Donna Darling Collection – Part 73

Donna Darling and her Jewel Revue – State Theater, Utica, New York.

Treasure Chest Thursday
by Don Taylor

For this week’s Treasure Chest Tuesday, I’m looking at a full-page of the Donna Darling Collection, which included five items..

First is a clipping showing, “The Scintillating Beauty, Donna Darling and Her Jewel Revue, Presenting Singing, Dancing, Comedy, Elaborate Costumes, Special Settings and Lighting Effects” at State Theater. Luckily, Donna handwrote on the clipping, “Utica Mar 18-19-20” which gives us the location and date for the show. Donna’s “Little Jewel Review” is known to have run from November 1925 to March 1926. So, it appears she was in Utica, New York, from March 18 through the 20^th, 1926.

Key features:

• • The venue is the State Theater
  • The show is the “Donna Darling and Her Jewel Revue.”
  • Also, on the bill:
    • Williams & Perry – Colored Entertainers Singing, Dancing
    • Lone & King – In Songs and Comedy
    • Cosmopolitan Trio – In a Song Offering
    • Chick and Dog – A Clever Canine Novelty
  • The Movie showing was Evelyn Brent in “Queen of Diamonds”

Two Advertising Clips

The first advertising clipping focuses upon “Queen of Diamonds,” but includes”

From advance reports of the vaudeville bill to be offered in today’s program, it appears the patrons will not be disappointed. Heading the list is Donna Darling and “Her Jewel Revue” in songs dances and comedy. Lowe & King….

The second clipping indicates,

The Darling Revue is listed as the headliner and deserves that title through virtue of its all-around excellence. A decided feature of the act are the dance numbers. These include toe, clog, gypsy, and Charleston novelties. Some well-received songs are also offered.

Two Photos

Finally, on the page are two lively little photos. One is clearly Donna in a stylish, bedazzled skirt and a long headscarf with a beaded cap.

The second photo is of an unknown man in a shirt and tie. The photo was taken outdoors so doesn’t appear to be related in time or place to Donna’s photo. The young man’s pants appear to be kaki and his tie is square cut on the bottom. Also, it looks (to me) that he has a garrison cap tucked into his waist, suggesting it is a soldier. Hopefully, I will be able to identify him later.

Conclusion

I added the following to Donna’s Itinerary:

• • March 18-20, 1926 – “Donna Darling and her Jewel Revue” – State Theater, Utica, New York – DDC-73.