The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-10-13
Good Vaudeville Mt the Grand.

With the best short play ever given in
vaudeville theater, and a number of spe-
cialties that are far above the average, the
programme at the Grand this week is in
deed most praiseworthy one and may be
commended to amusement seekers who wish
to enjoy an afternoon evening of DIVERSE
fed entertainment.
The play given by Robert billiard and his
little supporting company is the most
artistic drama in miniature that could well
be imagined. 1t is called mo. 973," and it
tells the story of hardened ex-convict and
sweet little child. In theme it is not un-
like Mr. billiards earlier success.
"Edithas Burglar but it is better in con-
struction and is really superbly acted The
ex-convict upon being released from prison.
is unable to obtain work and in desperate
moment he decides to rob house. 1t
chances that the house that he selects to
burglarize is the home Of prominent GRIM
inal lawyer-the man who acted as pros
ecuting attorney when he (the burglary was
placed on trial ten years before. The law
yer surprises the thief when the latter Is
about to get away with roll of bills which
he has found in writing desk and holding
the wrong-doer at bay with revolver the
owner Of the house telephones to the police
station, arranging to have the house sur
rounded by officers of the law. While wait
ing for bluecoatS to arrive the lawyer and
his prisoner engage In conversation; Inc
criminal tells pitiful story of his life in
prison and begS his captor not to send him
back to the terrible place. But the lawyer
refuses to become sympathetic and when
the police whistles blow, out In the night,
he goes to the front door to admit the OFF,
GERS. The lawyers little daughter-a wee
bit of q chld-steals down stairs from her
bedroom to find her missing doll and, COM
ing face to face with the burglar, recog-
niZes him as the man who had saved her
a few days before from being run over by a
horse. She offers to give him her savings
bank and the convict, overcome with emo
ton at the child's kindness, places his coat
about her to protect her from the cold night
air. While the burglar and the innocent
little girl are talking together the father OF
the child returns to the room He over
hears their conversation; his heart Is
touched at last and he refuses to give the
thief UP to the police, telling the officers
that a mistake has been made and that the
strange visitor is a friend of his.
The story may lack plausibility In the
telling here, but when acted by MT Hill
logical enough, and Is SO impressive that
at the opening performances of the Grands
new bill yesterday the audiences were in
tears as the curtain fell on the dainty lit
tie play. Mr.. Hilliard, as the ex-convict,
does an excellent piece Of acting. Edwin
Holland is good in the character of the
lawyer and little June Pelton is wonder
fully natural as the child. Number 97s''
is sure to attract unusual attention during
the week 1t is too good to miss
The leading speciality of the programme
is contributed by Max Walden, an imper-
senator and transformation artist from
Germany whose act Is a marvel of it's
kind. Herr Waldon's representations are
all of women, but his work Is so thorough
ly artistic in every detail that no offense
is given. His voice Is remarkably feminine
in quality and his German, Spanish, French
and English songs are all splendidly rem
dered. He wears some gorgeous costumes
and his makeup Is perfect In every
portraiture. His act is indeed one that
must be seen to be appreciated. The three
Westons-Sam Weston and his two clever
daughters-furnsh an admirable musical
act. The violin playing OF the younger
Weston girl Is about the best TO be heard
i'm vaudeville. She rendered some OF the
difficult music from Faust and a gypsy
dance of Sarasate with excellent effect
yesterday. The entire act Is deserving of
praise Harry Thompson, a monologuist
new to Indianapolis, proves to be an en-
tertainer of considerable talent, being able
to keep his audience in continuous laughter
during his twenty minutes on the stage:
are particularly good.
Vernon is a ventriloquist of more than
usual ability, and as his act is the first
Grand this season, it is quite welcome
novelty He introduces some new features
in his work that are very amusing. Mr..
and Mrs. Watrous, great favorites with
local vaudeville audiences. repeat their
success of former visits with their solos
and duets. Mrs. Watrous won applause at
yesterdays performances with her rendi-
ton of the negro ditty. Sammy. Mind Yo'
Nanny" written and composed for her by
Mrs. W. w. Carter. of this city. Anna
Caldwell. singer and "conversationalist,'
with an engaging personality. produces q
favorable impression with some songs and
stories, most of them new. ard the Brown
ings give a speciality of the nonseneical
sort. which, u 1t tires some people. APP