The Indianapolis journal., 1903-12-07

OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES ana ID. m
The week will open at English's tonight
with a performance of the new musical
farce comedy. 1.-The Awakening of Mr..
Pipp." with Charles Grapewin, Anna
Chance ami a number of other prominent
funmakers In the leading parts. The only
claim put forth for this new show is that
IT is full Of fun and bright music. Mr..
Grapewin was known in vaudeville for
years as a very original comedian who
could always be counted upon for clever
farcical sketches.
With Miss Chance as his associate in
numerous vaudeville comediettas, he gained
wide reputation as ''headliner," and
was always given the place of honor on
every programme to which he contributed.
This is his first season as a star in a three
act comedy and. according to reports. sue
cess has rewarded his efforts SO far this
season. Mr.. Grapewins manager has sur
capable company OF comedians and singers.
Al w. Maddox, Fred Wayne and Sallie
stembler all have important roles to play
and are given many opportunities for the
display OF their talents.
All were formerly well-known vaudeville
stars. The scenic effects OF the new farce
are said to be quite elaborate and the
musical numbers very catchy. Among the
songs to be rendered in the course Of the
piece are 18th rThs Races" >. How , I Love to
~ in the Morning" waiting. "The Pop
py and the Golden Rod" and the favorite
"Bedelia-"
novelty will be the rendering of several
song selections by John Kurkamp. who is
the musical director of the show. Mr.
Kurkamp is the only conductor on the road
who Is also vocalist. He Will be heard
between the acts.
One of the best character sketches pre-.
sented at the Grand last season was "The
Counsel for the Defense" as enacted by
Mr.. and Mrs. Robyns. and one Of the best
farcical acts ever seen In that theater was
the one given there last year by the Bar
rows-Lancaster company. Both Mr.. and
Mrs. Robyns and the Barrows-Lancaster
company are on the bill at the Grand this
welcome sketch and the latter I'm a brand
new act called "a Chip of the Old Block"
which has been scoring hit In the East
Associated with the two comedians.
James o. Barrows and John Lancaster, are
Hazel Hazel Chapel and nd, James mes A: Dickson. and
real baby" who plays an important part
in the piece. will furnish comical play
Dave Genaro and Ray Bailey two very
clever singers and dancers. will be on the
programme. They are old favorites here
and are sure OF a hearty reception. Nor
rissey and Rich will contribute a laughable
act called "A Breach of Promise" and the
other participants in the entertainment will
Mrs. Neil Lichfeld. in Halloween at
Brook Farm Alice Raymond, the musical
artist. and Rice and Elmer. comedy gym
nasts.
The Ibsen dramas are surely gaining in
popularity with the American theater-going
public. Mary Shaw played Ghosts" dur
ing the greater part Of last season and did
20 well In that gloomy drama that she is
devoting all Of her attention TO II this sea-
SON Mrs. Ffske, who has produced Ibsen'
doll House" from time TO time during
former seasons, Is now playing "Hedda
Gabler" at special matinees while on tour
In MARY Of Magdala." Blanche Bates
management In The Darling OF the Gods, "
has a leaning toward Ibsen and is DESTROYS
or portrayng some Of the Norwegian poets
heroines In the near future. Elita Proctor
Otis. the Indianapolis emotional actress is
now tourning the middle West and South
In "Hedca Caller" and will be seen at
Englishs week from tonight in that
play, which. by the way, has never been
presented in this city.
The Night Before Christmas" which 4
said TO appeal particularly to women and
children. begins three days engagement
at the Park this afternoon. 1t tells the
story OF struggle which a father has
between love for q and his duty To 2
commonwealth, the father having 10 SEN
tence the boy to death and refusing wher
elected Governor later. to pardon him. Ths
play takes It's scenes from a country distric
In Ohio.
Jack Demuir plays the role OF a circui
judge, and later that OF the Governor III,
N particularly fitted for the role OF fudge
He was graduated from the University oi
Pennsylvania and is a member OF the bar
OF philadelphia, where he practiced law un.
I'll he became ambitious to appear on the
stage. Another member OF the COMPANY
"a Amanda Hendrix. a young actress. who
n said 10 have promising future
The Vanity Fair BurlesQuers are well
known to Empire patrons and they will he
at the local home OF burIesque all week
opening with the matinee th.. afternoon
The Empire has been enjoying a run q,
good attractions OF late and the 'sVanitv
Fair" show will have 10 be a good one 81
satisfy the lovers OF burlesque In past
seasons this combination has always been
s'up TO the mark"
The company Is headed this year by Mile
Ami. the pretty aerial performer: Jack
Gardner. the black-face singer OF parodies
Imhon and Conn. the irish Comedians:
Sheridan and Angel, farceurs. and Cook