DIY History | Transcribe | Keith-Albee Collection | Keith-Albee managers' report book, September 21, 1903 - March 14, 1904

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Keith-Albee managers' report book, September 21, 1903 - March 14, 1904

Page 72a

72
Four Wellsons, 2 shows, 10 min. full stage--One of the most picturesque "sight" acts that has ever been seen in the varieties. As a drawing attraction I consider it worth three acts like the Nightons, for, while their feats of strength are not so good, viewed from the athletic standpoint, the work of the performers is much more attractive to look at, and the unison of movement, when all four are working together, is wonderful. It will make a big hit and can be repeated at any time.
Lotta Gladstone, 2 shows, 17 min. in 1--Scored a laughing hit, getting them going right after her opening song and kept them with her without trouble until the close. She had three recalls.
Cole and Johnson, 2 shows, 20 min. full stage--Had a big reception, and every selection was encored. At the finish it was difficult to get the succeeding act on. Think they will hold up for the four weeks without much trouble.
John Kernell, 2 shows, 20 min. in 1--Irish comedian, with a lot of funny patter and some amusing parodies. Notwithstanding the extremely hard place he had in following the colored entertainers, he distinctly made good. Had to cut out several allusions to Jewish matters.
Three Merrills, 2 shows, 18 min. full stage--Comedy and trick bicycle riding. Went just as strong as at any previous engagement.
Biograph, 2 shows, 10 min. in 1--Excellent lot of motion pictures, including that of "The Busy Bees", which is one of the most interesting subjects ever reproduced by motion photography.
Wesson-Walter Co., 3 shows, 19 min. full stage--Man, woman and small boy in a sketch called "Jinks, the Insurance Agent". It is very crude material and the adults are rather poor actors, but the juvenile has considerable ability for his years and carried the thing along. It is all right as a time filler.
Comments:- Show all through is a most satisfactory one, the balance being particularly good. the way in which it went with the audience was another demonstration of the fact that has been manifest here for some time, viz. that the audiences do not care a rap if they never see a sketch. There was an evenness to the acts that made it almost impossible to select any one or two of them for special mention, which is much better plan of making up the show than putting any one or two strong attractions, which only serve to weaken other parts of the show. If weather is all right, we will continue our big business.

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72 Four Wellsons, 2 shows, 10 min. full stage--One of the most picturesque "sight" acts that has ever been seen in the varieties. As a drawing attraction I consider it worth three acts like the Nightons, for, while their feats of strength are not so good, viewed from the athletic standpoint, the work of the performers is much more attractive to look at, and the unison of movement, when all four are working together, is wonderful. It will make a big hit and can be repeated at any time. Lotta Gladstone, 2 shows, 17 min. in 1--Scored a laughing hit, getting them going right after her opening song and kept them with her without trouble until the close. She had three recalls. Cole and Johnson, 2 shows, 20 min. full stage--Had a big reception, and every selection was encored. At the finish it was difficult to get the succeeding act on. Think they will hold up for the four weeks without much trouble. John Kernell, 2 shows, 20 min. in 1--Irish comedian, with a lot of funny patter and some amusing parodies. Notwithstanding the extremely hard place he had in following the colored entertainers, he distinctly made good. Had to cut out several allusions to Jewish matters. Three Merrills, 2 shows, 18 min. full stage--Comedy and trick bicycle riding. Went just as strong as at any previous engagement. Biograph, 2 shows, 10 min. in 1--Excellent lot of motion pictures, including that of "The Busy Bees", which is one of the most interesting subjects ever reproduced by motion photography. Wesson-Walter Co., 3 shows, 19 min. full stage--Man, woman and small boy in a sketch called "Jinks, the Insurance Agent". It is very crude material and the adults are rather poor actors, but the juvenile has considerable ability for his years and carried the thing along. It is all right as a time filler. Comments:- Show all through is a most satisfactory one, the balance being particularly good. the way in which it went with the audience was another demonstration of the fact that has been manifest here for some time, viz. that the audiences do not care a rap if they never see a sketch. There was an evenness to the acts that made it almost impossible to select any one or two of them for special mention, which is much better plan of making up the show than putting any one or two strong attractions, which only serve to weaken other parts of the show. If weather is all right, we will continue our big business.