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

Page 37

37.
Report on show, Keith's Theatre, Providence, R. I., Week of March 30, 1908. (Chas. Lovenberg, Mgr.)
For the first time in several weeks we have a real show; a good one that costs no more money than some of the other bad ones we have been having of late, because of the introduction in them of high-priced acts that haven't made good. Because of this, the bill this week is most satisfactory and one that I am sure will draw us money.
Fox & Gray.
Two men, one "straight", the other Jew. An act that is only fit for an unimportant spot in the 3-a-day houses. [14?] Min. in 1, 3 Shows.
Tom Bateman.
"The Dancing Sailor". Character singer with a good baritone voice and a man who does the best skipping-rope dance I have seen in many a day. He was a decided success in this spot and could have gone on later in the bill, satisfactorily. It is a 3-a-day act that should be correlled. Unfortunately, he was unable to continue after his first performance because of a very bad throat. I will try to get him another week. 12 Min. in 1, 3 Shows.
Carter, Taylor & Co.
In a conglomeration of some kind they call "At Camp Rest". There is no reason for playing this act excepting in the 3-a-day section. I can't see where it "gets off" for anything else. One of the poorest acts on the bill. 15 Min. Full Stage, 2 Shows.
Verona Verdi. 
One of the best women violinists we have had this season. Good value. 11 Min. in 1, 3 Shows.
Herbert Cyril. From the standpoint of his salary, Mr. Cyril is thoroughly all right, but he is not the great big hit that has been credited to him in other places. 12 Min. in 1, 2 Shows.
Dixie Serenaders. Four men, two women, colored, in a lively, snappy, dancing, comedy act. Very good. 22 Min. Open Full Stage, close in 1, 2 Shows.
Ryan & Richfield. In "Mag Haggarty's Visit". Usual big hit. 25 Min. Full Stage, 2 Shows.
Zelie de Lussan. Operatic Prima Donna. Mlle. de Lussan will be the means of drawing us a lot of money. That her name was worth something was proven yesterday before she appeared and she was an emphatic success with her work at both performances yesterday. Personally, I think her voice is a sort of "has been a", but the audience thinks she is the real stuff and that's all that is necessary. She sang five songs, and they wanted more. 15 Min. in 2, 2 Shows.
Claude & Fanny Usher. In "Fagin's Decision". One of the best acts we ever played in the theatre regardless of price. The woman has Eva Williams (of Williams & Tucker) beat one hundred miles at both magnetism and ability. 26 Min. Full Stage, 2 Shows.
Geo. Whiting & Melnotte Twins. A very good act indeed and yet not as great as I expected. 24 Min. in 1, 2 Shows.
Hill & Sylvany. Well-known bicycle act which made good as usual. 10 Min. Full Stage, 2 Shows.
Motion Pictures.  O. K.
Chas. R. Sweet. (This fellow appeared between Herbert Cyril and Dixie Serenaders.) Did the very same act that he has been doing for the last twelve years and held his place remarkably. One of the successes of the show. 22 Min. F. S. close in 1, 2 Shows.

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37. Report on show, Keith's Theatre, Providence, R. I., Week of March 30, 1908. (Chas. Lovenberg, Mgr.) For the first time in several weeks we have a real show; a good one that costs no more money than some of the other bad ones we have been having of late, because of the introduction in them of high-priced acts that haven't made good. Because of this, the bill this week is most satisfactory and one that I am sure will draw us money. Fox & Gray. Two men, one "straight", the other Jew. An act that is only fit for an unimportant spot in the 3-a-day houses. [14?] Min. in 1, 3 Shows. Tom Bateman. "The Dancing Sailor". Character singer with a good baritone voice and a man who does the best skipping-rope dance I have seen in many a day. He was a decided success in this spot and could have gone on later in the bill, satisfactorily. It is a 3-a-day act that should be correlled. Unfortunately, he was unable to continue after his first performance because of a very bad throat. I will try to get him another week. 12 Min. in 1, 3 Shows. Carter, Taylor & Co. In a conglomeration of some kind they call "At Camp Rest". There is no reason for playing this act excepting in the 3-a-day section. I can't see where it "gets off" for anything else. One of the poorest acts on the bill. 15 Min. Full Stage, 2 Shows. Verona Verdi. One of the best women violinists we have had this season. Good value. 11 Min. in 1, 3 Shows. Herbert Cyril. From the standpoint of his salary, Mr. Cyril is thoroughly all right, but he is not the great big hit that has been credited to him in other places. 12 Min. in 1, 2 Shows. Dixie Serenaders. Four men, two women, colored, in a lively, snappy, dancing, comedy act. Very good. 22 Min. Open Full Stage, close in 1, 2 Shows. Ryan & Richfield. In "Mag Haggarty's Visit". Usual big hit. 25 Min. Full Stage, 2 Shows. Zelie de Lussan. Operatic Prima Donna. Mlle. de Lussan will be the means of drawing us a lot of money. That her name was worth something was proven yesterday before she appeared and she was an emphatic success with her work at both performances yesterday. Personally, I think her voice is a sort of "has been a", but the audience thinks she is the real stuff and that's all that is necessary. She sang five songs, and they wanted more. 15 Min. in 2, 2 Shows. Claude & Fanny Usher. In "Fagin's Decision". One of the best acts we ever played in the theatre regardless of price. The woman has Eva Williams (of Williams & Tucker) beat one hundred miles at both magnetism and ability. 26 Min. Full Stage, 2 Shows. Geo. Whiting & Melnotte Twins. A very good act indeed and yet not as great as I expected. 24 Min. in 1, 2 Shows. Hill & Sylvany. Well-known bicycle act which made good as usual. 10 Min. Full Stage, 2 Shows. Motion Pictures. O. K. Chas. R. Sweet. (This fellow appeared between Herbert Cyril and Dixie Serenaders.) Did the very same act that he has been doing for the last twelve years and held his place remarkably. One of the successes of the show. 22 Min. F. S. close in 1, 2 Shows.