The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-03-20
THE THEATERs.
To-Dny,s Schedule.

PARKWAY of Magdala." p. m.
sharp.
GRAND.-vaudeville 2:15 and Sis p. m.
EMPIRE.-Burlesque, and p m.
Opening of Mrs. Fishes Engagement.
One OF the most notable events Of this or
any other theatrical season in Indianapolis
will be the engagement at the Park The
alter Of the distinguished American actress.
Mrs. Fiske. for three performances in Paul
Heyse's great drama of the crucihxion,
Mary of Magdala' The engagement will
open this evening and there will be two
representations of the play to-morrow-an
afternoon and an evening performance. 1t
was said in New York during the long run
of MARY of Magdala" at the Manhattan
Theater that there never had been pro-
duction before on a metropolitan stage in
which such pains were taken to histor-
ical verities. Experts in every field have
had to do with the presentation of this
drama, which scenically, in costumes. ac-
cessories and every detail of it's preparation
sets a standard that it will be difficult
hereafter TO eclipse Every scene in this
play has been constructed and furnished
with the most laborious attention to exact
itude In all matter7, and, while the Heyse
drama is legitimate and poetic TO a degree.
II affords opportunity for original surprises
In the way Of pictures and effects. For in
play most remarkable. IMPRESSIVE and
thrilling. IL pictures wilderness In a
weirdly romantic way-a place. of solitude
realistic that II Is doubtful il the his
tory of the drama can show its parallel.
Here occurs a storm the effects of which
may be described wonderful, and to the
perfecting Of which the ingenuity of many
experts in optics and electricity have heen
invoked. This scene alone makes Mary of
Magdala" more than notable among mod
ern plays that have illustrated the advance
of stagecraft.
The play comes to Indianapolis fresh
from its New York run, having been seen
in but three other cities on its way. The
title role gives Mrs. Fiske a character to
portray that is radically different from any,
thing she has ever before attempted. yet
one TO which she Is said to be admirably
suited. She Is the central figure of a poetic
drama written In what may be termed the
classic and dealing with period and char
acter that are fraught with interest AS
in her former productions, Mary of
Magdala" will show Mrs. Fiske's genius
not only as an actress but also as a pro-
Queer. for all the details of the stage man.
agement have been conducted by her. She
has given months OF study to the play, and
nearly two years have been spent in prepari
ing the English adaptation and in arranging
drama has received. Beautiful as all OF
the other recent productions have been,
they cannot nor. IL is declared. can any con-
temporary stage offering equal the rich
ness and spiendor of the settings in MARY
of Magdala." Mrs. Fiske Is surrounded by
a splendid company, which includes such
players as Tyrone Power, one of the finest
actors on the American stage. who appears
in the strong role of Judas. and Henry
Woodruff, the handsome young actor, who
was last seen here with Nat c. Goodwin 3
company and who will appear in the Heyse
drama as Flavius, the nephew or Pontius
Plate.
There has been steady demand for seats
throughout the week, and II Is thought
that the theater will be packed at every
performance. There are still good seats
TO be obtained. however, for the two per-
has a seating capacity that Is remarkable.
A notable feature of the Parks auditorium
is that a complete view Of the stage can
be had from any seat in the house.
The management of the Park Theater
has made arrangements to handle all car
riages after the performances so as to avoid
all confusion, and II the weather should be
disagreeable canopy will be erected from
the street the theater lobby 1t is
specially requested that the audience be
promptly at that time and the ushers will
not allow late Gomers TO go 10 their seats
until the end of the first act.
Black Patti and Her Troubadours.
There is always one feature about a COL
cred show that white performers would do
we'll to imitate-the performance Is never
allowed to become mechanical. 1t has been
noticeable in every colored troupe that has
PLAYED in Indianapolis recently that the
people OF the company seemed to get as
much enjoyment out OF their entertainment,
as their audiences did. Black Patti and
her troubadours are no exception TO this
rule. The dark-skinned prima donna and
her aggregation OF singers, dancers and
funmakers played brief engagement al
the Park yesterday. giving matinee and
evening performance TO overlooking audi
ences. and demonstrated once again that
IL takes the colore> ks OF the theatrical
world TO have a goou dime on the stage. To
witness the entertainment by this company
one would have imagined that the troupe
was Just starting out for the season. in
stead or fast coming TO the close or Its
present long tour. Every member OF the
combination. from Black Patti herself
down 10 the fellow who played the part OF
the monkey, seemed 10 be getting a world
OF pleasure out OF the show. and the large
audiences soon caught the spirit of the
thing. and gave vent TO hearty demonstra-
ton of approval time and again
The entertainment given was very much
like other colOred musical attractions. be-
ms made up OF hilarious coon songs. a
buck and wing dances OF the kind that
stirs up wild enthusiasm among those In
the aGdience--and they are usually TO be
steps when they see en-" The Rlack
Patti is still holding fast TO the 'Adiserere''
from III Trovatore." For some inexplica-
bic reason the prima donna OF a colored
show Is always expected 10 sing this num-
Der. IL she didn't the audience would prob
ably come TO the conclusion that IL had
been bunkoed in some way or other The
Black Patti-or 10 come down to prosaic
everyday names. Mrs. Jones-sang her
share OF the famous duet in good style
and the tenor part was well rendered by
j. r. Worries. who possesses a good clear
voice. Mrs. Jones also sang a selection
from Martha" and then. by way OF dis
playing her versatility, gave an extrac,
from The Belle OF New York" All OF
the chorus numbers were delivered I'm a
pleasing manner. the chorus girls all being
we'll drilled and most OF them possessing
good voices. The comedy portion or the