The Indianapolis journal., 1903-05-11

PARK.-"A Barrel or Money, and
p. m.
Theatrical Notes.
With the engagement Of z. II. Sothern In
Justin Huntley McCarthy's romantic play,
eff I Were King" the theatrical season at
EngIishs will be brought to a close to-
morrow night. Mr.. Sothern's temperance
here I'm his picturesque impersonation OF
Villon, the vagabond, will be welcome
event, and the theater will doubtless be
crowded. No play presented in Indianapolis
last season left a stronger impression than
did Sothern's production of this medieval
romance, and the present opportunity to
witness the play will be appreciated all the
more when ii is understood that this is the
last season SOthern will be seen In 1t, al
though his success In the drama has been
great enough TO warrant his continuing to
present IL for still another season. IF
Were King" Is founded on scenes and per-
sons of one of the most picturesque periods
of the history of France, allowing Sothern
to reflect the authors meaning with a
wealth OF colorful scene, brilliant costum-
ing and striking dramatic ensemble. As
Francois Villon, the vagabond. poet, the
pennIess master of arts and the dreamer
of Dreams the actor has fine opportunity
for the display OF all his talents. Sothern's
VillOn Is the most popular character he has
ever given to the stage. Cecilia LOTUS Is
his leading woman this year. portraying
the character of the lovely Katharine de
Vaucelles. George W. Wilson. who has
made the success OF his career in the role
of Louis XI. continues to play that part,
and the other leading roles will all be in
terpreted by prominent players.
The Holden stock company will open its
second week at the Park with to-day's mat
inee. presenting "A Barrel of Money for
the first half of the week and "The Two
Orphans for the latter half. "A Barrel of
Money" has been seen at the Park upon
many occasions. and has far never failed
TO prove very strong attraction. II Is a
comedy drama with a number of sensational
situations. and. the Holdens present 1t,
there are several laughable incidents in the
play. The stage has had all kinds Of realis-
tic effects. and one would suppose that the
stage mechanics skill had been tested to
the utmost but In "A Barrel OF Money
there is fully equipped stationary steam
engine used I'm showing the machinery room
of an iron mill. One OF the most exciting
scenes in the play takes place in this Iron
mill" John Preston will, usual. appear
as the hero of the piece. and Bernice How
ard, who won many new admirers last week
leading feminine role. The other parts will
be In capable hands, and there will be spe-
cialties between the acts.
Skipper & Co.; Wall Street." the new
comedy produced last week at the Garrick
Theater. New York. is said to contain sew
eral very interesting scenes, and 1t is
thought that the piece will prove a sue
cess Maclyn Arbuckle, who appeared In
itndianapohis in a rs n 1ew weeks "a ago as the Lead
has made a personal hit in the principal
male character of the new play. Mr. Ar
buckle was busily studying two new parts
while he was in Indianapolis with the
Mack company-his role the Irish gen.
eral I'm the revival of -Pogue''
and his role In skipper e. Co.; Wall
called upon to portray two characters so
widely different In every way in two brand
new productions within one months time.
Those who witnessed Nat Goodwin and
Maxine Elliott's production of "The Altar
of Friendship in this city recently, will
remember the bulldog, Buster, who enacts
quite an important role in the play Buster
is the most beautifully ugly bulldog i'm the
w9rId; Feopne VINO Know anything about
description OF him. The only thing that
STANDS In the way of Miss Elliott or Mrs.
Goodwin rather, going a-starring inde-
pendently next season Is this same Buster
Mr.. Goodwin says that Buster must remain
In his company while Mrs. Goodwin saws
that she is certain her first starring ven
ture will turn out unluckily If Buster does
not accompany her on her travels. Just
what the outcome OF the discussion will he
there Is no telling. Buster himself is main-
tanning a dignified silence.
1t is very probable that Fay Davis, the
young woman who will be remembered by
Indianapolis theater-goers for her delightful
work with William Faversham in "Impru-
dence." will be sent on a starring tour next
season by Charles Frohman. Miss Davis
made a most favorable impression every
where this season She Is a most interest
Ing actress. having characteristics all her
own. She reveals no greatness, perhaps,
but she Is perfect within her limitations
She struck Indianapolis theater-eoers as
being something new and thoroughly artis-
tic.
May Irwin has again changed her mind
and now declares that she will not return
to the stage next season after all, but will
continue her holiday. which has already
lasted one year. Cor fifty-two additional
weeks. None OF the plays submitted to
her Judgment has come up TO her expecta-
tions and she says that she will not act
again until she can appear In a rafting
good comedy. She Is willing to pay a big
price for the right play and is anxious to
examine the work of new playwrights in
the hope of running across something good
As was to be expected. New Workers. are
laughing at Ezra Kendall himself but they
consider his play. THE Vinegar Buyer"
pretty poor stuff-and they are right. Mr..
Kendall has been seeking New York
opening all season but was unable 10 Sc
cure theater In the metropolis until last
week Just why he should insist upon in
dictipg THE Vinegar Buyer upon New
York Is mystery, as he must surely be
alive to its shortcomings.
William A. Brady's production of The
Pit" dramatfzed from Frank Norris's
novel OF that name. will have its premier
n Chicago in October. with Wilton Lack
Ve In the leading male character. Man.