The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-11-24
WEEK OF FINE DRAMA
wHYTAL's "FoR FAIR VIRGINIA.
AND SKINNER Ar THE GRAND.
Lincoln j.. Carter's New Play at En-
giish's-Gus Hill mt Empire, and
"Hoss and Hoss- mt the Park.

al AAC aA&Ao- VI
virginia. the Southern play OF romantic
interest that will have it's initial Indianapo-
lis hearing at the Grand Opera House to-
morrow night, gives promise OF becoming
a prominent figure among native playrights.
Mr.. Whytal was born in Boston. and began
life as student in the law office of Andrew
Russ, a noted member of the Massachu-
sets bar. Immediately following the demise
OF the distinguished attorney Mr.. Whytal.
who had always manifested an inclination
to be an actor, Joined the famous Boston
Museum Stock Company, of which the late
William Warren was the leading character
comedian. After FIVE years of study and
work his talents secured for him a place
with Booth and Barrett. Remaining with
that organization long enough to achieve
public recognition as an artist of intelli-
gence and great versatility, he associated
himself with the fortunes OF Minna Gale, at
one tim a popular legitimate star. Since
that time Mr.. whytal has been identified
with a number of high-class attractions.
until he found a congenial position in
George Hollands Stock Company at the
Grand-avenue Theater, Philadelphia, where
he soon became a f~avorite. 1t was while
there he met Marie Knowles, the talented
atlACSS wiz AZ NV III IA toi.
For Fair Virginia" was written about
six years ago. but not until last season
did an opportunity present itself to give
this play a proper and deserving production.
It was, therefore, at the Fifth-avenue Thea
ter, New York, that the author Of For
Fair Virginia realized the fruits Of his
ambition.
In this play there is none of the sensa-
tionalism 50 common of late years. 1t is a
production with delicate sentiment, pleasing
comedy, and requiring the refinement Of art
on the part OF those who take part in the
production. Mr.. Whytal himself. and Mrs.
Whytal. as we'll as the other members OF
the original cast, among whom are Mabel
Knowles, Carrolton Macy. Cyril Young. John
Woodland, Charles S. Able, and a dozen
other clever people, as well as all the de-
tails of the magnificent scenic investure
that distinguished the metropolitan produc-
ton. will add to what promises to be a
dramatic treat this week.
Otis skinner Comes Thanksgiving Day
The approaching engagement Of Otis Skin
ner, which opens at the Grand Opera House
with a Thanksgiving day matinee. will pre-
sent that popular young star in five plays
His Grace De Grammont," wilton the
Vagabond." Hamlet" Merchant Of Ven-
Ice" and Katherine and Petruchio," the
last two forming Saturday nights double
bill. The success Mr.. Skinner had last year
with his two productions, His Grace De
Grammont" and 1.-The Kings Jester" was
sufficient to induce him to make a new pro-
duction for the present season. His new
play is called wilton the Vagabond." 1t is
a romantic drama in four acts, the scene
being laid in Paris. The central figure,
around which the play is written, is Fran
co.'s villon. villon was the Chaucer of
did for Anglo-Saxon Villon did for the Gallo.
He gave to medieval poetry something 1t
never had prior to the appearance of his
type; morally, he was a degenerate. The
incidents in his life, were it possible to col
lect them all, would fill volumes. Unfor-
tunately, his biographers are few, and the
infoi nation one is able to obtain about this
remarkable man is very meagre. One thing
is certain-his life was full Of romance,
there being enough to suit even the most
captious student. That he was a vagabond,
probably a thief and possibly a murderer,
there has been no attempt on the part of his
b.ographers to deny, and, more than this, 1t
good living, inclined to debauchery.
The role which Mr.. Skinner will assume
Is said to be admirably suited to his re-
fined manners. In his supporting company
year, and has materially strengthened the
company by the addition Of several players
who are favorably known In the dramatic
profession.
The engagement will open with a matinee
performance of his last years success, His
Grace De Grammont."
"The D%efaulter."
IdncoIn T. Carriers latest plav sHThe IA