The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-09-25
PLAY BILLS THIS WEEK
STHE VICTORIAN CROSSE AND "GET-
TYsBURG, AT THE PARK.
ssNVhat Happened to Jones" Mt En-
glish's Next Friday-Empire to
Have "Bon Ton BurIesquers."


'sThe Victorian Cross" is the Park The
ater's attraction for the next three days,
opening with to-morrow's matinee. It is the
military drama which has had a continu-
Gus run Of nearly six years in the English
provinces and is the style of play that all
lovers of nelodrana appreciate. The story
shows the devotion of wife and mother,
who sacrifices a life of gayety and pleasure
to one of quietness in order that her son
may be kept in ignorance of his real posi-
ton, until time shall allow her to make
known to the world her proper standing
and at the same time place her son at the
head of estates from which he has been
kept. Years before the mother and son went
TO health resort and the steamer in which
they were returning home was reported lost
with all on board. The father, after some
time, not hearing from the wife and think
ing her and the child dead, married again.
When she returns he exacts a promise from
her that she viii not declare her true posi-
ton until after the death of his second wife.
She promises to do so and is engaged as
housekeeper and her son grows UP and be-
comes the gamekeeper. The fathers death
places the foster brother, Sir Richard Au-
brey, in charge of the estates. He is re-
pnisive, has taken strong dislike to Jack
and finally quarrels with him, ordering him
from the house. The scene presented here
Is intensely dramatic. Jack, who had in
tended taking up the study of law, enlsts
IN the army instead, where, by a strange
coincidence, he meets his foster brother on
the battlefield, who uses his position, that
of captain, to harm him. But Jacks heroic
deeds have been instrumental in securing
his promotion, and they are soon on equal
lootlng. After many trying ordeals Jack is
rewarded with the Victorian cross. There
are many exciting scenes portrayed
throughout the five acts The intrenchment
at CaWnpore, the battlefield. Mana Sahibs
house ana the temple sanctuary are said to
be beautiful scenic pictures. A strong vein
OF love interest and taking comedy runs
through the play: The production is under
the direction of Martin j. Dixon, who, in
company with W. M Prescott, has secured
the American rights.
The Park has another new production the
last half of this week, opening Thursday
matinee. 1t is Gettysburg" and a war
play, as its title indicates The curtain
rises on the cannon factory and home of
Daniel Pryor who is manufacturing arms
for the Southern army. Most of the COM
plications of the play arise from the love
Of John Fairfax, radical rebel and super
intendent Of the gun factory, for Florence
Pryor daughter of the owner She loves
and is loved by Tom Markham, foreman
IN the factory, and the hero of the play.
She has a Northern cousin, Claire Pryor
who is not afraid to speak her mind on ali
subjects Aunt jude the old nurse and
housekeeper, has had her hands full in try
MeIare OF her charges, chief of whom IS
Tom Markham. Daniel Pryor is killed in
the first act by the fire of a squad of Con-
federate soldiers meant for workmen in the
factory. In the second act nearly all the
characters have Joined either the Northern
or Southern army The Confederates are
h11fh of0
light fuse to secret magazine, which
blows up the building. The third act is on
is intended to represent Pickett's fatal
charge. The spectators are given q realiS-
tic picture of what battlefield after a bat
shifted to Richmond at the final struggle
Of the Confederacy.
English's-ssWhat Happened to JONES'"
OF all the new farcical productions last
year, only two Broadhurst's what Hap
pened to Jones' and De Souchett's "a Man
from Mexico" played by Willie Collier, and
largely the work of Collier himself, made
distinct hits. Both were instantly Endorsed
in this city, where farces, as a rule, never
reap hcuntiful harvest. "Why Smith Left
Home" seen here last week, is evidence that
What Happened to Jones" was not an ac-
cident on the part of Author Broadhurst.
Both plays are the work of the cleverest
farce writer since Hoyt took the American
stage by storm. What Happened to Jones'
is coming back to English's for a brief en-
gagement the last two days of this week,
with George C. Boniface in his original role
or Jones and most Of the others seen here
IN the first production of the play. Anna
Belmont is still the leading woman, playing
the part OF Cissy. the Vassar girl, who is
very much up to date and who at once
takes fancy to Jones. The story of the
play, as will be remembered, hinges on a
prize fight, which has been raided by the
police and which was attended by Professor
Goodly. In the scramble to escape arrest
Jones follows the professor to his home
and is disguised in the clothes of the pro-
1eSSorS brother, the Bishop of Balarat. For
the rest of the play Jones is masquarading
as the bishop, and has a delightful evening
at the professors residence, while the inno-
cent bishop, who arrives later, and is forced
TO put On Jones'S clothing, has a disagree
able time for three acts attempting to prove
stories running through the play and a
host OF novel situations, that make the farce
q never-Weary entertainment. Jones has
become so popular that Ii has been taken
to London. where it was the first American
farce to make hit and arrangements are
now being made to produce IL in Berlin
and Paris. Three companies are playing il
IN this country and one in Canada. The
complete cast includes George Boniface,
Anna Belmont, Kathryn Osterman, Mrs. f.
a. Eberle. Ada Craven, Florence Robinson,
Helen Bell Gerald Griffin, Frank Currier,
II. +. Robert. Lewis Newcomb, j. w. Cope
and Harry Naols 1t will open at English's
Friday night.