The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-10-23
PLAY BILLS THIS WEEK
s1IIsFIT MARRIAGE, AND "MOTH
AND THE FLAME. AT ENGLIsH's.
Grand stock Company VIII Give "The
Wife"-DoubIe Bill mt the Park
Empire Vaudeville.

Two new plays will have the stage at
English's this week. "a Misfit Marriage"
which opens the week. is another modern
farce by Du Souchet. and 1.-THE Moth and
the Flame" which comes the last half of
the week, is said to be the best work Of
Clyde Fitch, the author of Otis SINNERS
His Grace de Grammont," Mansheids
'Beau Brummel." and Nathan Hale" in
which Nat Goodwin is now starring
An evening of hilarious fun is promised
at English's on Monday and Tuesday nights.
when a new farce called "A Misfit Mar
Tiage." written by Mr. II. A. Du Souchet,
who has furnished to the stage during the
past two seasons those admirable comic
constructions, MY Friend from India and
THE Man from Mexico" will be produced.
1t was given for the first time in Wash
ington on Oct. and received the genuine
marks Of favor by the audience, and it's
merits as mirthful production strongly
commended by the press. A matrimonial
union in which the wrong bride is Joined to
an expectant husband is the principal in
cident In the new piece. Additional compl-
cations are furnished by the ludicrous mis-
takes of two of the chief personages who,
unaware of each others identity, have en-
gagged in a personal conflict resulting in
some absurdities incident to the great Mardi
Gras festival in New Orleans. Mr.. Du
Souchet's success in farce writing has been
signal. His pieces are clean, bright and
original and many Of the situations in them
irresistibly funny. The reports indicate that
his latest work is fully as entertaining as
any which have preceded It. The company
which Messrs. Smyth and Rice have en-
gagged to present the piece contain Max Fig
man, Clayton White, Harry Herman, Nal
colin Bradley, Thomas MaGuire, Frank NJ
Kendrick, A. j. Edwards, Ina Hammer,
Katherine Mulkins, MilHe James, Lucille
Num- and Ann Warrington. The prestige
now attaching to the name of Mr.. Du
Souchet is pretty sure to attract a large
audience to see one Of his plays for the
first time. 49,
An attraction that compels the attention
of theatergoers will hold the stage at En-
glish's the last half of the week. when
company of able and popular players will
be seen In play new to this city, by an
American author, whose successes have
made any new work from his pen a source
of very pleasant anticipation. The Kelley
Shannon company, which is headed by Her
bert Kelley and Effie Shannon, has made an
impression as one of the best in the coun-
try. Clyde Fitch's will readily commend it
self to the favor Of playgoers. Though still
a very young man, Mr.. Fitch has come
strongly to the front through his recent eff
forts. and any work from his pen is as
sured in advance of serious and critical con-
sideration- Mr.. Fitch has written many
plays, but for dramatic strength, boldness
of treatment and contemporaneouS value
THE Moth and the Flame" Is said to sur
pass them all. In the composition of light
and airy dialogue no American writer is SUI
perior to Mr.. Fitch. His observation of the
foibles is keen and trenchant. His sense of
humor is alert and his execution is spark
ling. His stage pictures of modern society
are as truthful as Pinero's are of English
life. In 1.-THE Moth and the Flame there
Is no lack of force. 1t tells the story of
man with past Edward Fletcher, who
seeks to marry Marion Wolton, the daugh-
ter of a banker who has squandered trust
funds in his care. TO save the name of the
family, unknown to the daughter, Fletcher
assumes the responsibility of paying them.
The world knows him to have been profit
gate. but Marion believes in him, and even
at the altar remains true to him in the face
of Jeanette Gross's denunciation. jean
nette is the mother of Fletcher's child.
When he strikes the woman Marion's whole
with a powerful and dramatic situation.
Maddened TO desperation Fletcher in the
final act endeavors to bully Marion into
marriage, but means are found to check
him and through the influence of the woman
he so madly loves he gives his name to the
mother of his child The story of the play
deals almost entirely with people who are
counted among New Yorlxs 400" The
frivolities and sorrows of what is known as
the smart set are shown.
The first act takes place in the home Of
wealthy banker, where an amateur vaude-
vile performance and a fancy children's
dress party, SO much in vogue among fash
ionable society in New York. are going on.
The second act occurs tn the chapel of a
fashionable New York church before and
during a wedding ceremony. The last act
takes place in the home OF the heroine the
day after the wedding. The production will
be entirely new. In the very excellent
company are 'lch well-known names as
Joseph e. Whiting. Bruce McRae. Edward
See. David Terrence Charles Steadman. c.
S. Robinson. Marion Abbott. Grace Reals.
Isabel Waldron. Winona Shannon, Leila
Ellis, Ethel Kingston. Mary Hansen Mamie
Dunn. Mrs. Frances Ferren. Emma Jan
vier, George Eichels. George Flannery.