The Indianapolis journal., 1893-11-17

Said John III. Martin, business manager
for Robert Mantell, who was formerly a
railroad man in this city: How like a
family is a theatrical company thrown to-
gether for months on railroad trains. in
hotels and in their work behind the scenes.
They are separated from the outside world
by an indefinable wall, but a barrier that
exists as perceptibly as does the great
wall of China, they live among themselves,
they have their joys, their troubles and,
yes, their scandals. Same as other folks
you know, and these are. too often paraded
before the public by the ruthless press.
But 1 believe as much open-handed, good
hearted and disinterested charity can be
found in the ranks of these strollers, whose
mission 1t is to please, and ofttimes TO in
struct as is to be found among an equal
number of people in any other walk in
life. An experience of many years has
made known to me both their good and
bad qualities.
"I have known seasons on the road to
develop friendships strong and lasting, true
and tender as that of famed Damon and
PythiaS. A few months since Mr.. Mantell
MED d. an engagemePPs Pa at San, aan Dleg0, & fa
zenta and his wife, that charming actress,
Helena Modjeska, We're guests They oc-
cupied a box at each of Mr.. Mantells per-
formances, applauded the people of our
company literally, each telling point was
made in 'lonbars,' 'Parrhasius' and Face
in the Moonlight A bond of sympathy
seemed to exist between the great actress
and Mr. MantelPS company that spurred
them on TO their very best. Our audiences
seemed to catch the spirit, and the result
was a splendid performance of the three
plays we gave in San Diego.
".Ah Mr. Mantell,' said Madame Nodes
ka, at the close of 'MonbarS, there were
four grand climaxes in the last act. Just
think of it: four climaxes in one act, and
each greater than the other.
''Then the conversation drifted into rem
iniscences of the seasons when Mr.: Man
tell, then a young actor, played in Madame
Modjeska'S company. Said Madame Mod
jeska: Mr.. Mantell, do you recall the time
you spoiled the last act of my Camille!
How merrily the whole party laughed
at the following incident: In the last act
of Camille Madame Modjeska staggers to
window supposed to Overlook 5T st ,5s paEH a1ad
sunshine and the crowds of happy people
below she says: 'Ah, there is a child;
beautiful. innocent, happy child Id, HOW W.
scene occurred Mr.. Mantell had secured
from the property room one OF Inose
stuffed dummy policemen 1t had paoiy-
battered papier mache face, that was un-
mistakably Hibernian. With this siX-foot
dummy he placed himself out OF sight or
the audience, but where Madame ModJeska
could plainly see him and hear him. AS
she gazed out into the imaginary park,
end delivered the. touching lines ABOVE
given, Mr.. Manteli was softly SINGING,
song then at the height of its distracting
popularity. The while he gently swung 10
and fro in his arms that aWfuI Eunlny.
The sight 50 luderouss US that MaHame be
LAUGHTER. and the death of Camille was
delayed while. she. left the stage long i
enough to get herself again III cohuiIioh ="
go on with the part
Park Theater-''The VOOdoo"
Tn the line of the so-called musical COM
edy" there is nothing more original and
amusing than "The Voodoo," In which
Thomas E. Murray began a three days en-
gagement at the Park yesterday. Ihe piece
is full of ridiculous complications and funny
scenes, and it gives Mr.. Murray an oppor-
tunity to be vastly amusing in his own way,
and he does not resort to horse play to ac-
complish this result Miss Ada Rothner,
always an intelligent and graceful actress,
has one of the leading parts. and the com,
pany throughout is g. good one. The muslcai
specialties are all new and attractive. Inc
performance made a decided hit with two
large audiences yesterday. 1t will be re-
peated at both performances to-day ana To-