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 179a

179
Alfonse Sylvano, 2 shows, 10 min. full stage--First time here for this noted equilibrist. Evidently the audience looked upon his work as almost phenomenal, for every feature he performed was provocative of applause. Aside from the wonderful equilibristic feats he performed the act is a pretty one to look on, as the apparatus is in good condition, mostly nickel-plated and highly polished, and liberally lighted with vari-colored electric lights.
Press Eldridge, 2 shows, 20 min. in 1--Beyond the statement that he scored the laughing hit of the show with his senseless monologue and parodies, further comment from me is unnecessary. I do not remember that he ever went better.
Sager Midgeley and Gertie Carlisle, 2 shows, 25 min. open full stage, close in 1--In one of their "Sammy and Sarah" sketches. They are very popular here and got a hearty advance reception. Notwithstanding all the fast show that had preceded them, they held the audience practically intact until the finish of the act.
Toozoonin Arabs, 2 shows, 10 min. full stage--I think the best troupe of Arabs we have ever played. The pyramid work is clever and beautiful, and their tumbling amazing. They worked the audience up to a greater pitch of excitement than anything of the kind has ever done to my knowledge.
Biograph, 3 shows, 20 min. in 1--Admirable list of interesting and humorous pictures, in keeping with the rest of the excellent show.
The Gregsons, 3 shows, 14 min. in 1--Singing and dancing sketch, too well-known to need description at my hand. Not much merit, but did very well in a difficult place.
Comment: The show is far and away ahead of anything we have had this winter, because of its excellent balance and the variety of acts. There is a contrast between almost every number in the bill. The worst feature is that bills of this kind cannot be duplicated more than three or four times a year.
The audience was the largest we have had on the first day of the week for a long time; likewise the most enthusiastic and appreciative. From start to finish the show met with appreciation that made everybody thankful.

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179 Alfonse Sylvano, 2 shows, 10 min. full stage--First time here for this noted equilibrist. Evidently the audience looked upon his work as almost phenomenal, for every feature he performed was provocative of applause. Aside from the wonderful equilibristic feats he performed the act is a pretty one to look on, as the apparatus is in good condition, mostly nickel-plated and highly polished, and liberally lighted with vari-colored electric lights. Press Eldridge, 2 shows, 20 min. in 1--Beyond the statement that he scored the laughing hit of the show with his senseless monologue and parodies, further comment from me is unnecessary. I do not remember that he ever went better. Sager Midgeley and Gertie Carlisle, 2 shows, 25 min. open full stage, close in 1--In one of their "Sammy and Sarah" sketches. They are very popular here and got a hearty advance reception. Notwithstanding all the fast show that had preceded them, they held the audience practically intact until the finish of the act. Toozoonin Arabs, 2 shows, 10 min. full stage--I think the best troupe of Arabs we have ever played. The pyramid work is clever and beautiful, and their tumbling amazing. They worked the audience up to a greater pitch of excitement than anything of the kind has ever done to my knowledge. Biograph, 3 shows, 20 min. in 1--Admirable list of interesting and humorous pictures, in keeping with the rest of the excellent show. The Gregsons, 3 shows, 14 min. in 1--Singing and dancing sketch, too well-known to need description at my hand. Not much merit, but did very well in a difficult place. Comment: The show is far and away ahead of anything we have had this winter, because of its excellent balance and the variety of acts. There is a contrast between almost every number in the bill. The worst feature is that bills of this kind cannot be duplicated more than three or four times a year. The audience was the largest we have had on the first day of the week for a long time; likewise the most enthusiastic and appreciative. From start to finish the show met with appreciation that made everybody thankful.