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 127

127
Report on show, Keith's theatre, Providence, R. I., week of December 28, 1903. (Charles Lovenberg)
An eminently satisfactory bill with only a couple of disappointing features, in the small sections.
Stereoptican. As usual.
Shannon & Brown. This act was thoroughly described by Mr. Nash when he said it was a "shine". I think the word aptly fits it. 12 minutes in one, 3 shows.
The Harts. Man and woman in a little dancing act. The woman is quite pretty and dresses neatly but the man seems amateurish, however it may be called a fairly good three a day act. 11 min. in 2, 3 shows; although they can work in one.
Rosa Lee Tyler. Colored soprano. Like most of these people when they attempt classical singing, she falls decidedly short. Seems beyond the Negro Race to do this. Her voice is metallic and screechy and her make-up decidedly bad as she powders up considerably in order to disguise the fact that she is a Negro, but I shall endeavor to have her discontinue. 9 min. in one, 3 shows.
Corbley & Burke. Very satisfactory Irish singing and dancing talking act. They got a great many laughs and thoroughly hold their own in a strong bill. 18 min. in one 3 shows.
Kitamura Japs. These people made quite a hit and deservedly so for they do a most attractive turn, the dressing of which is by no means the smallest feature. The act consists of the usual Japanese balancing and posturing feats but it strikes me as a little bit better done than usual. 20 min. open full stage, close in one, 3 shows.
Smith & Fuller. This act opens very tamely indeed and to my mind is being overpaid. In these days when the standard set for high grade musical acts include real musical artists, men like Smith cannot keep pace. The act is saved by the woman's Harp playing and singing which goes extremely well and their Bells with which they conclude their act. 22 min. open in three close in 1.
Minnie Radcliffe & Paul Wiegel. In a sketch called "The Prize Biscuit". Miss Radcliffe is the wife of Malcolm Williams who has been leading man of the Stock Company here for three seasons past, and there was naturally a great deal of curiosity to see her work as she had never played in this Theatre. The big house this afternoon and the advance sale demonstrates that no mistake was made in booking her. I should certainly advise Philadelphia to play her a week at the Bijou, if not at the other houses, and by working on Malcolm Williams reputation think she will draw more than her salary. The sketch is as good as the average little plays of that kind that we get. I prefer it to anything that Lillian Burkhart has ever given us, and considering it is its first presentation it went remarkably good. Mr Wiegel does a capital bit of work as the English Baron who attempts to make biscuits in the kitchen; and after being played a few times I believe the sketch shall be quite strong. I will report on it again later in the week. 24 min. in three, 2 shows.



obtain the best results, they should by all means have the orchestra, to bring out the musical effects, which, as I have said, is a very important feature of the act. 14 Min. Full Stage. 2 shows.

Charles Lovenberg, Manager.

Dic C.H.B.

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127 Report on show, Keith's theatre, Providence, R. I., week of December 28, 1903. (Charles Lovenberg) An eminently satisfactory bill with only a couple of disappointing features, in the small sections. Stereoptican. As usual. Shannon & Brown. This act was thoroughly described by Mr. Nash when he said it was a "shine". I think the word aptly fits it. 12 minutes in one, 3 shows. The Harts. Man and woman in a little dancing act. The woman is quite pretty and dresses neatly but the man seems amateurish, however it may be called a fairly good three a day act. 11 min. in 2, 3 shows; although they can work in one. Rosa Lee Tyler. Colored soprano. Like most of these people when they attempt classical singing, she falls decidedly short. Seems beyond the Negro Race to do this. Her voice is metallic and screechy and her make-up decidedly bad as she powders up considerably in order to disguise the fact that she is a Negro, but I shall endeavor to have her discontinue. 9 min. in one, 3 shows. Corbley & Burke. Very satisfactory Irish singing and dancing talking act. They got a great many laughs and thoroughly hold their own in a strong bill. 18 min. in one 3 shows. Kitamura Japs. These people made quite a hit and deservedly so for they do a most attractive turn, the dressing of which is by no means the smallest feature. The act consists of the usual Japanese balancing and posturing feats but it strikes me as a little bit better done than usual. 20 min. open full stage, close in one, 3 shows. Smith & Fuller. This act opens very tamely indeed and to my mind is being overpaid. In these days when the standard set for high grade musical acts include real musical artists, men like Smith cannot keep pace. The act is saved by the woman's Harp playing and singing which goes extremely well and their Bells with which they conclude their act. 22 min. open in three close in 1. Minnie Radcliffe & Paul Wiegel. In a sketch called "The Prize Biscuit". Miss Radcliffe is the wife of Malcolm Williams who has been leading man of the Stock Company here for three seasons past, and there was naturally a great deal of curiosity to see her work as she had never played in this Theatre. The big house this afternoon and the advance sale demonstrates that no mistake was made in booking her. I should certainly advise Philadelphia to play her a week at the Bijou, if not at the other houses, and by working on Malcolm Williams reputation think she will draw more than her salary. The sketch is as good as the average little plays of that kind that we get. I prefer it to anything that Lillian Burkhart has ever given us, and considering it is its first presentation it went remarkably good. Mr Wiegel does a capital bit of work as the English Baron who attempts to make biscuits in the kitchen; and after being played a few times I believe the sketch shall be quite strong. I will report on it again later in the week. 24 min. in three, 2 shows. obtain the best results, they should by all means have the orchestra, to bring out the musical effects, which, as I have said, is a very important feature of the act. 14 Min. Full Stage. 2 shows. Charles Lovenberg, Manager. Dic C.H.B.