Article on George Lea

“Mr. George Lea ought to feel proud of the very high position that he fills in the music-hall profession, for there is certainly not a more enterprising man to be found in or out of it. He never lets a good performer slip through his hands if money can secure that person; no matter what line of business he follows, he is sure to find an opening for him. One great advantage he has over all other showmen in the variety business is the fact of having, under his management, from four to five places of amusement, and all of them first-class establishments. With so many places, he can be constantly introducing to his patrons new features, and, by changing about from time to time, they become great favorites wherever they appear, and therefore do not stay long enough in one establishement to play themselves out. His salary-list is the largest of any manager in this country, no matter what business in the profession he is running. He has several performers whose salary exceeds seventy-five dollars a week, and some that go over one hundred dollars.” Goes on to discuss his theatre, the Canterbury, in Washington.