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Keith-Albee managers' report book, February 4-September 9, 1907

Page 89a

#2.-Phila.
in this spot. The musical number include a very pretty solo by the leading soprano, and some trick piano-playing, etc. Miss De Haven makes a very fetching figure in a boy's costume. Closed strong with two curtain calls and encore.
GEO. W. MONROE, "Aunt Bridget":- 20 min. in 1. 2 shows. On at 8:30. Big advance applause. Well known on the Circuit. The first part of his talk was new, the last 2/3 of it the same as given here some time ago. This is Monroe's home-town which accounts for his act going better than it probably otherwise would. Scored big in consequence.
DUFFIN-REDCAY TROUPE, Casting-act:- 11 min. F.S. 2 shows. On at 8:50. These people are immense. They are deserving of all the credit they get as one of the strongest acrobatic features in the business. It could hold its own anywhere on any  bill. Each one of their feats got immense applause working up to the final feat of turning triple somersault and the loop-the-loop and aroused the highest enthusiasm throughout the house.
HOWARD & NORTH, "Those were happy Days":- 21 min. in 1. 2 shows. On at 9:01. Practically the same as when played here before and as big a hit. A laugh from start to finish. One of the best acts in 1 in the business.
MAX MILLIAN, Violinist:- 13 min. in 3. 2 shows. On at 9:22. This young man has improved a great deal since his last appearance here, something over a year ago. His work is sure and the tonal qualities are rich and sustained. The act is worth a great deal more than when presented here before. His sister as an accompanist has also improved quite as much, and her work is now as much of an aid as it was previously a handicap. Got big hand after each one of his numbers, with encore and five curtain calls at the close. That is certainly going some. Was on at 2 P.M. afternoon, but took a more creamy spot on the fill for balance of the week.
ELFIE FAY, Comedienne:- 10 min. in 1. 2 shows. On at 9:35. Got her audience immediately with some corking good songs, winding up with the "Belle of Avenue A.", which was, of course, a favorite. Her facial expressions and character work generally are of a unique order of humor. Won all parts of the house. Her name will draw money.
R. A. ROBERTS, "Dick Turpin" (protean):-If this is not the most subtle and brilliant character work ever seen in Vaudeville I am no critic. It is pretty hard for an actor like Roberts to live up to his reputation, but if ever a man achieved it by the most unique one-act play that was convinced of it. From the start the story holds the interest, being wonderfully thought out from step to step, admirably written in character touches, and acted in a manner that proclaims his genius of the very highest order. The story is well known, and it only need be said that he was an unqualified hit in every one of his characters which are strongly deferentiated, changed with lightning rapidity and so artistic as to command the highest praise. If any possible improvement might be suggested, it is to cut it down four to six minutes. But if anything is calculated to prove the high standard of Vaudeville is America is judged by the best, it is acts of this kind. Roberts will certainly pull strong for balance of this week. His modest bearing before and after the play have not a little to do with making him a favorite.

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#2.-Phila. in this spot. The musical number include a very pretty solo by the leading soprano, and some trick piano-playing, etc. Miss De Haven makes a very fetching figure in a boy's costume. Closed strong with two curtain calls and encore. GEO. W. MONROE, "Aunt Bridget":- 20 min. in 1. 2 shows. On at 8:30. Big advance applause. Well known on the Circuit. The first part of his talk was new, the last 2/3 of it the same as given here some time ago. This is Monroe's home-town which accounts for his act going better than it probably otherwise would. Scored big in consequence. DUFFIN-REDCAY TROUPE, Casting-act:- 11 min. F.S. 2 shows. On at 8:50. These people are immense. They are deserving of all the credit they get as one of the strongest acrobatic features in the business. It could hold its own anywhere on any bill. Each one of their feats got immense applause working up to the final feat of turning triple somersault and the loop-the-loop and aroused the highest enthusiasm throughout the house. HOWARD & NORTH, "Those were happy Days":- 21 min. in 1. 2 shows. On at 9:01. Practically the same as when played here before and as big a hit. A laugh from start to finish. One of the best acts in 1 in the business. MAX MILLIAN, Violinist:- 13 min. in 3. 2 shows. On at 9:22. This young man has improved a great deal since his last appearance here, something over a year ago. His work is sure and the tonal qualities are rich and sustained. The act is worth a great deal more than when presented here before. His sister as an accompanist has also improved quite as much, and her work is now as much of an aid as it was previously a handicap. Got big hand after each one of his numbers, with encore and five curtain calls at the close. That is certainly going some. Was on at 2 P.M. afternoon, but took a more creamy spot on the fill for balance of the week. ELFIE FAY, Comedienne:- 10 min. in 1. 2 shows. On at 9:35. Got her audience immediately with some corking good songs, winding up with the "Belle of Avenue A.", which was, of course, a favorite. Her facial expressions and character work generally are of a unique order of humor. Won all parts of the house. Her name will draw money. R. A. ROBERTS, "Dick Turpin" (protean):-If this is not the most subtle and brilliant character work ever seen in Vaudeville I am no critic. It is pretty hard for an actor like Roberts to live up to his reputation, but if ever a man achieved it by the most unique one-act play that was convinced of it. From the start the story holds the interest, being wonderfully thought out from step to step, admirably written in character touches, and acted in a manner that proclaims his genius of the very highest order. The story is well known, and it only need be said that he was an unqualified hit in every one of his characters which are strongly deferentiated, changed with lightning rapidity and so artistic as to command the highest praise. If any possible improvement might be suggested, it is to cut it down four to six minutes. But if anything is calculated to prove the high standard of Vaudeville is America is judged by the best, it is acts of this kind. Roberts will certainly pull strong for balance of this week. His modest bearing before and after the play have not a little to do with making him a favorite.