DIY History | Transcribe | Keith-Albee Collection | Keith-Albee managers' report book, April 30, 1906 - February 4, 1907, part 1

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Keith-Albee managers' report book, April 30, 1906 - February 4, 1907, part 1

Page 161a

Edwards Davis & Co. On at 3.02, 22 min, full stage. Presenting Mr. Davis' tragedy "The Unmasking". A striking novelty for vaudeville and one that is going to make some talk here this week. Of course, the sketch is a little incoherent on account of the fact that it is really a three-act play boiled down to 22 minutes, but the action is so rapid and interesting that I think the audience forgets about this. Mr. Davis is a really capital actor, has surrounded himself with a competent company and the first scene is beautifully mounted.
Winsor McCay. On at 3.24, 20 min, in 1. Although this man's cartoons are not particularly well known in Boston, he has undoubtedly made good through his remarkable cleverness as a crayonist. His "Seven Ages" is the best thing I have ever seen done on a blackboard and holds the closest attention of the observers throughout the time he occupies in drawing, about ten or twelve minutes. If even McCay gains more confidence in himself and gets a little better idea of show business, he will be able to present an act that will be a hit anywhere.
Four Harveys. On at 3.44, 12 min, full stage. I doubt if as good a wire act has ever been seen in America before. It is certainly a most remarkable performance. One of the girls does some tricks that are simply phenomenally. A hit among hits.
J. J. Morton. On at 3.56, 15 min, in 1. Same old hit in this house. He is starting his act this week with a burlesque description of Davis' act that puts the audience in a riot of laughter. He could stay on 30 minutes, if he had the material, but think he is wise to "leave them laughing" when he says "Good-by", instead of staying until they tire of him.
Six Cuttys. On at 4.11, 19 min, full stage. I do not require their close in 1 this week. Unquestionably the best musical act in vaudeville. They hold this place in the bill remarkably well.
Kinetograph. On at 4.30, 20 min. "Dr. Dippy's Sanatarium", a fairly good comic film with the inevitable, but seemingly always entertaining "chase". "Scenes on a Sugar Plantation in the Hawaiian Islands", interesting and instructive film. "Bobby and His Family", a short comic film, colored, very good for a closing picture.
Cuts. Emerson & Baldwin; spitting after using oil-can. Rialto Four; removal of wax from ear. Ford & Gehrue; cut out several of the verses in the second song, so as to get to business without tiring out the audience.
Comment. A crack-a-jack show from 1.24 to 4.50, the only let-down being the first part of the Ford & Gehrue act. I think that this bill is bound do the business.

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Edwards Davis & Co. On at 3.02, 22 min, full stage. Presenting Mr. Davis' tragedy "The Unmasking". A striking novelty for vaudeville and one that is going to make some talk here this week. Of course, the sketch is a little incoherent on account of the fact that it is really a three-act play boiled down to 22 minutes, but the action is so rapid and interesting that I think the audience forgets about this. Mr. Davis is a really capital actor, has surrounded himself with a competent company and the first scene is beautifully mounted. Winsor McCay. On at 3.24, 20 min, in 1. Although this man's cartoons are not particularly well known in Boston, he has undoubtedly made good through his remarkable cleverness as a crayonist. His "Seven Ages" is the best thing I have ever seen done on a blackboard and holds the closest attention of the observers throughout the time he occupies in drawing, about ten or twelve minutes. If even McCay gains more confidence in himself and gets a little better idea of show business, he will be able to present an act that will be a hit anywhere. Four Harveys. On at 3.44, 12 min, full stage. I doubt if as good a wire act has ever been seen in America before. It is certainly a most remarkable performance. One of the girls does some tricks that are simply phenomenally. A hit among hits. J. J. Morton. On at 3.56, 15 min, in 1. Same old hit in this house. He is starting his act this week with a burlesque description of Davis' act that puts the audience in a riot of laughter. He could stay on 30 minutes, if he had the material, but think he is wise to "leave them laughing" when he says "Good-by", instead of staying until they tire of him. Six Cuttys. On at 4.11, 19 min, full stage. I do not require their close in 1 this week. Unquestionably the best musical act in vaudeville. They hold this place in the bill remarkably well. Kinetograph. On at 4.30, 20 min. "Dr. Dippy's Sanatarium", a fairly good comic film with the inevitable, but seemingly always entertaining "chase". "Scenes on a Sugar Plantation in the Hawaiian Islands", interesting and instructive film. "Bobby and His Family", a short comic film, colored, very good for a closing picture. Cuts. Emerson & Baldwin; spitting after using oil-can. Rialto Four; removal of wax from ear. Ford & Gehrue; cut out several of the verses in the second song, so as to get to business without tiring out the audience. Comment. A crack-a-jack show from 1.24 to 4.50, the only let-down being the first part of the Ford & Gehrue act. I think that this bill is bound do the business.