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 196

REPORT ON COLUMBUS SHOW WEEK AUGUST 30, 1909.
W. W. PROSSER.
MELROSE & KENNEDY: Two men in a comedy acrobatic act of the conventional order. They do practically the same line of stuff as all acts of this class turn out. To their credit they got away with it very nicely and the act was satisfactory for the opening. 15 minutes, rocky pass, in 4.
5 Minutes' Wait to Set
ECKERT & BERG: Man and woman in a musical fantasy, "The Land of Two Moons". Act opens with solos and duets given in an elaborate setting that makes a good picture. Their singing proved acceptable and in the close-in in one the piano playing by Mr. Eckert was a distinct success, he taking several encores to but a moderate sized Monday matinee. Would term the act satisfactory but nothing great. Special set, 21 minutes, in 4, finish in 1.
CHAS. LAWLOR & DAUGHTERS: In a character singing act which made a substantial success all the way through. There are several changes of costume and various songs introduced, all of which went exceptionally well. An exceedingly satisfactory and pleasing act. 18 minutes, special set in 3, with finish in 1.
O'BRIEN HAVEL & CO.: In a comedy sketch. "The Office Boy and the Typewriter". Just about the same thing as many other of this type of offering. The act seems a little drawn out but they scored quite a number of laughs and the finish was quite strong. Would call this a fair act but by no means a riot.
5 Minutes Wait for
BERT FRENCH & ALICE [BIS?]: In the "Vampire Dance". This pair opens in 1 1/2 with the Apache Dance, which made a distinct hit. They go from that to the "Vampire Dance" in a special set in 3, and while they gained the closest attention throughout this part of their performance there was little or no demonstration at the finish. I was surprised at this the Apache going so well. Notwithstanding newspaper stuff in advance describing the act and the purpose of the delineation, it struck me that the meaning of the same was a very vague proposition to the majority of the audience. Nothing objectionable so far as I could see, was shown, and the work was really very artistic and exceedingly well executed. This may be one of the offerings which does not cause much of a fuss in the house but which will create talk on the outside, at least I hope so. 14 minutes.
RAY L. ROYCE: A thoroughly artistic and legitimate impersonator who was welcomed when he made his appearance, and who held the undivided attention throughout his act. Finish strong. Would be a pretty hard matter to find any fault with Royce as he is a performer of undeniable ability. 16 minutes, oleo in 1.
THE FOUR LONDONS: These boys went as big as any act of a similar nature that we have ever had. Theri work is all clean-cut, excellently accomplished, and they waste no time "stalling" or making ready for the next stunt. They must be credited with being a solid and positive success. They have an excellent stage presence and seem to make friends with every one in the house. 7 minutes, garden in 5.
MOVING PICTURES:  O. K.
NOTE: This is exceedingly large show to handle and there is a question whether I can kill the two waits which exist at this time.

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REPORT ON COLUMBUS SHOW WEEK AUGUST 30, 1909. W. W. PROSSER. MELROSE & KENNEDY: Two men in a comedy acrobatic act of the conventional order. They do practically the same line of stuff as all acts of this class turn out. To their credit they got away with it very nicely and the act was satisfactory for the opening. 15 minutes, rocky pass, in 4. 5 Minutes' Wait to Set ECKERT & BERG: Man and woman in a musical fantasy, "The Land of Two Moons". Act opens with solos and duets given in an elaborate setting that makes a good picture. Their singing proved acceptable and in the close-in in one the piano playing by Mr. Eckert was a distinct success, he taking several encores to but a moderate sized Monday matinee. Would term the act satisfactory but nothing great. Special set, 21 minutes, in 4, finish in 1. CHAS. LAWLOR & DAUGHTERS: In a character singing act which made a substantial success all the way through. There are several changes of costume and various songs introduced, all of which went exceptionally well. An exceedingly satisfactory and pleasing act. 18 minutes, special set in 3, with finish in 1. O'BRIEN HAVEL & CO.: In a comedy sketch. "The Office Boy and the Typewriter". Just about the same thing as many other of this type of offering. The act seems a little drawn out but they scored quite a number of laughs and the finish was quite strong. Would call this a fair act but by no means a riot. 5 Minutes Wait for BERT FRENCH & ALICE [BIS?]: In the "Vampire Dance". This pair opens in 1 1/2 with the Apache Dance, which made a distinct hit. They go from that to the "Vampire Dance" in a special set in 3, and while they gained the closest attention throughout this part of their performance there was little or no demonstration at the finish. I was surprised at this the Apache going so well. Notwithstanding newspaper stuff in advance describing the act and the purpose of the delineation, it struck me that the meaning of the same was a very vague proposition to the majority of the audience. Nothing objectionable so far as I could see, was shown, and the work was really very artistic and exceedingly well executed. This may be one of the offerings which does not cause much of a fuss in the house but which will create talk on the outside, at least I hope so. 14 minutes. RAY L. ROYCE: A thoroughly artistic and legitimate impersonator who was welcomed when he made his appearance, and who held the undivided attention throughout his act. Finish strong. Would be a pretty hard matter to find any fault with Royce as he is a performer of undeniable ability. 16 minutes, oleo in 1. THE FOUR LONDONS: These boys went as big as any act of a similar nature that we have ever had. Theri work is all clean-cut, excellently accomplished, and they waste no time "stalling" or making ready for the next stunt. They must be credited with being a solid and positive success. They have an excellent stage presence and seem to make friends with every one in the house. 7 minutes, garden in 5. MOVING PICTURES: O. K. NOTE: This is exceedingly large show to handle and there is a question whether I can kill the two waits which exist at this time.