by Don Taylor
In the rich tapestry of early 20th-century entertainment, vaudeville performers like my grandmother, Madonna Montran (also known as Donna Darling), carved out vibrant careers that often went unrecorded beyond local newspaper archives. Recently, I discovered a fascinating glimpse into her professional life through Evening Telegram clippings that document her performances at the Palace in Superior, WI.
In the News
(Image enhanced by ChatGPT )
The accompanying news clipping is a review of Donna Darling’s show Song and Dance Romance. It praises Donna and her two male partners for their lively performance, highlighting her warm personality, singing, and the dancing of all three. The reviewer notes that whether the audience is captivated by Donna’s charm, her voice, or her energetic dancing, the result is the same—people enjoy it from start to finish and regret its end. The piece also mentions that Donna wears attractive costumes and that the show features elaborate and appealing stage settings.
Performance Details
- Venue: Palace, Superior, Wisconsin
- Dates: April 28 – May 1, 1924
- Act: “Donna Darling & Co., In a Song and Dance Romance”
- Other Acts:
- Bill, Vic and Dell “Fun and Music”
- Jean & Jack “Songs, Smiles, Syncopation
- Paul Mix “An Unusuality”
This archival discovery adds another rich detail to understanding the dynamic world of 1920s vaudeville performance, showcasing the creativity and artistry of traveling entertainment troupes during a transformative period in American show business.
Research credit: Newspapers.com
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