Al Jolson Great Hit With Capacity House – 1917
Al Jolson Great Hit With Capacity House
Bright Winter Garden Offering Delights Large Missoula Audience.
Show Is Remarkable
Musical Comedy Has Both Harmony and Wit, An Unusual Circumstance
Al Jolson, who has no other rival in black face than that real article, Bert Williams, introduced himself – and five score and more others – to Missoula last evening through the medium of “Robinson Crusoe, Jr.,” a musical comedy distinguished by the fact that both music and comedy are embodied in its makeup.
Jolson was an instantaneous hit, as frequent curtain calls and numerous personal talks to the audience proved. He said that he’d like to come back to Missoula, and, beyond a doubt, theater-going Missoula would be glad to welcome him again – even tonight.
“Robinson Crusoe, Jr.” is not noted for its low visibility, but there is nothing blatant about the slightest part of the show, and, as the size of the audience indicated, it was exactly that for which Missoula has been waiting.
Al Jolson now takes rank with Frank Gotch and Walter Damrosch in record houses in Missoula, for there was not a seat unsold – or unoccupied – last evening.
Jolson’s support was good – especially Kitty Doner, Claude Fleming, Mabel Withee and a few male and female dancers with foreign airs and domestic steps – but Jolson was the show.
The above article appeared in The Daily Missoulian on June 19, 1917.
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