Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-05-26
AT THE THEA TIERS THIS WEEK
Weekly Calendar
NEW SPRING VAUDEVILLE
ACTS COMING TO LYI

ACTS COMING TO LYRIC
Feature acts known OF all sophisti-
Gated followers OF vaudeville appear In
cnticing array on the two bills Man
ager Charles w. Rex offers for the
amusement of the Lyrics clientele this
week, week; Names OF many artists OF estab-
llshcd reputation on tho Keith big
time" arc notably numerous in the list
for the opening half OF the week.
There Is the redoubtable Lew Welch.
stellar character comedian. who Is
bringing his company of farce players
and the uproariously funny one-act
farce In which he scored Il distinct
hit in New York early in the year.
Lew Welch was recognized as one Of
the most original and clever comedy
leads on the American stage before he
entered vaudeville. His capacity as a
laugh producer was never 50 great as
In The prodigal Father" the new
farce hit. Supporting him is the en-
tire company that appeared in the
Father" is presented With special
scenery and effects and every detail
OF tho equipment has been preserved
Intact as well as the Identity Of the
presenting cast.
Then there is the Breen Family, with
the smartest variety act that has been
offered In vaudeville in long time
There are four OF the Breens, each a
born and bred vaudevilleur. Nellie
Brccn. premiere danseuse. led the bal
let Tor several seasons in tho Paris
grand opera. where she was under the
direction OF the famous ballet master.
Albcrticre. best known In America as
the ballet master OF the Metropolitan
opera. New York. Tom Breen is an
adept 3uggler and real artist in his
line Every member OF the Breen
Family has followed direren.
specially, but all are proficient and
versatile entertainers.
Alton and Allen, on the same bill.
nave an Offering which they have
dubbed Steps and Tunes" The two
Hreliest type. They have a portfolio
OF original songs. and their dances
are new and UP TO the minute terpsicho-
rean frolics.
Local Interest in the new show will
be especially keen in the temperance
here OF Walter weems. the Virginia
boy, blackface comedian who has won
ms way rapidly TO the top OF the
ladder In his chosen profession in the
space OF few years. Weems Is a Nor
folk boy. He was popular as an
amateur entertainer even before he had
professional aspirations. lie knows the
negro character. and his impersona-
uons are always genuine. Weems
made an excellent impression on the
occasion OF his frst appearance here
last season. This season his act Is
said to suvpass his best earlier en-
dcavors.
Hacket and Frances, a comedy duo
with a novel comedy turn. round out
the bill They sing. dance and have a
nifty line OF pattcr
Musical comedy tabloid will hold a
prominent place on the bill for the
latter half. Manager Rex having
secured the new spectacular extrava-
ganza production. Hello. Japan." per-
haps the most claboratcly staged offer
Ing OF the kind yet seen of the big
time" In the cast OF Hello. Japan"
are nine capable musical comedy play
ers including half dozen pretty and
shnPeiy girls. The numbers in which
the beauty bevy" appear are espe-
cially attractive features OF the rollick-
ms girl-and-song show.
The Waltons, comedy 4ccen,rloues.
have lively laugh-making act. pal
pitant with breezy humor and sprigh,Iy
music. Ben Smith. the singing come
dian, who Is going IL alone. promises a
gale OF 'nirth. Chinko and Kaufman
are bringing unique vaudeville revue
The Big City Four. "a quartet Of sing
ing comedians. VIII supply coolies of
iun with ample accompaniment of
melody. They are four funny fellows
with good singing voices and a lot Of
fresh, bright comedy material. and they
come heralded as one OF the best Of
feiinEs OF the season.
Some stirring scenes from the battle
fcids are among the features OF the
me lion picture supplement for each
bill.