Category Archives: 1919-20 – Chin Chin

“Chin Chin” was a musical show during the 1910s and 1920s.  Donna Montran (born Madonna Montran) joined the show in 1919 and traveled across the country with the show.

“Actress, Detroit Girl, Here This Month”: When the Newspaper Gets It Wrong

Posted on October 9, 2026 by Don Taylor

Sometimes the newspaper gets it wrong. But even when it does, it can still hand us some wonderful information. On Sunday, February 8, 1920, The Detroit News ran a small feature on page 61 under the headline “Actress, Detroit Girl, … Continue reading →

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Donna Montran in Chin Chin at the Drohen Avenue Theatre, Dunkirk, NY – March 8, 1920

Posted on August 7, 2026 by Don Taylor

On March 8, 1920, my grandmother, Donna Montran, again played when the touring company of “Chin Chin” stopped for a single night at the Drohen Avenue Theatre in Dunkirk, NY — two days after closing its Rochester engagement. Continue reading →

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Donna Montran in Chin Chin at the Lyceum Theatre, Rochester, NY – March 4–6, 1920

Posted on August 4, 2026 by Don Taylor

In March 1920, Donna Montran played the Goddess of the Lamp in the touring production of Chin Chin at Rochester’s Lyceum Theatre — a rare hometown engagement documented by both a Democrat and Chronicle review and a dedicated Rochester Herald feature. Continue reading →

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Chin-Chin in the News – 9 April 1920.

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Don Taylor

The Zanesville Signal (Zanesville, OH) Weller TheaterVaudeville/Chin-ChinBy Don Taylor My grandmother was a vaudeville star. I am following her career and learning about her many performances. In October 1919, she joined the cast of the Charles Dillingham production of “Chin-Chin” … Continue reading →

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Beckwith Theatre, Dowagiac, MI, 19 Feb 1920.

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Don Taylor

In the News, 105 Years AgoVaudeville/Chin-ChinCassopolis Vigilant (Cassopolis, MI)By Don Taylor My grandmother was a vaudeville star. I am following her career and learning about her many performances. In October 1919, she joined the cast of the Charles Dillingham production … Continue reading →

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