James Keane and Co.

Location:
Theater:
Date:
This sketch entitled “The Prodigal Son” was seventeen minutes long on the full stage. A young man cavorts with women of ill repute and gambles away his money offstage, which causes his fiance to drop him. He returns home to his mother who he treats badly. As he goes to bed, the curtains are lowered. When they are raised, he is in the costume of a convict and he screams for another chance. When the curtain lowers and raises again, it is reveal that the previous scene was a dream. His mother runs in to comfort him and he assures her he will change his ways.
The story has been told too many times to be played again in the larger houses. The actors are excellent, however, and could secure a place on the small time circuit for the company.
Source:
Variety Vol. 25:11 (02/17/1912)