2 shows, 22 min, full stage (can close in 1). In their comedy diversion, ‘The Happy Medium.’ Although there was a raft of excellent material on before them, these people went fairly well. It is my opinion the piece is too long drawn out and five minutes could be clipped from it to advantage. On rearrangement, they will unquestionably go all right. Cut ‘red raven splits.’
Quintet, 3 shows, 10 min in 1. Four young boys and a young woman in vocal and dancing specialties. It is an excellent act of the sort and scored a big hit this afternoon. They should be booked immediately for a return or we will lose them for the 3-a-day division.
2 shows, 16 min, full stage. Rudolf Horsky, Leona Bergere and Roy Fairchild in the farcical sketch, ‘He, She and He.’ This is an excellent little vehicle from any standpoint, and they will no doubt prove a welcome addition to vaudeville. Horsky and Miss Bergere are both excellent actors and no great fault can be found with Fairchild. The sketch was followed with interest and scored an excellent hand with a light audience, at the finish. I understand they are writing a new vehicle of the dramatic order and they would be worth bearing in mind for a re-booking.
2 shows, 24 min in 1. Well known on the circuit. We tried these people after the Fadettes today, but owing to the great amount of scenery to be moved, the first portion of the act went somewhat slow, notwithstanding they secured laughs and applause throughout. Vaudeville will certainly lose an excellent act when they leave.
Assisted by Chas. Forrester, in the comedy ‘A Fisherman’s Luck.’ Jane Courthope is clever, while Forrester just about passes. The act contains several scattered laughs and is alright if on about 8:30 in the evening or 2:30 in the afternoon. Full stage, two shows.
This young woman sings entirely in German, wearing the costume of her native country and yodels very little. The voice is sweet and musical, nothing to rave over. She went a trifle better to-night, and just about passes. Eight minutes in one, two shows.
Singing, dancing, high-kicking, with a little mandolin and piano playing. The woman is pretty fair vocalist and was greatly appreciated for her work, while the man is a good dancer and does some clever high kicking, The act is excellent for the three show section. Fifteen minutes full stage, can close in one.
Singing comedienne and storyteller. Clever girl, with a genuine southern dialect. Started off a little slow, but got the audience strong on the finish. Received two bows and was compelled to sing another song. Fifteen minutes in one, three shows.
In alleged comedy ‘Why Smith Stayed Home’ long and tiresome. Hamilton portrays the character of a drunkard, does not appeal to the Keith audience. The act is a bad opener. Twenty minutes, full stage, three shows.
Mr. Hilliard presented for the first time in this house his new play, entitled, ‘As a Man Sows.’ Mr. Hilliard was supported by little June Pelton and a thoroughly competent company. There is no question, looking at it from an artistic standpoint, that Mr. Hilliard gave the best dramatic offering ever presented in this house. There is not a detail lacking. While the play in ending is tragic, there is a comedy vein running through it that serves by contrast to emphasize the death scene at the end. The story is the old one of the ruined woman, repentant and happily married, sought out again by the man who had caused her down fall, who confronted with the story by the husband, dies of heart disease at the point where the husband is so wrought up, that he is about to commit murder. From the start of the play when the stage settings received a strong hand, up to the tragic ending, Mr. Hilliard and company held the attention of the audience for every moment. At the finish the audience showed their appreciation by as hearty applause as I ever heard in this house. Mighty good act. 28 minutes. Yellow F. in 4.
