The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-03-18
AT THE ~PLAYHOUSES
Senator Crane in a New Play, to
Be Followed by Nine. MOdjeska.
Brother john Said to Be a Success
AOdjeska'S New Play =. At
the Other Houses.

Brother john" one OF the Compromised
novelties of the ramati season. will mako
its bid for favor at the Grand Opera House
next Thursday night. This is the plav
Martha Morton wrote for comedian William
II. Crane, and in which that actor has won
much success. The story Of the play is ex-
ceedingly simple. John Hackett. its princi-
pal parsonage. is a man Of middle age. red
headed and a bachelor. His family con-
sists OF Sophie, d tall, iaxen-haired girl.
Beck, MS spinster sister, and little Bobby.
a rough, uncouth lad. who is "A member OF
the volunteer fire department and who.
when there is a fire. stands at the corner
and "hollers." Sophie has been away TO
New York and when she returns to Bethel
she discovers that her old home is ins1ffer-
ably dull and stupid. She wants 10 see life.
and she talks so volubly about the gay side
OF the world that she turns poor. slow-go-
ing old Beck's head and she, too, desires TO
go away. After some trouble John con-
sents TO allow his family TO take a vacation
and when next seen they are at Long Branch
where they are living in a most -extravagant
fashion. They have as their guests a lot
Of undesirable people, whom they imagine
VIII give them social standing. John visits
them and when he sees the expensive man.
neF III Wnlcn they are living orders them
home, but they nearly break his heart with
their defiance and refuse TO go. AS he is
about 10 20 alone. Bobby, who was never
known TO drink. staggers in drunk, creates
a scene and John determines TO remain and
try 10 save his family from the ruin that
Is staring them in the face. Things then go
from bad TO worse. Bobby, who has been
under the tuition Of a gambler, FORCES a
check for S1,OOO. He is led TO propose for
the hand Of the daughter OF two of his sis
ter's guests. When John hears of this he
loses all patience and drives the crowd Of
sycOphantS from his house. The family is
glad TO return home, the lesson having
been learned that that IS the rock upon
IS an amusing scene between Sophie, her
sweetheart and Brother John, and a very
affecting one when Bobby returns penitent
and asks his brother to forgive him. The
old nan fOrgiVeS every one and over a
game Of chess with the foreman of his fac
earthly happiness. The play is pure in
thought and sweet in sentiment. 1t is de-
void OF all immoral suggeStlveness. Mr..
Crane will be the John Hackett.
In addition to the opening night, Brother
John" Will be played Friday evening and at
the matinee Saturday afternoon. On Satur-
day night Mr.. Crane will close his engage
ment with a revival of Lloyd and ROsen-
fields delightful comedy, The Senator" in
which the eminent comedian has been seen
Hon. Hannibal Rivers affords him wide
scope for the display of his talents. As Is
well known THE Senator" deals with life
in Washington and is an. exceedingly inter-
eSting play. Mr.. Cranes company Is an
excellent one, being practically the same
other large cities. The seat sale will begin
tomorrow morning.