DIY History | Transcribe | Keith-Albee Collection | Keith-Albee managers' report book, February 4-September 9, 1907

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

Page 189a

DIXIE SERENADERS. 25 Min. F. S. close in 1. Four men and two women in this act. Opens with a plantation set. Closed in one, seven minutes. The performers forming a semi-circle in minstrel style. Two changes of costume. These are all good singers and dancers, and the two men are especially commendable in humor. This is a medley of the darkey specialties, and holds this spot on the bill in great shape. The sole work is fairly good, but the ensemble work is excellent. Strong applause. Entire satisfaction evident in all parts of the house.
MOORE & COUNTISS. 22 Min. F. S. This is a typical play on an archaic theme. It is mainly Miss Countiss' reputation made in Bijou stock here and the fiery swashbuckling finish of the play that saved it. The theme concerns the love-affairs of a nobleman and a young hero, both in love with a high-born woman. She is induced to enter a tavern where she meets and is wooed by the young man in a very spiritless manner. She repulses him, but promises to listen if he will prove his bravery. In order to test it herself she dons a man's costume and goads him into a more spirited mood. She finds him suddenly changed to a good deal of a bravo and bully. His lordship enters with a friend at this point, and discovers that the young man's companion is a woman. He first insults the latter, then discovers her identify. Thereupon follows a very thrilling duel in which the hero proves himself very much of a man and not at all a coward, and puts his rival and his rival's friend to rout after overturning everything on the stage. Miss Countiss is very charming and pleasing actress, and favorable here. Although not strong in the masquerading role of a young man (so that this part seems devoid of sincerity and lacks the convincing note), nevertheless Mistress Betty Belmont discloses her identity the strength of the part gives the actress a better opportunity to display her talents, for she is certainly talented. Big applause at the close and two curtain calls, mainly on account of the swashbuckling duel. This is a case in which a play is written backward from a strong finish.
CARTMELL & HARRIS. 12 Min in 1. Man and woman. Woman is pretty, becomingly dressed, and a very graceful dancer. One of the best dancing acts in vaudeville. Holds the spot very well. They were put in here owing to the sickness of Keefe & Pearl. Thoroughly made good.
THE BOUNDING GORDONS. 8 Min F. S. This would make an excellent closing act if needed. There are three young men in the act, becomingly dressed as Nile fishermen. The bounding net is set in the form of the deck of Cleopatra's barge, and the drop in the rear is a Nile scene. Their work is very expert and they got constant applause, winding up with a big flourish. An act for anywhere on the bill.
CLARICE VANCE. 18 Min. in 1. Good advance applause. There is no doubt about Miss Vance's popularity in Philadelphia. The songs which she offered have been heard here before, but she has a very humorous way of presenting them. A good hand for each selection and a strong finish. She is well liked here.
EMMA FRANCIS. 10 Min. F. S. Well known on the Circuit. Act altogether better than when seen here before. Her singing was not particularly brilliant, but her acrobatic work and wooden-shoe dance got the house. The two Arab boys which she carries with her are typical acrobats. The little one is a positive treat. Big hand at the finish. An encore and a curtain call.

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DIXIE SERENADERS. 25 Min. F. S. close in 1. Four men and two women in this act. Opens with a plantation set. Closed in one, seven minutes. The performers forming a semi-circle in minstrel style. Two changes of costume. These are all good singers and dancers, and the two men are especially commendable in humor. This is a medley of the darkey specialties, and holds this spot on the bill in great shape. The sole work is fairly good, but the ensemble work is excellent. Strong applause. Entire satisfaction evident in all parts of the house. MOORE & COUNTISS. 22 Min. F. S. This is a typical play on an archaic theme. It is mainly Miss Countiss' reputation made in Bijou stock here and the fiery swashbuckling finish of the play that saved it. The theme concerns the love-affairs of a nobleman and a young hero, both in love with a high-born woman. She is induced to enter a tavern where she meets and is wooed by the young man in a very spiritless manner. She repulses him, but promises to listen if he will prove his bravery. In order to test it herself she dons a man's costume and goads him into a more spirited mood. She finds him suddenly changed to a good deal of a bravo and bully. His lordship enters with a friend at this point, and discovers that the young man's companion is a woman. He first insults the latter, then discovers her identify. Thereupon follows a very thrilling duel in which the hero proves himself very much of a man and not at all a coward, and puts his rival and his rival's friend to rout after overturning everything on the stage. Miss Countiss is very charming and pleasing actress, and favorable here. Although not strong in the masquerading role of a young man (so that this part seems devoid of sincerity and lacks the convincing note), nevertheless Mistress Betty Belmont discloses her identity the strength of the part gives the actress a better opportunity to display her talents, for she is certainly talented. Big applause at the close and two curtain calls, mainly on account of the swashbuckling duel. This is a case in which a play is written backward from a strong finish. CARTMELL & HARRIS. 12 Min in 1. Man and woman. Woman is pretty, becomingly dressed, and a very graceful dancer. One of the best dancing acts in vaudeville. Holds the spot very well. They were put in here owing to the sickness of Keefe & Pearl. Thoroughly made good. THE BOUNDING GORDONS. 8 Min F. S. This would make an excellent closing act if needed. There are three young men in the act, becomingly dressed as Nile fishermen. The bounding net is set in the form of the deck of Cleopatra's barge, and the drop in the rear is a Nile scene. Their work is very expert and they got constant applause, winding up with a big flourish. An act for anywhere on the bill. CLARICE VANCE. 18 Min. in 1. Good advance applause. There is no doubt about Miss Vance's popularity in Philadelphia. The songs which she offered have been heard here before, but she has a very humorous way of presenting them. A good hand for each selection and a strong finish. She is well liked here. EMMA FRANCIS. 10 Min. F. S. Well known on the Circuit. Act altogether better than when seen here before. Her singing was not particularly brilliant, but her acrobatic work and wooden-shoe dance got the house. The two Arab boys which she carries with her are typical acrobats. The little one is a positive treat. Big hand at the finish. An encore and a curtain call.