The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-05-07
ADJUSTMENTS.


Now that the second stock company sea-
son In Indianapolis has ended, a RETROSPECT
tive view OF the company's work may not
be amiss. The management declares that.
from a pecuniary standpoint the season has
been better than the one which preceded it.
This statement is not doubted. but the fact
remains that other considerations than
excellence of company or plays enter into
1t. The spirit of economy has been more
manifest in the conduct of the affairs of
the company this year than last. When
Mr.. Macy partner in leading roles, Mr..
J. H Kolker. resigned and left the city
several weeks ago, three entire weeks
elapsed before a player was secured to fill
the vacancy. Again. when Miss Violet
Rand left a like period of time passed away
before a new ingenue made her appearance.
A further instance of the policy of econo-
my which has been the rule at the Grand
the current season is TO be found in the
large number of non-royalty plays which
have been presented. Notable among these
were 1.-THE New Magdalen'' and 'Ingomar."
Last season at least one play upon which
a royalty of $500 per week had to be paid
was produced. and it was claimed that the
repertory included several such pieces.
lis ccdSOn lit pays uPOH WnlCn HO IOg-
atty was required have far outnumbered
those calling for. payments of money for
their use. Those who are in a position to
know about such things, say also that the
scenery and properties displayed on the
stage of the Grand this season have fallen
below last years high standard. 1t is also
true that the scenic artist of the season
just concluded was the assistant of Mr..
Ritter; last years artist. Mr.. Harry John
son. the efficient master of properties last
season. was succeeded by his first assistant
at the opening OF the season which closed
Saturday night. So much for reductions
AS TO the work of individual members of
the company, there are many conflicting
opinions. Miss Shannon, the leading
woman, has made many personal friends
during her two seasons with the company,
but even her most ardent admirers will
scarcely deny that she has run the gamut
OF her ability as an actress. Miss Shan
non is undoubtedly a sweet, lovable woman
and considerable OF an actress, but a fur
Their engagement in Indianapolis would in
jure rather than help her career.
Mr.. Kolker. who left the company some
weeks ago, was one of its strongest and
most popular members. He would be given
q hearty reception should he see fit to re-
turn next season. When he began his en-
gagement at the Grand last fall Mr.. Kolke
was the recipient OF criticism after criti-
cism of the most discouraging character.
However. instead of being cast down, he
put his shoulder manfully to the wheel and
went steadfastly ahead, with the all-ab-
sorbing purpose of compelling recognition
and admiration, with the result that he
finally reached a position at the head of the
company, and his absence has been keenly
regretted
Carleton Macy claims that he was en-
gagged to play comedy leads and his
work in the few parts OF this character to
which he has been assigned has substanti-
ated his claim. For some occult reason.
however. Mr. Macy has been cast in ILL
assorted roles with exasperating frequency,
and at one time he had almost made up his
mind to leave the organization for this
reason. Mr.. Macy has, nevertheless, fixed
himself firmly In the friendship OF patrons
OF the Grand, and IT Is believed that he
would do well another season IL allowed to
fmpersonate characters adapted 10 his Pc
culiar ability.
Mr.. Camps acting has been of such I'M
even character as TO make a forecast or
his future wellnigh impossible. His first
and last representations were both very
poor, the last Uord Windermere) being
worse than the first.
There is no doubt at all that Miss La
Verne is wanted back next season. In fact.
Mr.. Hunt has intimated as much to her in
engaging her for one of his stock compa-
mics next year. Miss La Verne is another
member of the company whose ability has
been kept In repression for some occult
reason In view of this fact IL was a mat
ter OF no small surprise 10 her friends that
she should be allowed the opportunity of
her stock career at the very last of the
season. The remark was freely made Sat
urday night that 1.-The management want to
= Al - IA 10 RaAC ~ eCh0 ICA W H
6ianapclis next fall" The tremendous ova-
ton which was given Miss La Verne prob
ably solved the difficulty.
Thomas NJ Reynolds. who Is a light
comedian par excellence and has had abun-
dant opportunity TO demonstrate his ability
I'm this line OF work. has other work in view
for next season, but he could return to
Indianapolis II he felt inclined to do so.
Herman Sheldon was asked a few days
ago IL he was coming back next fall
"What's the user" said he. 81 like Indian
apolis and / like the people here immense
ly. but they all know what 1 can do in
character acting and they are all familiar
with my personal appearance and my vari-
Gus make-ups. I think / had better go
and make new friends. 1t will
be Of more benefit 10 ME in my future
career" This is merely Mr.. Sheldon's opin-
ion. Saturday nights audience, IL a poll
had been taken of their desire In the mat
ter. might have announced a different con-
clusion.
Wright Kramer is a member of the stock
company who has been little known. save
during the latter portion OF its engage
ment. in which time he has done a num-
Der OF characteriZations which stamp him
an actor of no mean ability. Mr.. Kramer
made a distinctly favorable impression by
his excellent portrayal OF Lord Augustus
Lorton ia Lady Windermere's Fan" the
latter part OF last week, and Saturday
night received quite as cordial a greeting
as did his confreres. IL is likely that Mr..
Kramer would be assured of a friendly
reception II he should be re-enegaged next
season.
The popularity OF the society play. I'm
which Miss Donic0 appears 10 such fine
advantage. makes that young woman's re-
engagement one of the pleasant possibili-
ties of next year at the Grand. She has
also done work Of q superior order I'm other
plazz. notably as Eunicc. the slave girl