In 1910 Sosman & Landis studio was bustling with activity, producing hundreds of drops for a variety of clients. Regardless of the numerous projects completed by the company, Moses also took on extra work of his own. This was part of the agreement that Moses negotiated upon his return to the company in 1904.
One example of a project credited solely to Thomas Moses was the scenery for “The Kissing Girl.” A review of the production was published in the “Oshkosh Northwestern” news on October 10, 1910 (Oshkosh, Wisconsin, page 10). Here is the article in its entirety:
“’The Kissing Girl,’ which comes to the Grand opera house this evening is bright, tuneful and irresistibly funny, imbued with the charm of novelty and given with the finish of perfection. It tells a romantic story of Austria and Bohemia. A company of more than ordinary strength – both vocal and dramatic values – will interpret the charming story. Miss Texas Guinan will have the role of ‘The Kissing Girl.’ Dick Temple will have the principal comedy character. Harry Hermson will be the baritone and Harold Rehill, a tenor, will romance with Marion Mills, at one time prima donna with the original “The Time, the Place and the Girl” company. An important member of the cast will be Ida Fitzhugh, a delightful old character woman from the principal Berlin theaters. These with a chorus of pretty girls and handsome men will bring the ensemble close to seventy people. The company’s orchestra will interpret instrumentally the beauty of Mr. von Tilzer’s musical numbers. The scenery is from the studio of Thomas Moses and the costumes – said to be unusually brilliant – were designed by Schoultz. The performance will be under the personal direction of Mr. Stange, conducted by Mr. von Tilzer and coached by Mr. George Jones, a master of the dance. Seats are on sale at Bauman’s drug store.”
The “Eugene Guard” reported, “ ‘The Kissing Girl’ is sumptuously mounted with scenery by Thomas Moses and costumes by Schoultz” when it appeared at the Eugene Theatre (Eugene, Oregon, 29 Nov. 1910, page 3). Written by by Stanislaus Stange, Vincent Bryon and Harry von Tilzer, “The Kissing Girl” was produced by the Cort Theatre Co. for its theatre in Chicago. The production enjoyed a run of 250 consecutive performances before going on tour.
To be continued…
