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Keith-Albee managers' report book, March 9-December 14, 1908

Page 32

(Carl D. Lothrop)
Boston Show, Week of March 30, 1908.
(Monday March 30--Afternoon Show)
Overture. 1.30, 10 minutes.
Youna, assisted by Edyth Wardell. On at 1.40, 13 min full stage, 8 min close in 1; 21 min in all; 3 shows. Held over from last week, because we needed a 3-a-day and I could find nothing that could class with this. As I said in my last week's report, Youna is a remarkably clever juggler, much above the usual run of 3-a-days, and would make good in an early spot in any show. It seems to me that this act is bound to improve. It is only a question of time when he will be asking, and getting, considerably more money than at present. A good act for the small houses to cinch for next season.
Merry Minnie Stokes. On at 2.01, 11 min full stage, 4 min close in 1; 15 min in all; 3 shows. Another above-par 3-a-day. Her offering is something on the style of Fanny Rice's well-known act. She gives miniature imitations of a soubrette, wise kid, Caruso, Sis Hopkins and Lillian Russell. At the finish of the Lillian Russell imitation, she walks out of her cabinet in a life-size impersonation of Russell, comes down into 1, and sings a song, then finishes with an imitation of a violin. At seventy-five dollars this is a bargain.
Leville and Sinclair. On at 2.16, 4 min in 2, 5 min close in 1; 9 min in all; 2 shows. Rather a pretty girl and a bright young chap in a pleasing singing and dancing act. It just falls short of being a capital offering. They have the ideas, dance very well, but lack voices. Should do 3 shows in the continuous houses for the money they are getting.
Keno, Walsh and Melrose. On at 2.25, 12 min, full stage. Can close 4 min in 1, if necessary. This well known trio of acrobatic comedians gave a most excellent performance today, in fact I have never seen them in better form. Went very well indeed and seem to me strong enough to be used as a closing feature in many cases. However, as acrobatic acts go today, they are about fifty dollars overpaid.
Miles Stavordale Quintette. On at 2.37, 13 min, in 1. One of the most unique and pleasing instrumental acts we play. A thoroughly high-class turn. Their rendition of the Merry Widow waltz is beautiful.
Bijou Fernandez and Company. On at 2.50, 20 min, full stage. Playing Edwin Arden's dramatic playlet, "Captain Velvet", a capital melodramatic sketch, but I still think, as I did when I first saw it in New York, with Mr. Arden as the star--Miss Fernandez has not power enough for the role she is playing. She is not convincing. Carl Eckstrom as Captain Velvet gives an excellent performance, as does Maurice Franklin as the Greaser. Not a head-liner for Boston.
32.


Excellent hoop and club act. Not quite as lively as when Hunter was in the act with his comedy, but all right for the money and capable of making a satisfactory opening act in the smaller cities.


liner. It would be much improved if we had a strong comedy closing act, which would enable us to play The Yiulians up the bill.

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(Carl D. Lothrop) Boston Show, Week of March 30, 1908. (Monday March 30--Afternoon Show) Overture. 1.30, 10 minutes. Youna, assisted by Edyth Wardell. On at 1.40, 13 min full stage, 8 min close in 1; 21 min in all; 3 shows. Held over from last week, because we needed a 3-a-day and I could find nothing that could class with this. As I said in my last week's report, Youna is a remarkably clever juggler, much above the usual run of 3-a-days, and would make good in an early spot in any show. It seems to me that this act is bound to improve. It is only a question of time when he will be asking, and getting, considerably more money than at present. A good act for the small houses to cinch for next season. Merry Minnie Stokes. On at 2.01, 11 min full stage, 4 min close in 1; 15 min in all; 3 shows. Another above-par 3-a-day. Her offering is something on the style of Fanny Rice's well-known act. She gives miniature imitations of a soubrette, wise kid, Caruso, Sis Hopkins and Lillian Russell. At the finish of the Lillian Russell imitation, she walks out of her cabinet in a life-size impersonation of Russell, comes down into 1, and sings a song, then finishes with an imitation of a violin. At seventy-five dollars this is a bargain. Leville and Sinclair. On at 2.16, 4 min in 2, 5 min close in 1; 9 min in all; 2 shows. Rather a pretty girl and a bright young chap in a pleasing singing and dancing act. It just falls short of being a capital offering. They have the ideas, dance very well, but lack voices. Should do 3 shows in the continuous houses for the money they are getting. Keno, Walsh and Melrose. On at 2.25, 12 min, full stage. Can close 4 min in 1, if necessary. This well known trio of acrobatic comedians gave a most excellent performance today, in fact I have never seen them in better form. Went very well indeed and seem to me strong enough to be used as a closing feature in many cases. However, as acrobatic acts go today, they are about fifty dollars overpaid. Miles Stavordale Quintette. On at 2.37, 13 min, in 1. One of the most unique and pleasing instrumental acts we play. A thoroughly high-class turn. Their rendition of the Merry Widow waltz is beautiful. Bijou Fernandez and Company. On at 2.50, 20 min, full stage. Playing Edwin Arden's dramatic playlet, "Captain Velvet", a capital melodramatic sketch, but I still think, as I did when I first saw it in New York, with Mr. Arden as the star--Miss Fernandez has not power enough for the role she is playing. She is not convincing. Carl Eckstrom as Captain Velvet gives an excellent performance, as does Maurice Franklin as the Greaser. Not a head-liner for Boston. 32. Excellent hoop and club act. Not quite as lively as when Hunter was in the act with his comedy, but all right for the money and capable of making a satisfactory opening act in the smaller cities. liner. It would be much improved if we had a strong comedy closing act, which would enable us to play The Yiulians up the bill.