Waterbury Democrat., 1902-09-23
Theatrical
 Fraternal
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 It was a sort of a musical comedy that was presented at Polls last even ing and the one remarkable feature about it was that all the participants were colored people. That did not detract one iota from the success of the production, however, and although it cannot have been very long before the public it was presented in a pretty capable manner. It is a spectacular production in the first place and is filled with many strong and musical choruses and some catchy solos. It does not follow the old line comedies or musical extravaganzas and is not what might be expected from a com pany of coIored people Of course there were some rough spots and this may be accounted for from the fact that 1t is receiving it's introduction. Time will smooth all these noticeable discrepancies. The comedy is beau tifulIy, yes, elegantly staged, and as for costumes it would be difficult to improve on them. There is a star, of course, every production has it's star, and this one is the well known negro comedian, Ernest Hogan. His work was of the premier order and would compare favorably with, if not surpass, many comedy leaders. He is sur founded by several other good comedi- ans in the persons of Billy McClain, Ben Hum, Henry Jackson, Russell Brandow, Mime CordeIia McCIain, Hattie Wilkes Hogan, Clara Freeman, Ida Forcen, and Mrs Ben Hum. Each had occasions to exhibit ability and did it There was quartet that was also well balanced and sang sweetIy. The solos were all well rendered and the performance was a meritorious one. It should prove a successful yen ture before the season is over. It will be repeated tonight and a mati- nee will be given tomorrow afternoon.
 Manager Polls bigadouble features, the Seven Reed Birds and Melville and Stetson, met with instant favor yesterday at the Jacques, and large audiences laughed and applauded the various capital features of this show The Misses Melville and Stetson, who have not been seen here before, are exceptionally clever entertainers, and made good all the flattering things that had been said of them in advance They impress an audience on the start with their singing, jokes and talk, and when they sing and impersonate cer- tain well known types of character they strengthen this impression. Miss Melville, who is tall and atfenuated, has capital voice which she uses to inc advantage, while Miss Stetson, who is stout and short, has some com edy that is spectacular. They mate up splendidly and are certainly de- serving of the remarkable success they have had in vaudeville. Their companion feature, the Seven Reed Birds, are no strangers to the Jacques patrons, and these were prepared for Che brilliant success they achieved. In Look Out for Johnson,'' tic sort or condensed musical comedy which they present, they have a chance to show to advantage their capital DOW CTS of comedy, singing and dancing. The act is a lively one, dashfng, gin gery and attractive throughout, and, as expected, they proved a remarkable attraction. Another act which scored heavily was that of May Alpine and her pickaninnies. The lively coon. youngsters showed all the yivacitv of lhelr race, making the act go with q drive that comments it. Other acts are introduced by Smith and Corets Pauline Saxon, Sylvester and Keneto. Greman and Proctor, and Wilde and Jolly. Prices are 10, 20 and 30 cents: afternoons, 10 and 20 cents, ladies 10.