First-Nighters Hail Tim's Performance

Unusualness has always been one of the back roads to show business success. Do anything totally different in art, music or other fields and there is a chance you will attract an audience.
   Tiny Tim, who opened Tuesday night at the Troubadour, is today's classic example. Even some of his strongest fans don't know exactly what to make of him. Some speak of his gentleness, some admire his vocal range, some say he represents the essence of love and peace, some view him as a serious artist, some think of him as a put-on, some consider him only a clown.
   His trademarks include long shoulder-length hair (worn that way before it became a fad for men), ragamuffin clothes, child-like appreciation for audience applause, old-time songs, a falsetto voice and now, of course, Miss Vicki, his shy, sweet-faced bride.
   Arrive Early
   Though he wasn't scheduled to go on stage until 10 p.m., Tiny and Miss Vicki entered the back door of the Troubador, followed by a large group of photographers, about 8:45 p.m. and went straight to a small, upstairs dressing room.
   Inside, they sat on a couch while the flashbulbs popped gingerly. She was wearing a long, red Victorian dress, while he wore a plaid coat, print shirt and striped bell-bottom pants.
   "Get a little closer, Miss Vicki," one photographer shouted. "Give him a kiss," another suggested. Uncertain at first, she then leaned over and planted a gentle kiss on Tiny's cheek. He beamed. The flashbulbs popped again.
   Outside, it was an audience of wide contrasts waiting for the show. The difference in generations, life-styles and other traits can best be summarized by some of the celebrities present. They ranged from Milton Berle to child star Jack Wild, Gilbert Roland to Mama Cass.
   Tiny Kisses
   There was much cheering and applauding as Tiny strolled to the stage, nodding his head shyly, raising his hands to his lips to blow tiny kisses to the audience, carrying two ukuleles and other items in a drug store shopping bag.
   Opening with several of the old-time songs, he exaggerated wildly with his hands, pointing at the audience to emphasize lyrics, thumping at his heart, rolling his eyes, clenching his fist and curling his hand as if he were examining his nails.
   Each song received an introduction with credit to either the original singer or the author (sample: "Here's a number made famous in 1929 by Mr. Bing Crosby"). Though Miss Vicki, who sat in the audience, didn't get on stage during the first set, Tiny did interrupt "Good Ship Lollipop" to introduce her.
   His Rock Best
   Mid-way through the hour performance, he went into a rock 'n' roll medley that included "Bad Moon Rising," "Blue Suede Shoes" and "I'm Walkin'." On these songs, his voice was much deeper than the soprano for which he is best known.
   On Jerry Lee Lewis' "Great Balls of Fire," he was at his rock best. In true early rock style, he moved his hands up and down his jacket, moved his legs somewhat like Elvis Presley, ripped open his jacket, removed a scarf from his neck and threw it into the audience. The audience howled with delight.
   Later, he was joined with Nick Lucas, who introduced "Tip Toe Through the Tulips" originally, on a version of that song. As Tiny left the stage, he threw kisses at the audience with both hands. Flowers were thrown at him from several directions when he returned for an encore.
   During the performance, Tiny Tim did everything he knows to entertain an audience. In the process, he exhibited a sharp sense of timing and comedy. His musical effectiveness is chiefly a matter of individual attitude. It is part of a total impact that is highlighted by his own eccentric behavior.
   For whatever individual reasons, the audience that showered Tiny Tim with affection Tuesday night was entertained. And that's what Tiny, unbelievable and different as he may be, does best and does well. He'll be at the Troubadour with Camp Hilltop, a country-folk foursome, through Saturday.
   Singer Rick Nelson will be the special guest star at the Troubadour for one night only when he heads the show this Sunday night.

January 15, 1970
Source:BY ROBERT HILBURN Times Pop Music Critic L.A. Times
Reproduced according to "Fair Use"