DIY History | Transcribe | Keith-Albee Collection | Keith-Albee managers' report book, September 21, 1903 - March 14, 1904

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Keith-Albee managers' report book, September 21, 1903 - March 14, 1904

Page 46

46
George Primrose and the Foley Boys, 2 shows, 13 min. open in 4, with own drop, close in 1--Received the first advance applause of the afternoon, showing that they were looked for by the audience. All their specialties were encored. I agree with Providence that if it were not for the name, the act on its merits would be overpaid at $200, but as it stands it will make good for one week at the present salary. Scored the biggest hit of the afternoon, Primrose being compelled to make a little speech at the close.
Bedini and Arthur, 2 shows, 18 min. open full stage, close in 1--From a laughing standpoint the best comedy juggling act we play Bedini is very clever in the manipulation of small articles while his partner is certainly above the average comedian found in such turns. Scored a big hit.
A. D. Robbins, 2 shows, 12 min. full stage--Clever trick bicyclist, who attempts many difficult feats that he cannot perform every time and thus perceptibly weakens his performance. Following such a fast show he certainly had a difficult place, and I must say he did as well as any act we have had in that position for a long time  Got a big hand at the finish of his act.
Biograph, 3 shows, 10 min. in 1--Excellent lot of pictures, which were all well received.
Holden's Mannikins, 2 shows, 20 min. full stage--To all appearances went just as well as at any time during the elapsed fortnight.
Van Kamp, 3 shows, 12 min. in 1--Magician and illusionist, put int to replace Satsuma, the Japanese juggler, who was prevented by illness from appearing. It is a pleasing act, but there is nothing new or original to his work.
Van Lear and Duke, 3 shows, 16 min. open full stage, close in 1--I think this is a capital 3-a-day comedy sketch. The woman is a cross between Mrs. Chas. T. Ellis and Maggie Cline, the tone of her voice being at times like both. She does the talking while the man appears as a half witted person, making a capital foil for his partner. The woman is also a fair singer, her Irish ballads seeming to be appreciated by those left in the house to hear them. this sort of act I could give a better place in the bill, if it were not so overcrowded with other good material.
Comment:- Show one of the best in every department we have had for a long time. Needs a little rearranging to give it a better balance, after which it should draw the biggest business we have done for weeks. There is an act too much, but that is not chargable to anybody, as every turn in the show overran the time sent in.
The night show will run as follows: VanKamp, VanLear and Duke, Holden's Mannikins, Orchestra, Teresa Kay, Amoros-Werner Troupe  Three Mitchelss, Robbins, Alf Holt, Geo. Primrose, Bedini and Arthur Silvas Brothers, John Gilbert, Cressy & Dayne, and Biograph.


given here.
John D. Gilbert, 2 shows, 19 min. in 1--Eccentric comedian and vocalist, well known to legitimate audiences from his long connection with musical comedies and comic operas. Did not go so strong as I expected this afternoon, but I believe he will win out with the night audience. He had a very stiff contract in following Cressy who had drawn out so much laughter that they needed a rest. He is an exceptionally clever chap, as vaudeville entertainers go.

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46 George Primrose and the Foley Boys, 2 shows, 13 min. open in 4, with own drop, close in 1--Received the first advance applause of the afternoon, showing that they were looked for by the audience. All their specialties were encored. I agree with Providence that if it were not for the name, the act on its merits would be overpaid at $200, but as it stands it will make good for one week at the present salary. Scored the biggest hit of the afternoon, Primrose being compelled to make a little speech at the close. Bedini and Arthur, 2 shows, 18 min. open full stage, close in 1--From a laughing standpoint the best comedy juggling act we play Bedini is very clever in the manipulation of small articles while his partner is certainly above the average comedian found in such turns. Scored a big hit. A. D. Robbins, 2 shows, 12 min. full stage--Clever trick bicyclist, who attempts many difficult feats that he cannot perform every time and thus perceptibly weakens his performance. Following such a fast show he certainly had a difficult place, and I must say he did as well as any act we have had in that position for a long time Got a big hand at the finish of his act. Biograph, 3 shows, 10 min. in 1--Excellent lot of pictures, which were all well received. Holden's Mannikins, 2 shows, 20 min. full stage--To all appearances went just as well as at any time during the elapsed fortnight. Van Kamp, 3 shows, 12 min. in 1--Magician and illusionist, put int to replace Satsuma, the Japanese juggler, who was prevented by illness from appearing. It is a pleasing act, but there is nothing new or original to his work. Van Lear and Duke, 3 shows, 16 min. open full stage, close in 1--I think this is a capital 3-a-day comedy sketch. The woman is a cross between Mrs. Chas. T. Ellis and Maggie Cline, the tone of her voice being at times like both. She does the talking while the man appears as a half witted person, making a capital foil for his partner. The woman is also a fair singer, her Irish ballads seeming to be appreciated by those left in the house to hear them. this sort of act I could give a better place in the bill, if it were not so overcrowded with other good material. Comment:- Show one of the best in every department we have had for a long time. Needs a little rearranging to give it a better balance, after which it should draw the biggest business we have done for weeks. There is an act too much, but that is not chargable to anybody, as every turn in the show overran the time sent in. The night show will run as follows: VanKamp, VanLear and Duke, Holden's Mannikins, Orchestra, Teresa Kay, Amoros-Werner Troupe Three Mitchelss, Robbins, Alf Holt, Geo. Primrose, Bedini and Arthur Silvas Brothers, John Gilbert, Cressy & Dayne, and Biograph. given here. John D. Gilbert, 2 shows, 19 min. in 1--Eccentric comedian and vocalist, well known to legitimate audiences from his long connection with musical comedies and comic operas. Did not go so strong as I expected this afternoon, but I believe he will win out with the night audience. He had a very stiff contract in following Cressy who had drawn out so much laughter that they needed a rest. He is an exceptionally clever chap, as vaudeville entertainers go.