The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-10-25
CUT FL W.
PeffiSDryGOOdS CO
AMUSEMENTS.

skinner H~ypnotized the Furnftare.
otis Skinner should feel everlasting
ly grateful toward the dramatic editor
OF the Evening Marlowemaniac who has
made the discovery that ''he is, in truth.
a veteran actor" Prior to his Indianapolis
engagement Mr.. Skinner was only timidly
feeling his way along the shore, as it
were. At times, possibly, dim visions Of
honor and achievement fitted across his
mind tempting him to make a venture in
the dramatic business, but he was ever
fearful about how the public might receive
an actor with only seventeen years exper-
fence. until he should see what The Even
Ing M-arlowemaniac would have to say
about him. Now that he has been really
discovered and the brand Of veteran
stamped on his passports Otis Skinner will
be permitted TO hoist sail and launch forth.
The heart OF Mr.. SINNERS discoverer was
strangely touched at the performance Of
His Grace De Grammont'' and the per
fectly glowing impersonation'' put some Of
the queerest notions in the head OF the dis
coverer that ever afflicted an overworked
dramatic writer. For instance, the girls
are naively informed that mo young wom-
an would fear him." Elderly females pre-
sumably married, too are told "0ld women
would come 70 him Tor counsel aIter Wnicn.
himself a black eye for meddling with the
wives and daughters, the cunning dramatic
distress" II Mr.. Skinner should ever be
'in distress" he now knows he will never
lack friends. Mr.. Skinner is unmarried,
a young man OF many fine personal traits
and, who knows. maybe the above little
reminder to the girls might lead to a
Marlowemaniac's dramatic column also be-
comes a sort of marriage bureau for which
the publishers should be required by Mayor
Denny to take out a license, as Is done in
CnfcQ On II WAS nprnQDS an oversight that
Mr.. SINNERS discoverer did not say the
babies all cry for him.
But there Is more. The numerous gems
OF thought to which this dramatic censor's
brain constantly Is giving birth are at
times crowded in the background by some
particularly clever bit of fine writing"
showing how much closer an observer is he
OF what is going on behind the footlights
than others In the audience This modest dra-
matte editor took the pains to tell the people
about the following thrilling occurrence in
the performing of His Grace De Gram
that Mr.. skinner lis. in truth. a veteran
actor" and the description reads:
"As he approached the table with his
Sp In q paper is not sta1ed5 land was
ready TO sit, the chair-a light rustic one
cit also had four legs, two arms, one back,
slid around against the table in an i'm
possible position. The actor was at the
end OF his lines There was nothing more
covered the gloves lying on the table. Most
actors would have taken hold of the chair,
Strengthened it and sat down Mr.; Skin-
tiought). "He simply made a long
pause" deep breath here). bowed his
a girl playing boo with a baby, moved
a bit" CLIMAX coming, pushed the chair hair
Il and went on with the action" (GoshD
Was ever dramatic critic more observant
tina this? Surely nothing but the lack
of time prevented him from painting the
above exciting dramatic action in verse
Last night at $50 the theater was full,
The curtain already up rung,
When friend Otis Skinner came on to the
stage,
And into "Grammont'' his soul flung.
Now, "as he approached the table" r. c.
Behold. "the chair Ga light rustic one)."
Was suddenly took of a mt.
THE actor was plumb at the end OF his
lines"
So he had nothing more for to say.
IF that chair doesn't come to itself pretty
soon,"
Thought the star. cit viii bust up the
play"
Most actors. In frenzy. or sodden despair
Might have called on the , gods Smy or di. police,
forsoothl
Views with scorn such a mode Of release.
The people all sat in breathless suspense
A happy thought struck Mr.. Skinner
showed forth
In a way unlike any beginner.
He artfully made a very long pause"
Bowed his head'-only once-"ther
L.o. the chair. by this bit of magic. stood
And then-otis Skinner. he took it,