The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-03-05

talent whatever, but who counts upon caus-
ing an uproar of boisterius merriment from
the gallery by indulging in antics marked
by extreme coarseness. The dancing or
one of the women of the company In her
bare feet Is meant TO be naughty, but II
isn't even that. as there Is nothing very
naughty about an awkward woman hop
ping about with "A broad grin-supposed TO
be an enticing smile-on her face. And so
the dancer is easily overlooked, but the
would-be comedian in the afterpiece is a
pitiful object.
To stimulate the American dramatist, the
Theater Magazine has opened a COMPETE
ton for an American-made play, full par
ticulars of which are published in the
March issue OF the periodical. The prize
offered is a New York production with a
first-class cast. the magazine having made
special arrangement with Charles Froh-
man for the production Of the winning
play at one of Mr.. Frohmans theaters
next November. 1t will be remembered that
the successful career of Martha Morton.
author of "A Bachelors Romance and
His Fathers Wife," began with her win
ming a competition organized twelve years
ago by a New York paper. with drama
to develop another American dramatist with
its present competition. and this is ex-
cellent chance for new writers TO show
what they can do.
little soprano at the Grand this week. has
wonNthe admiration of all who have heard
her voice. At the conclusion of her Indian
apolis engagement she will go at once to
New York. and ii is not likely that she will
do any more work on the vaudeville stage
for some time to come as she has been en-
gagged by Milton Aborn for the big opera
company which that manager is organizing
for spring and summer season in the big
Eastern cities. Miss Burnham Is to join
Colonel Savage's forces next season and
will be leading soprano in one of his comic
opera companies. A singer or Miss Burn
hams ability never remains long in vaude-
Vile, as such artists needed in the
many big musical productions that now
form such an important part in American
theatrical affairs.
1t Is understood In New York that Vir-
ginia Harmed is to put a brand new
company during her forthcoming Philadel-
phia engagement and that the play is the
work of her husband. e. H. Sothern. The
news has come as a great surprise to New
York theatrical circles, as nobody knew
that Mr.. Sothern had been writing a play,
1t is also said that the actor will soon pro-
duce new play. himself, without waiting
pear at English's late in the spring, In
dianapolis may be among the first cities
to see the new Sothern production.
XXX
After its season of musical farce-comedy,
the Park goes back to it's first love, melo-
Drama for the latter half of the week. COM
mencing with the matinee this afternoon.
when ION the Stroke of Twelve" an old
favorite among Park patrons, will return
to that popular theater. This melodrama
is of the most exciting kind, containing
thrilling situations galore. The story has
TO deal with the love of two couples who
are in constant danger from the trickery
of two villains, and every act ends with a
climax of the sort that causes enthusiasm.
The company presenting the play this sea-
son is said to be better than ever.
- xxx
Lawrence D'Orsay. the English actor who
has created the title role in Augustus
Thomas's new comedy. 1.-The Earl of Paw
tucket," has made a stir, the like of which
has not been known in New York theatre
Gals in years. The imperSonator Of the
new type of heavy swell can not move
about the town from clubs to hotels, or in
dulge i'm an ordinary constitutional on
Fifth avenue without attracting the most
pronounced attention.
. Lavinia Shannon, leading woman for two
seasons of the old Grand stock company.
and a great indianapolis favorite, will be
at the Park March 2S "a and 25 as the star
of Theodore kremer's play, beyond Par
don." Miss Shannon has made en- enviable
reputation for herself through the excel
lent manner in which she enacts the char
acter of Velma in this drama.
The revival of 1.-The Bandit King and
THE Cattle King at the Park next week
will arouse unusual interest among the
lovers of sensational melodrama. These
old plays were among the most popular
produced at the Park during the early
days of melodrama at that theater. They
are being revived in elaborate style by
James Wallck this season.
Billy Clifford, the monologist who was
booked for the Grand last week and didn't
put in an appearance, owing to illness.
will play his engagement next week. hav-
ing recovered his health. The Grand's bill
next week will be headed by Madame Herr
mann in a new and spectacular magical act