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Keith-Albee managers' report book, February 4-September 9, 1907

Page 188

PHILADELPHIA SHOW.    JULY 22. 1907.    C.E. BARns.
THOMAS & PAYNE. 14 min in 1. A very good dancing act. Both the young man and the woman are expert in various kinds of eccentric dancing. Singing is not up to the general standard, nor is the humor, but altogether the act is acceptable in an early place in the 3-a-day section. Closed well, with the roller-skating finish.
INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL TRIO. Two men and woman. 14 min. in 1. Woman and one man work in military costume, the other man in Dutch comedy makeup. Musical work consists of solos and trios on trombones, cornets and bugles. Comedy is shy and jokes antiques for this house. Finishing selection with bugles, khaki costumes, went well and got a big hand. A very good three-a-day act indeed.
LAURENCE CRANE. Irish Magician and Illusionist. 25 min. F.S. Does not open or close in 1. A very clever man with a fine line of novelties in the magic line, and some stunners in illusion. Could hold any but the star spot in the 2-a-day section. Uses a velvet drop in two during part of his act to arrange set for the illusions which are immense. Line of talk sprightly and amusing, with a little Irish brogue which heightens interest. Act shows long training, the paraphernalia being brilliant and showmanlike. Act includes 'Miser's Dream,' 'crystal Trunk Mystery,' and 'Cremation,' all excellent and appealing strongly to all parts of the house. A safe feature.
McKENZIE, SHANNON & CO. 'A Shine Flirtation.' 21 min in 2. Might as well be full stage, as the drop, bootblack stands, with draperies, potted plants etc., require plenty of room. Three people in the cast--two principals, man and woman, and bootblack. Some bright talk and some good songs, including a clever medley of popular songs, well sung. The sketch as a sketch is incoherent and illogical, but both McKenzie and Shannon have fine voices and do things with a professional finish. A good close and two curtain calls. If the sketch was up to the standard of their musical work, it would be a hit.
ROSE COGHLAN & CO., In 'The Higher Law.' 28 min F.S. A melodrama for fair. Deals with the sorrows and vicisiitudes of a Washington diplomat's wife who is wife in name only, having previously married a man who turns 'International Spy,' and never having been legally separated from him. Latter tries to persuade her to steal some state documents, on penalty of exposure if she refuses. She Carries a ring of the Borgias, ready to kill herself the moment her husband is informed of the truth and her daughter illegitimized in the eyes of the world, but in the struggle to obtain the letters which incriminate her, the villain is accidentally scratched with the poison ring and dies--the judgment of God! Frankly Ritchie is not convincing in the villain's role. Interest held throughout and strong finish with 2 curtain calls.
ROONEY SISTERS. Dancing Duo. 8 min in 1. Well known, and just as pretty and winsome as ever. One of the daintiest sister-acts in the business.
RAFFIN'S MONKEYS. 12 min. F.S. Improved since last here. Monkeys do no end of funny stunts such as rope-walking, jumping in and out of barrels, somersaults on the mat and best of all the flying trapeze. Children in the audience amused by antics of monkeys loose over stage having a good time. Disrobing act on trapeze a scream. Strong closing hand.
BESSIE WYNN. Dainty Comedienne. 18 min. in 1. Aside from certain mannerisms and affectations, Miss Wynn is a winner. Good advance applause and she worked up to a fine climax, three selections, two encores, 4 curtain calls. All right for this house.


KINETOGRAPH. Moving Pictures of Elks' Parade. An excellent film, interesting anywhere.
PEISER & McDONALD. Comedy Acrobats 11 min. F.S. A very ordinary comedy acrobatic act, including funny work plucked from every hit in the business. Might make a fair opener, but we needed them in supper section and as such fill the bill acceptably.
KENNEDY & WILKINS. 'Boys in White.' Expert Dancers. Make good appearance in white costumes. Sing acceptably and dance exceedingly well. Could hold any spot in the 3-a-day, where such an act in 1 is required.
MILDRED FLORA. Comedy Wire Act. 14 min in 2. Comedy with stage helper is shy, the wire work only passable. Disrobes on slack wire and performs fairly well. Just about holds the spot.
GENERAL REMARKS. After the Elk week bill this is a little falling-off, but nevertheless patrons like it and it will prove a midsummer winner in the lull after one of the greatest weeks Philadelphia has ever known.

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PHILADELPHIA SHOW. JULY 22. 1907. C.E. BARns. THOMAS & PAYNE. 14 min in 1. A very good dancing act. Both the young man and the woman are expert in various kinds of eccentric dancing. Singing is not up to the general standard, nor is the humor, but altogether the act is acceptable in an early place in the 3-a-day section. Closed well, with the roller-skating finish. INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL TRIO. Two men and woman. 14 min. in 1. Woman and one man work in military costume, the other man in Dutch comedy makeup. Musical work consists of solos and trios on trombones, cornets and bugles. Comedy is shy and jokes antiques for this house. Finishing selection with bugles, khaki costumes, went well and got a big hand. A very good three-a-day act indeed. LAURENCE CRANE. Irish Magician and Illusionist. 25 min. F.S. Does not open or close in 1. A very clever man with a fine line of novelties in the magic line, and some stunners in illusion. Could hold any but the star spot in the 2-a-day section. Uses a velvet drop in two during part of his act to arrange set for the illusions which are immense. Line of talk sprightly and amusing, with a little Irish brogue which heightens interest. Act shows long training, the paraphernalia being brilliant and showmanlike. Act includes 'Miser's Dream,' 'crystal Trunk Mystery,' and 'Cremation,' all excellent and appealing strongly to all parts of the house. A safe feature. McKENZIE, SHANNON & CO. 'A Shine Flirtation.' 21 min in 2. Might as well be full stage, as the drop, bootblack stands, with draperies, potted plants etc., require plenty of room. Three people in the cast--two principals, man and woman, and bootblack. Some bright talk and some good songs, including a clever medley of popular songs, well sung. The sketch as a sketch is incoherent and illogical, but both McKenzie and Shannon have fine voices and do things with a professional finish. A good close and two curtain calls. If the sketch was up to the standard of their musical work, it would be a hit. ROSE COGHLAN & CO., In 'The Higher Law.' 28 min F.S. A melodrama for fair. Deals with the sorrows and vicisiitudes of a Washington diplomat's wife who is wife in name only, having previously married a man who turns 'International Spy,' and never having been legally separated from him. Latter tries to persuade her to steal some state documents, on penalty of exposure if she refuses. She Carries a ring of the Borgias, ready to kill herself the moment her husband is informed of the truth and her daughter illegitimized in the eyes of the world, but in the struggle to obtain the letters which incriminate her, the villain is accidentally scratched with the poison ring and dies--the judgment of God! Frankly Ritchie is not convincing in the villain's role. Interest held throughout and strong finish with 2 curtain calls. ROONEY SISTERS. Dancing Duo. 8 min in 1. Well known, and just as pretty and winsome as ever. One of the daintiest sister-acts in the business. RAFFIN'S MONKEYS. 12 min. F.S. Improved since last here. Monkeys do no end of funny stunts such as rope-walking, jumping in and out of barrels, somersaults on the mat and best of all the flying trapeze. Children in the audience amused by antics of monkeys loose over stage having a good time. Disrobing act on trapeze a scream. Strong closing hand. BESSIE WYNN. Dainty Comedienne. 18 min. in 1. Aside from certain mannerisms and affectations, Miss Wynn is a winner. Good advance applause and she worked up to a fine climax, three selections, two encores, 4 curtain calls. All right for this house. KINETOGRAPH. Moving Pictures of Elks' Parade. An excellent film, interesting anywhere. PEISER & McDONALD. Comedy Acrobats 11 min. F.S. A very ordinary comedy acrobatic act, including funny work plucked from every hit in the business. Might make a fair opener, but we needed them in supper section and as such fill the bill acceptably. KENNEDY & WILKINS. 'Boys in White.' Expert Dancers. Make good appearance in white costumes. Sing acceptably and dance exceedingly well. Could hold any spot in the 3-a-day, where such an act in 1 is required. MILDRED FLORA. Comedy Wire Act. 14 min in 2. Comedy with stage helper is shy, the wire work only passable. Disrobes on slack wire and performs fairly well. Just about holds the spot. GENERAL REMARKS. After the Elk week bill this is a little falling-off, but nevertheless patrons like it and it will prove a midsummer winner in the lull after one of the greatest weeks Philadelphia has ever known.