These photos are from a production titled “Rhythms Moderne” at the Roxy Theatre. They feature an interesting act from Vaudville trick-drummer, Jack Powell. As can be somewhat surmised from the chef-hatted silhouette, Powell was famous for his comedic and acrobatic Blackface routine designed around his “musical menu.” He would come on stage in a chefs outfit and, curiously, Blackface. From there Powell executed a series of inventive percussive moves set to imitate carving a roast or sharpening a knife. 

Powell was a hugely successful solo drummer, and a more detailed description of his act can be found in Paul William Schmidt’s History of the Ludwig Drum Company.

(credit: American Theatre Architecture Archive, Theatre Historical Society of America)