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“Dick Turpia” (protean):- IF this is not the most subtle and brilliant character work ever seen in Vaudeville I am no critic. It is pretty hard for an actor like Roberts to live up to his reputation, but if ever a man achieved it by the most unique one-act play that was ever staged in Vaudeville, it was Roberts, and the entire audience was convinced of it. From the start the story holds the interest, being wonderfully thought out from step to step, admirably written in character touches, and acted in a manner that proclaims his genius of the very highest order. The story is well known, and it only need be said that he was an unqualified hit in every one of his characters which are strongly differentiated, changed with lighting rapidity and so artistic as to command the highest praise. If any possible improvements might be suggested, it is to cut it down four to six minutes. But if anything is calculated to prove the high standard of Vaudeville in America judged by the best, it is acts of this kind. Roberts will certainly pull strong for balance of this week. His modest bearing before him and after the play have not a little to do with making him a favorite.
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Keith-Albee managers' report book, February 4-September 9, 1907