The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-01-20

What would the matinee idols and popu-
lar comedians of to-day think of such COM
pensation for their labOrs? Yet their tasks
are easy, with possibly two roles TO learn
I'm z season, compared to their brethren of
a century ago, who had to be up in thirty
or forty parts during the year. III the his
torianS OF the period are TO be. DeneVed,
performances of high order of r1erit were
given.
John Hodgkinson, who was one of the
first lessees Of the Park Theater, which
was opened on Jan. 20, 1898. had been
member of the John Street Theater stock
Company. He was born in Manchester,
England. in 1861. His father was an inn
keeper of the name of Meadowcraft. Hodg-
kinson appeared with success IN England
before he came to this country. Low COM
edy was his forte, but he was remarkably
versatile actor and great favorite Ire.
land says: 'He played tragedy, genteel
and light comedy, opera and pantomime
with almost equal ability, and his desire TO
monopolize the heroes in almost every de-
partment caused many and bitter quar-
rels with his professional brethren.
Mrs Hodgkinson, who was formerly MISS
Brett, of the Bath England Theater, was
the daughter of a singer at Covent Gar
den. She was a soubrette, ana, toccord-
ing TO Ireland, "an excellent and versatile
actress.
Thomas Abthorpe Cooper was born in Ire
land in 1776 and was one of the most dlS-
tinguished actors of his day. He mace MS
first appearance in Philadelphia on Dec: .,
1896 as Macbeth. He was first seen at the
Park Theater on Feb. %, 1913, In the role
of Hamlet. Ireland says or him, AS
tragedian he was without rival MT.
Cooper's daughter married the son OF Presi-
dent Tyler.
Mrs Meimoth, of whom the historian
said, mo actress of tragedy In New 1ork
could compete with her." was the daugn-
ter of a Surrey farmer and had achieved
fame in her own country, appearing with
much success as Lady Macbeth at CoVent
Garden before she came to this country
to accept a salary OF 80.
Lewis Hallam, who as a youth was
member of the first company Of players
that appeared in this country. was the
son of the first Lewis Hallam, who headed
that company. He was very popular
actor and was considered especially me IN
comedy. but was also good in tragedy.
Mrs Hallam, the wife or Lewis Hallain,
was accounted an actress or merit, al
though she never achieved the fame OF
either Mrs. HOdgkinson or Mrs. Melmoth
Joseph jefferson, of whom the historian
saws I'm low or eccentric comedy he was
seldom equaled was the grandfather or
the present Joseph jefferson. lie was the
son of Joseph jefferson, an English actor
of prominence, and was born in Plymouth,
England, in INA.
Ellen Westray was noted in her day, and
excelled as Ophella and DesdeEona. Mrs.
Seymour was an ingenue. very popular and
a great beauty John f. Martin, the
sistant stage manager, was accounted an
extremely useful member of the stock COM
pany. Mr.. Tyler was intrusted with many
singing parts, and was especially good in
serious elderly characters. Mr.. Fox had
both vocal and histrionic abilities. Lewis
Hallam, jr., was not considered an i'm
portant member of the company. John
Hogg was a comedian. Mrs Hogg. at the
beginning OF the century enacted old wom-
en-. Mrs. Brett was the mother OF Mrs.
Hodgkinson and of Miss Arabella Brett.
who was an excellent singer. Miss Hard
ing. in 1900. was a child actress Miss Hogg
was a pleasing actress and the possessor
OF a fine voice.
In addition to the salary list for the &C
tors il will be observed by the following
figures that other employees were not
abundantly provided with cash: The or
chestra. numbering fourteen performers,
received $40. an average of $40 apiece;
the box office man received Si4, and the
prompter $40. 1t has been estimated that
the weekly outlay at the Park Theater
amounted 10 about $500.