The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-04-20
Miustrele.

MInstreIs.
Perhaps people will think that I am a
hard boiled cuss If l say that 1 did not
care SO very much for the annual frolic
of the AL G. Fields gang. But never-the-
less l will have to go on record by say
Ing the above in loud and eager tones.
OF course / will take into consideration,
the season is nearing the end, only three
more weeks, the scenery is nearly falling
to pieces and the boys are little eager
to get away to the country and fishing
and everything, but that does not excuse
the lack of merit. comedy or general good
to-it. The comedy is old and the ideas are
OF far back number. But there are
individual hits scattered all the way thru
which help in the general order of things.
The most commendable part of the per
Torrance is the opening first part. This
went over with the customary smash and
bang but from then on the show lacked the
necessary ''go to it" that has always been
a hobby. with the old minstrel man. Any
John Cartmell is one of the best interloc-
utors have ever seen. His diction is per-
feet and he always works with such an
ease and grace: He has an intelligent
ates from his routine. Billie Beard is the
same wonderful Snowman of old and has
the best little bunch of gags. Billie is one
of the great black-face performers. Billie
Church, with his clear tonal tenor voice
hit the gang right where they wanted it
and as usual Church went over with
bang Lasses White giggled 'em on every
side with his foolish chatter. Lasses shows
his showmanship in the first part with
his wonderful gagging with Cartmell
Johnnie Healey and Jimmie Cooper pleased
as per schedule. And Jack Richards
peculiar voice thrilled. Richards has
voice that is absolutely beautiful. And he
can do more with 1t than any man l ever
saw. Harry Frillman disappointed me-
Here is man with great bass voice but
was given no opportunity to use 1t, he
only sang in the ensemble numbers but he
made his voice tell in there. All the men
were good but as 1 said before the whole
show lacks the pep and ginger that should
be forth coming in a minstrel show of
today. But maybe next year 1t will be
better. Two completely filled houses, yes
terday afternoon and evening, greeted the
players.
Novelty.
] have seen many a dog act In my life,
and some along the same lines. but have
'Yank,' that Art Browning is presenting
this season. This dog is a marvel and to
see him is to appreciate him better than
! could tell you. He is the most mysti-
and have look. am sure you will feel
the same way about it. Jean Gibson on
second, Just got by with a few semi-sug-
gestive songs, but cleaned-up with a ballad
for an encore | should think this would
show Miss Gibson that clean songs are
better than the ones with a tinge of blue.
LaFolette is a whirl-wind magic-change-
EN- in a hurry nd makeyou hke-lt sort of
fellow that went over for the big bang
last night. A nice, out of the ordinary Of
fering. Stein and jackson got going SO
nicely last night and had the audience
with them that they stayed out there for
Mack that they only do fourteen. But you
can't blame them. the house was for them
and asked them to stay. A ''nutty" little
idea put over by two "nutty" boys. Bel
and Eva on the finish did splendidIy with
a bouncing act. And 1 guess that viii be
about ALL n. S A