The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-01

Winter, Joseph Jefferson, jr., Percy
Plunkett. William W. Jefferson, Guy
Coombs. Ffolliot Paget, Frances Pember-
ton, Blanche Bender, Ada Gilman and
Jessie Sweet. But If the play itself is too
we'll known to require advance mmen
the veteran comedian is always an interest
ing subject to discuss. Mr.. Jefferson has
given over sixty years of hard, conscien-
cious labor to the American stage, playing
during that time hundreds of different parts
and for nearly half a century being a
favorite and conspicuous figure in the the
atrical life OF this country. He is the dean
of the profession in this country and the
foremost and most genuinely representative
of all American artists. His long and bril-
liant career make IL possible for him to
retire at any time with distinction and with
the affectionate well-wishes of a vast pub
lie which has grown to love as well as to
admire him, but this public will be sorry
to see him go. for Ii will mean that dear
old Rip Van Wrinkle and delightful Bob
Acres and Caleb Plummer and Golightly
will nave disappeared from the scene for
ever, and as they belong inseparably TO
Mr.. Jefferson no artist will ever again en-
dear them to theater-soers' hearts as he
has done. This great public is always glad
to welcome the comedian when he comes
around each season, and its only regret is
that as old age advances he cuts his sea-
sons sh orter and narrov.s the radius of his
travels. Ii is to be expected that some day
nature will succumb under it's load of years
and the favorite old artist will be COM
PEELED to retire. This may happen at any
time. so that really any visit OF Mr.. Jeffer-
sons may be his last. 1t therefore behooves
those members of the new generation who
are not yet acquainted with the wonderful
l art of this player, who have not yet heard
his Rip Van Wrinkle laugh or toast, "You
and your family with a May they live
long and prosper" to avail themselves Of
the opportunity that now offers and learn
the value and cheeriness of ~clean-cut,
wholesome. happy comedy and discern the
secret of the smile and power of this per-
e~nnially popular actor. 1t is said that Mr..
Jefferson at no time in his merry and mar
velous career played with a greater force,
finish or fervor than he is playing now. He
is at the ripest age of his art. The seats
for the Jefferson performance will be placed
on sale at English's box Office tomorrow
morning. and there is every indication of a
heavy demand.
The one great dramatic novelty OF the
week will be the appearance Thursday
night at English's of Blanche Walsh in the
powerful dramatization of Count Leo Toll
stoi's wonderful novel, Resurrection" In
terest in the local presentation of this
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. drama is very keen and
the theater will in all likelihood be filled to
its utmost capacity. On the one hand
there is a great desire on the part of thea
tergoers to see Miss Walsh, who within a
few short years has climbed to the very
top. round Of theatrical fame. and who
scored in New York last season the very
biggest personal dramatic triumph recorded
in years. And there is also a great desire
to see the play itself, which is regarded as
one of a sensational nature because of it's
Incorporating attitude toward certain
modern social conditions. The story Of the
play is here given, as briefly as possible, for
the benefit of those who have not read the
book:
Dimitri Ivanovitch. who belongs to one
of the titled families of Russia. has just
returned TO his home from three years
campaigning. He finds that little Katusha.
the favorite servant of the household, with
whom he had i%nnocently fiirted in his
earlier youth. has grown to be a handsome
young woman. She inspires him with base
desires. Through love for him she becomes
the victim of his passions. Ten years later,