DIY History | Transcribe | Keith-Albee Collection | Keith-Albee managers' report book, December 11, 1911-September 9, 1912

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Keith-Albee managers' report book, December 11, 1911-September 9, 1912

Page 121

CRITICISM.
FIFTH AVENUE THEATRE, NEW YORK CITY.     WEEK OF MARCH 4th, 1912.
HICKEY'S COMEDY CIRCUS: Consisting of ponies, mules, and revolving table. The Unridable mules are the features, getting the laughs. Pity we have to sacrifice this man. 10 Minutes, full stage.
KAUFFMAN BROTHERS: In black face, good material, very pleasing. All right for an early place. 11 minutes in one.
M. GOLDEN TROUPE OF RUSSIAN TROUBADOURS: Six men and four women. Strictly a Russian singing, dancing and balalika playing act. The audience did not enthuse over the singing, which is however, nicely presented, with special scenery, effects, & etc. The Balalika playing (Russian native mandolin-like instrument) is novel and interesting. The Russian eccentric dances, which is their third effort, caught the crowd and sent them off with big applause. 17 minutes, full stage.
LEO CARILLO: Opens with a little monologue. Gives his usual Chinese impersonations and finishes with a little Italian recitation which sends him off with flying colors. 18 minutes in one.
"THE STILL VOICE": The story is of a banker who has ruined his old partner. His daughter and partner's son are engaged to be married and the banker is determined to prevent the wedding. The scene is the library of the banker's house, there being a picture of the Saviour on the wall. The Voice of Conscience speaks from this picture unheard by any of the characters save the banker. It speaks impressively from time to time, finally so effecting the banker that he has an attack of illness and dies. The reproaches of his daughter and the threats of his partner's son have in the meantime stirred and thrilled by turn. Mr. Drew gave a remarkable piece of character acting, quite a contrast to the light comedy roles he has been associated with. Mrs. Drew, the banker's sister, Doris Rankin, his daughter, Lionel Barrymore, the doctor, N. Leonard Howe, the secretary, Hugh, wynne, the servant and S. Rankin Drew the son. Mr. Drew's company consists of seven players with three assistants and special setting with electrical effects. The story is very interesting, entirely dramatic and grips from the opening. 27 minutes full stage.
HARRIET BURT: Of pleasing personality, makes four changes of costume, sings four songs, all new and exclusive, with a few steps of dancing and finishes with a cleverly rendered bit of scotch. 13 minutes in one.
J. C. NUGENT & CO.: in "The Squarer". Well known, good comedy, full of bright lines and received the laughs. Four minutes in one, full stage twenty-eight, total 32 minutes.
JOSEPH E. HOWARD & MABEL MC CANE: Well known. Negotiated this place in good shape. 14 minutes, open in one, full stage and close in one.
"EVERYBODY": Adopts the idea of "Everywoman" but changes to make it apply to the life experience of a man instead of a woman. There are fourteen characters, all well acted, with four scenes, the audience seem to like it and there you are. Thirty minutes full stage.

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CRITICISM. FIFTH AVENUE THEATRE, NEW YORK CITY. WEEK OF MARCH 4th, 1912. HICKEY'S COMEDY CIRCUS: Consisting of ponies, mules, and revolving table. The Unridable mules are the features, getting the laughs. Pity we have to sacrifice this man. 10 Minutes, full stage. KAUFFMAN BROTHERS: In black face, good material, very pleasing. All right for an early place. 11 minutes in one. M. GOLDEN TROUPE OF RUSSIAN TROUBADOURS: Six men and four women. Strictly a Russian singing, dancing and balalika playing act. The audience did not enthuse over the singing, which is however, nicely presented, with special scenery, effects, & etc. The Balalika playing (Russian native mandolin-like instrument) is novel and interesting. The Russian eccentric dances, which is their third effort, caught the crowd and sent them off with big applause. 17 minutes, full stage. LEO CARILLO: Opens with a little monologue. Gives his usual Chinese impersonations and finishes with a little Italian recitation which sends him off with flying colors. 18 minutes in one. "THE STILL VOICE": The story is of a banker who has ruined his old partner. His daughter and partner's son are engaged to be married and the banker is determined to prevent the wedding. The scene is the library of the banker's house, there being a picture of the Saviour on the wall. The Voice of Conscience speaks from this picture unheard by any of the characters save the banker. It speaks impressively from time to time, finally so effecting the banker that he has an attack of illness and dies. The reproaches of his daughter and the threats of his partner's son have in the meantime stirred and thrilled by turn. Mr. Drew gave a remarkable piece of character acting, quite a contrast to the light comedy roles he has been associated with. Mrs. Drew, the banker's sister, Doris Rankin, his daughter, Lionel Barrymore, the doctor, N. Leonard Howe, the secretary, Hugh, wynne, the servant and S. Rankin Drew the son. Mr. Drew's company consists of seven players with three assistants and special setting with electrical effects. The story is very interesting, entirely dramatic and grips from the opening. 27 minutes full stage. HARRIET BURT: Of pleasing personality, makes four changes of costume, sings four songs, all new and exclusive, with a few steps of dancing and finishes with a cleverly rendered bit of scotch. 13 minutes in one. J. C. NUGENT & CO.: in "The Squarer". Well known, good comedy, full of bright lines and received the laughs. Four minutes in one, full stage twenty-eight, total 32 minutes. JOSEPH E. HOWARD & MABEL MC CANE: Well known. Negotiated this place in good shape. 14 minutes, open in one, full stage and close in one. "EVERYBODY": Adopts the idea of "Everywoman" but changes to make it apply to the life experience of a man instead of a woman. There are fourteen characters, all well acted, with four scenes, the audience seem to like it and there you are. Thirty minutes full stage.