Howard Thurston

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For the first time I have been able to get a line on this man’s act, and I can easily understand… Keith booked it. I think it is unquestionably the most attractive magic act that I have ever seen. As it has already been in the other two houses on the circuit it is needless to say that everything he does is novel and original. So far as this house is concerned, he has made a strong impression. Everything that he did was received with strong applause. In my opinion, the only thing that is needed to make it one of the greatest acts in this country is just the method of presentation which Mr. Keith had in mind when he booked the act; that is, that it be done in a thoroughly Oriental fashion from start to finish. The name “Howard Thurston” should be thrown aside entirely, and he should be given some Asiatic title that would be attractive. He should make up in a thoroughly Oriental manner, both as to face and costume, and sink his identity entirely. If he will do this and change one or two small details, it seems to me that he will be able to make almost as good a hit as any artist in his line that has ever appeared in this country. As it is, every act that he did this afternoon was received with a hearty round of applause. As the other houses have said, he is extremely slow in his work and does not put a great deal of life or animation into anything he does, but is her were in an Oriental makeup this fault would not be as nearly apparent and would be accepted as an eccentricity. 16 minutes, full stage.

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