Hite, Mabel

(1885-1912)

   Although born in Ashland, Kentucky, Hite was claimed as a product of Kansas City, where she grew up. As a child, she performed in local productions directed by Georgia Brown. At 15, she played the daughter of the regiment in Charles Hoyt's A Milk White Flag. Despite her vocal talent well suited for musical comedy, she preferred to perform rapid-fire comedy sketches in variety. She married baseball player Mike Donlin and together they played the Orpheum vaudeville circuit. Her Broadway credits included the starring role in A Certain Party (1911).