DIY History | Transcribe | Keith-Albee Collection | Keith-Albee managers' report book, September 4, 1905 - April 23, 1906

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Keith-Albee managers' report book, September 4, 1905 - April 23, 1906

Page 224a

Rose Coghlan, 2 shows, 28 min. full stage--In the dramatic sketch, "The Ace of Trumps". First time in five years for Miss Coghlan. She was given quite an advance reception and the sketch was followed with interest throughout, although I think we had her on a little too late this afternoon for the reason they seemed somewhat restless. Got three curtain calls at the finish.
Clifton Crawford, 2 shows, 19 min. in 1--One of the kind of monologuists we can't have too many of -- versatile, artistic and an earnest worker. Went big today.
Riccobono's Horses, 2 shows, 16 min. full stage--Exhibiting three horses doing a variety of "stunts", including a horse that goes to bed and one that does some high school steps. Started out a little slow, but went very well and closed strong. Should be a good act for the children especially and pleasing to grownups.
Houdini, 2 shows, 34 min. open in 1, close full stage--Perhaps nothing need be said by me of what this man has done. We had him do a new stunt today, that of being locked into a cask and then placed in a prison cell on the stage. He escaped both things, the barrel being locked, the prison being locked, and his assistant found in the barrel when opened. It is a new version of the trunk trick only. He has got more from the newspapers than has been accorded any man in theatrical business coming to Boston in recent years. They are naming dogs after him; in fact, he is the "fad".
Kinetograph, 3 shows, 20 min. in 1--Showing the following list of interesting motion pictures:
1. Houdini Defeats Hackenschmidt. Fair.
2. Two Little Waifs. Quite good.
3. Mr. Butt-in. Fair comedy
Turner & Gilbert, 3 shows, 14 min. full stage--Man and woman in comedy singing and dancing sketch. Makes a fair act for the 3-show section.
Sailor & Barbaretto, 3 shows, 12 min. in 1--Man and woman in a singing specialty. They are quite good vocalists and in this very poor spot on the bill, they were acceptable. I shall endeavor to give them a chance with the orchestra tomorrow and for the balance of the week.
Comment:- The show is not a good one -- too shy on comedy. With Houdini on the bill it is very desirable to have all the laughs we can with a reasonable balance. None of the acts in the 2-show section were bad, but we had Ethel McDonough, the drummer; Linden Beckwith, vocal novelty; Rose Coghlan, in a dramatic sketch, all without any comedy whatever, and then, Johnny Johns was no scream nor Caron & Farnum or the Nichols Sisters.
Overflowing business has been the rule the past week, and I see no reason why it should not continue.

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Rose Coghlan, 2 shows, 28 min. full stage--In the dramatic sketch, "The Ace of Trumps". First time in five years for Miss Coghlan. She was given quite an advance reception and the sketch was followed with interest throughout, although I think we had her on a little too late this afternoon for the reason they seemed somewhat restless. Got three curtain calls at the finish. Clifton Crawford, 2 shows, 19 min. in 1--One of the kind of monologuists we can't have too many of -- versatile, artistic and an earnest worker. Went big today. Riccobono's Horses, 2 shows, 16 min. full stage--Exhibiting three horses doing a variety of "stunts", including a horse that goes to bed and one that does some high school steps. Started out a little slow, but went very well and closed strong. Should be a good act for the children especially and pleasing to grownups. Houdini, 2 shows, 34 min. open in 1, close full stage--Perhaps nothing need be said by me of what this man has done. We had him do a new stunt today, that of being locked into a cask and then placed in a prison cell on the stage. He escaped both things, the barrel being locked, the prison being locked, and his assistant found in the barrel when opened. It is a new version of the trunk trick only. He has got more from the newspapers than has been accorded any man in theatrical business coming to Boston in recent years. They are naming dogs after him; in fact, he is the "fad". Kinetograph, 3 shows, 20 min. in 1--Showing the following list of interesting motion pictures: 1. Houdini Defeats Hackenschmidt. Fair. 2. Two Little Waifs. Quite good. 3. Mr. Butt-in. Fair comedy Turner & Gilbert, 3 shows, 14 min. full stage--Man and woman in comedy singing and dancing sketch. Makes a fair act for the 3-show section. Sailor & Barbaretto, 3 shows, 12 min. in 1--Man and woman in a singing specialty. They are quite good vocalists and in this very poor spot on the bill, they were acceptable. I shall endeavor to give them a chance with the orchestra tomorrow and for the balance of the week. Comment:- The show is not a good one -- too shy on comedy. With Houdini on the bill it is very desirable to have all the laughs we can with a reasonable balance. None of the acts in the 2-show section were bad, but we had Ethel McDonough, the drummer; Linden Beckwith, vocal novelty; Rose Coghlan, in a dramatic sketch, all without any comedy whatever, and then, Johnny Johns was no scream nor Caron & Farnum or the Nichols Sisters. Overflowing business has been the rule the past week, and I see no reason why it should not continue.