ABOUT
MISSION
The mission of the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, Inc. is to promote the appreciation and participation in the visual arts; to promote and encourage the expressions of creativity through the creative arts; to promote education in fine arts; to sponsor and operate the Keith Albee Theatre as a creative arts center; and to provide a facility for the presentation and/or sponsorship of cultural and entertainment events.-
HISTORY
The Keith-Albee Huntington, West Virginia Past and Present
On Monday, May 7, 1928, when the doors of the magnificent Keith-Albee were thrown open to the public, Vaudeville’s most famous single, Rae Samuels, known the world over as “The Blue Streak of Vaudeville,” was the headliner who performed under the illusion of drifting clouds and twinkling stars. “Good Morning, Judge,” a light comedy starring Reginald Denny, was the featured film. Of Ms. Samuels’ performance, columnist Geneva Kent wrote: “Rae Samuels is a whole vaudeville bill herself. She has a voice especially well adapted to jazz and blues songs, with a slight husky quality that takes well. With plenty of pep and personality, the audience was hers from the first moment she strutted on the stage.”
Four other “splendid acts of first-class vaudeville” followed Ms. Samuels. Nineteen ushers in dark red uniforms with gold buttons escorted patrons to their seats. The Keith had its own eight-piece orchestra conducted by Joseph E. Kroberger and a Wurlitzer organ played by H.B. Brown.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AND STAFF
MEMORIES
Memories are meant to be shared. Learn more about the Keith-Albee by browsing our Over the Years memory book.
