
IADELI
Fair Has Graft.
MONTGOMERY, Ala., Nov. .--The
fourth fair given by the Alabama!ai
Association has closed its gatestprob
ably for the last time owing to the
financial conditions. A. G. ForbesTlE
placed at the head of this assocattit
the last moment, owing to the fat that
President R. J. Chambers was taken i
and carried to New York for eated
A great deal of graft was carried r
within the gates and caused much a
bte over the passes. Pricesofsate1  han
sion were charged double forthls
two days and would  have continuedsol
for the timely aid  of the localpress1
behalf of the public.
THE
The Show World Popular.      Osiim
MONTGOMERY, Ala., Nov. 2.-The
Show World has become the most popat DoN
lar amusement paper in the south.ThO
preceding week not a copyc ouldwe
obtained in this city after thewe
displayed onehour, as TheUitd Car'
ival company playing the State Fal,
were eager to get them. Otherppes
were plentiful, while the Show WV
could not be found at a single new
stand as they all reported "slutOO
the Show World."-LONG.             t SU
Top,
Booking Concern Organized,
QUINCY. Ill., Nov. 1-TheoWete
Bookcing company has been organic
here for tnepurpose of bo kingacsn 1A EA
southern Illinois and weof the lf
issippi  river.  The company dilli
managed by H. A. Gredell      d
Hungate. Theaters circusioesan
will bebooked byne nWcnern.    BR&V
"Senator" Murphy Sues.
"Senator" Francis Murphy' whoWa     I
closed this week te Iola theater  Ib!
Milwaukee avenue, says hewi wllbrig
suit against the mangeWent nI l
ages. senator Murphysae        be
vaudeville player, and hisacthab
going big.
REPRESENTATIVE ARTISTS
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second up to its watchword.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS THIS WEEK.
If the newsdealer does not handle THE SHOW WORLD ask him,
WHY?
LE