The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-05-21
INDIANA AUTHORS GROUP
EIGHT wELL-KNOwN WRITER'S TO
APPEAR AT ENTERTAINMENT.
They VIII Give Their Services for the
Benefit of the Harrison Me-
mortal Fund.

An entertainment unparalleled in the
history of the State. or the country for
that matter will be given at Englishs
Opera House Saturday night, May 81. for
the benefit Of the Harrison memorial fund.
This announcement, made some days ago
in the Indianapolis papers has aroused
even greater interest than was anticipated,
and when the group of Indiana authors
who to furnish the entertainment face
the audience a week from next Saturday
night, they will find such a welcome as
has rarely been accorded even favorite
stage celebrities.
When it comes to authors, in pretty
much everything else, Indiana can justly
claim a place in front. and with such
Whitcomb Riley, Booth Harrington
Charles Major, George AIDE, Mrs. Mary
Hartwell Catherwood, George Barr Nc
Cutcheon and Meredith Nicholson TO con-
ture with the committee of the Harrison
Monument Association in charge of the
entertainment will find IL difficult to pro-
vide seating accommodations for the great
audience that will be on hand the night
of May 81.
The stage success of ben Hur" con-
tinues undated and it is scoring the same
triumphs in foreign theaters as il did in
this country. To hear General Wallace
read from his favorite work will be a
novelty enjoyed by no other audience In
the world. and indianapolis and the State
at large will appreciate the opportunity
offered. ''Ben-Hur's" engagement at
English's next fall will thus be anticipated
by the authors appearance for the first
and only time on the stage, which will in
a few months resound to the clatter of
horses hoofs as the great chariot scene
from the play is reproduced.
George AIDE, with his funny fables, can
not well help attracting his full share
of attention. His recent venture in the
Id 4. i
ditional fame, for 1.-The Sultan of Sulu''
is playing TO crowded houses in Chicago,
where it has been running several weeks.
There is much curiosity 10 see George
AIDE that he will attract more attention
and arouse more interest than most big
theatrical shows.
Charles Majors fame as the author of
one of the most successful novels of recent
years-"When Knighthood Was in Flower"
and the popularity of both book and play
will make his reading from that novel
very interesting.
Booth Tarkington's face is familiar to
indianapolis people, but his stage appear
ances.-except in the Dramatic Club-have
been limited to the few words of thanks
on the recent occasion of Mr.. Mansfield S
engagement In "Beaucaire." Hence the
novelty of hearing him do something in
this line Will appeal TO his friends and
the public.
Mrs. Catherwood's "Lazarre' is such a
dramatic book that ii readily lends itself
to stage purposes. and as a play next sea-
son ii will doubtless bring this talented
woman additional fame. She will read some
of it's most dramatic episodes at the COM
ing entertainment.
Mr.. Rileys share of the programme
would be heavier than he bargains for
were the public to have its way, and there
have already been many requests for
various favorite pieces. No matter what
Mr.. Riley chooses it will be welcome
that the audience will be 10th to part with
him. Each year he does less platform
work. and there is no telling when this
city will have another chance to hear him
on the stage. 1t is a privilege that few
Will care to miss.
George Barr McCutcheon's "Graustark"
is another book that will make a strong
play and that authors readings at the
approaching entertainment will arouse in
terest.
Meredith Nicholson, so we'll known in
this. his home city, and who has written
much dainty verse, is one of the Indianap-
oils group who helps make up half of the
programme, for General Wallace is counted
as from this city, where he spends much
of his time.
Announcement of the date of opening
the seat sale is eagerly awaited and it
is predicted that the sale will rival the
big ones that hold the record here The
committee will fix the date in a few days.
1t will probably be deemed advisable to
will be the pressure for seats. Besides
the remarkable merit and brilliancy of the
programme and the altogether unusual
character of the entertainment, city and
State pride will be aroused by the object
for which it is given and the fact that
the authors are true and representative
HooSiers.