The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-03-18
THE THEATERS.
To-Day's Schedule.

lO-DAy SCntuoACs
GRAND-vaudevilIe 2:15 and Sis p. m.
PARk-"Pickings from Puck, and
MISUNDERSTANDING and 8 p. m.
Theatrical Notes.
In designing the scenery for production
OF the magnitude of Mary Of Magdala,"
with a desire to present pictures whose
integrity cannot be questioned by the arch
aeologist, much time Is required for re-
search. and many authorities on architect
ural and archaeological matters must be
consulted In order to reproduce upon the
stage scenes that will, with approximate
truth. represent the originals that have
for centuries been absolutely obliterated.
All of the scenes in Mrs. Fishes great pro-
duction are said to be strikingly character
istic, because the best artistic talent has
been employed in their making. One scene,
for instance. room in the house of the
Magdalene. is adorned and furnished with
reference TO the character and state Of the
chief figure OF the play the author has
pictured her on the opening Of the drama,
with the warrant OF historical authorities.
Mary was a patrician and a woman fond of
freedom and luxury. While the Jews, dis
ungufshed in many other fields, were not
distinctively architects, they were not slow
70 adopt the forms of other races and ma
TONS to enhance their own luxury. AT the
tine OF the play Jerusalem had Incorporated
an its buildings the ideas of many peoples
Egyptian. Assyrian. Syrian, Greek and Ro-
man. Thus, an Assyrian treatment would
naturally appeal TO person whose fond
ness for luxury would guide and whose
wealth would enable her To realize home
sumptuous in those days, furnished in the
best manner of the time. which, though
time OF crudeness in many things, had its
characteristic details of richness. The muse
ums OF Europe and private collections have
supplied authorities for the construction of
this scene, well as for the various arti-
cles long obsolete In use and form that are
used to furnish and adorn IT. And a like
care Is said to have been taken with all OF
the other scenes of the play.
The sale of seats for the engagement of
Mrs Fiske continues at the Park Theater
with a heavy demand, and there is every
Indication that the thsater will be com
pletely filled at all three performances
There are still some excellent seats left,
however, as IL must be remembered that the
Park has an unusual seating capacity. The
suppression seems TO have gone abroad that
there are no more desirable seats TO be
obtained, but this is mistake. The seats
are all being sold rapidly and those who
hope TO witness the presentation OF the
great play will do well TO not delay their
trip to the box office.
xxx
The person unfamiliar with the manner
in which stage settings prepared for the
eyes Ol the duuicUCc CdUIiOl iIudsiuc WHdl
difficult task the employees on the stage
at the Grand have before them at every
performance this week in setting up the
scenery for the Girl with the Auburn
Hair" There are many pieces of electrical
apparatus used for lighting the interior
OF the church in which the fair choir girl
Is to be seen while singing her sacred songs.
and many different sets OF lights; Besides
there are large and heavy pieces of PAPER
mache used to represent the altar and the
figures in the church. The handling of all
these things. as well as the work of placing
the big pipe organ in position. requires
twelve men. and IL takes them almost half
an hour to get everything in position. When
seen from the auditorium of the theater
the scene Is a perfect representation of the
interior OF a Catholic church. The singing
of the girl is better than 1t ever was be-
fore, and, all in all, the act is one of the
most pretentious as well as one of the most
Ineritorious on the vaudeville stage.
XXX
Charles Frohman announces that he has
engaged Tyrone Power to create the part
OF Ulysses in the forthcoming American
production of Phillipss poetic drama of
that name. 1t is hard to understand how
Mr.. Frohman has managed to secure the
services OF Mr.. Power since the latter, it
Is said. has signed contract with Har-
rison Grey Fiske, Mrs. Fishes husband
Judas in MARY of Magdala' throughout
all OF next season The actor has made
the greatest success of his career In the
biblical character. and it has been known
for some time that Mr.. Frohman has been
DESTROYS of engaging him. His appearance
tica.iy mean his elevation to the ranks of
the stars but IL Is not believed that Mrs
Fiske would be willing to release him from
his contract, as Ii would be difficult mat
ter to replace him in the character of
Judas.
AS predicted in these columns during the
local engagement of sally in Our Alley
several weeks ago. the new Lederer musical
show has not proved any more of a sue
cess In other Western cities than it did in
Indianapolis. The show played in Kansas
City last week and was not received very
favorably 1t is now said that the back
ers or the company are engaged in row
among themselves. and Ii Is understood
that New York attorney is to take charge
OF the Saliys business affairs this week.
Inc sally snow was written by George
Hobart. a New York newspaper man. Its
jokes and action are all conferred in New
York. and they have but little meaning
10 the average Western audience Gotham
managers are just discovering that a show
may play TO big business in New York and
yet not be suited TO theatergoers in other
parts OF the country.
"Pickngs from Puck will close its local
engagement with two more performances
Al the Park to-day. The greatest aggrega-
ton of colored performers In the country
viii hold the boards at the Park tomorrow
afternoon and eyening-the two perform
ances being all that the Black Patti and
her ,roubadours will give I'm this city this
season. This troupe Is too well known 10
Park patrons TO require any introduction
The dusky prima donna's company this
season-the seventh season that she has
been the road-numbers nearly forty
singers. dancers and funmakers. The Black
Patti herself Is at the head OF the vocal