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2 shows – 15 min. – spec. set in 5 – Illusionist. The act was repeatedly rehearsed, and went very smoothly, with the exception of one of two “kinks”. One of the balloons bursted; and the fountain trick started before he was ready for it. Thurston has six illusions that are excellent. When worked properly they will surpass anything that I have ever seen from a mystifying point of view. As the act stands now, the action is slow, and, I believe, the only solution is to introduce a number of smaller tricks – such as “growing flowers, etc., and sand-wich in between the “big” illusions. This could easily be accomplished, and it would inject into the act that life and action which it now lacks. Thurston is naturally a little slow and methodical in his movements, but his assistants could be depended on to create this action by bringing in and carrying out the necessary paraphernalia to perform the tricks. If sufficient time was given to the act, I am sure that it could be made the very best of the kind in the business.
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University of Iowa, Keith-Albee Vaudeville Collection, Manager Reports, 2 September 1902-3 September 1903