DIY History | Transcribe | Keith-Albee Collection | Keith-Albee managers' report book, December 28, 1908 - October 18, 1909

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Keith-Albee managers' report book, December 28, 1908 - October 18, 1909

Page 116

Boston Show, Week of April 12, 1909. Carl D. Lothrop.
(Monday, April 12th--Afternoon Show)
Overture. 1.47, 11 minutes.
Binns, Binns & Binns. On at 1.38, 15 minutes full stage. Can close 4 minutes in one if necessary. This well known act did as well as almost any act could in this hard position, but with the advent of two shows a day, it seemed important to us to start things going at a fast pace and this act looked to be the one to do it. Of course, in a way it sacrifices it, and there is no question but what it would go much better further down the bill.
[Ila?] Grannon. On at 2.13, 9 minutes in one. A pretty girl who sings popular songs exceedingly well. Could hold a much better spot.
Alcide Capitaine. On at 2.22, 11 minutes full stage. One of the most finished gymnastic performances now or ever in vaudeville. She does some wonderful work on the trapeze and still retains her perfect figure.
World & Kingston. On at 2.33, open 4 minutes in one; 14 minutes in two, close 6 minutes in one, 24 minutes in all. Scored as they always do with their bunch of junk. It is a mystery to me why Miss Kingston has never got further to the front, for she certainly had the ability to become a musical comedy star, if she had been captured at the right time. As things are, however, I have never seen the act fall down.
William H. Thompson & Co. On at 2.57, 33 minutes full stage, special set. Playing "Waterloo," in which to my mind Mr. Thompson does the greatest piece of character acting vaudeville has ever seen. It is simply a masterpiece. Of course, the question of the suitability of the sketch for vaudeville is open to debate and it seems to me that if it could have been condensed to not over 24 minutes it would have given more general satisfaction to our patrons. Still it is an ornament to any bill and will create a lot of talk. Thompson is very popular with the very best people and will undoubtedly prove a drawing card.
A Three Minute Wait, which was expected.
Marie Dainton. On at 3.33, 14 minutes in two. One of the cleverest mimics we have ever played, reminding the writer strongly of Cissie Loftus in her prime. She makes a most engaging appearance. It was her fate this afternoon to go up against an audience that had to be shown at every stage of the game, and while I knew that she was appreciated she felt that she was failing to make good, and in consequence cut out her final number through nervousness. She was unfortunate in having a couple of imitations that are unfamiliar here but I feel confident that with the changes she will make to-night she will prove a great success. I succeeded in inducing her to try her entire turn in one for this evening.

acts we play.
The Four Harveys. On at 4.29, 10 minutes full stage. A truly great wire act. The two girls have striking figures and are most tastefully costumed. A showmanlike exhibition that would make good on any bill.
Kinetograph. On at 4.39. "Schools Children of Paris at a Summer Holiday Home."--Very interesting. "Toomie's Own Invention" A pleasing comedy picture.
Comment. From to-night on this bill should prove to be a corking good show, thoroughly satisfactory as the inaugural programme of the two a day policy.

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Boston Show, Week of April 12, 1909. Carl D. Lothrop. (Monday, April 12th--Afternoon Show) Overture. 1.47, 11 minutes. Binns, Binns & Binns. On at 1.38, 15 minutes full stage. Can close 4 minutes in one if necessary. This well known act did as well as almost any act could in this hard position, but with the advent of two shows a day, it seemed important to us to start things going at a fast pace and this act looked to be the one to do it. Of course, in a way it sacrifices it, and there is no question but what it would go much better further down the bill. [Ila?] Grannon. On at 2.13, 9 minutes in one. A pretty girl who sings popular songs exceedingly well. Could hold a much better spot. Alcide Capitaine. On at 2.22, 11 minutes full stage. One of the most finished gymnastic performances now or ever in vaudeville. She does some wonderful work on the trapeze and still retains her perfect figure. World & Kingston. On at 2.33, open 4 minutes in one; 14 minutes in two, close 6 minutes in one, 24 minutes in all. Scored as they always do with their bunch of junk. It is a mystery to me why Miss Kingston has never got further to the front, for she certainly had the ability to become a musical comedy star, if she had been captured at the right time. As things are, however, I have never seen the act fall down. William H. Thompson & Co. On at 2.57, 33 minutes full stage, special set. Playing "Waterloo," in which to my mind Mr. Thompson does the greatest piece of character acting vaudeville has ever seen. It is simply a masterpiece. Of course, the question of the suitability of the sketch for vaudeville is open to debate and it seems to me that if it could have been condensed to not over 24 minutes it would have given more general satisfaction to our patrons. Still it is an ornament to any bill and will create a lot of talk. Thompson is very popular with the very best people and will undoubtedly prove a drawing card. A Three Minute Wait, which was expected. Marie Dainton. On at 3.33, 14 minutes in two. One of the cleverest mimics we have ever played, reminding the writer strongly of Cissie Loftus in her prime. She makes a most engaging appearance. It was her fate this afternoon to go up against an audience that had to be shown at every stage of the game, and while I knew that she was appreciated she felt that she was failing to make good, and in consequence cut out her final number through nervousness. She was unfortunate in having a couple of imitations that are unfamiliar here but I feel confident that with the changes she will make to-night she will prove a great success. I succeeded in inducing her to try her entire turn in one for this evening. acts we play. The Four Harveys. On at 4.29, 10 minutes full stage. A truly great wire act. The two girls have striking figures and are most tastefully costumed. A showmanlike exhibition that would make good on any bill. Kinetograph. On at 4.39. "Schools Children of Paris at a Summer Holiday Home."--Very interesting. "Toomie's Own Invention" A pleasing comedy picture. Comment. From to-night on this bill should prove to be a corking good show, thoroughly satisfactory as the inaugural programme of the two a day policy.