The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-01-27

The vaudeville bill at the Grand this week
is a mixture of novelty and familiar acts.
The Nelson family of acrobats are always
interesting, no matter how many times one
may have witnessed their wonderful per-
Torrance. There are innumerable acrobatic
troupes the vaudeville stage to-day. but
there is none that can boast of the "class, 7"
as they say at the race track. that makes
this troupe noteworthy. From the big Mel
son at the head of the family to the tiny,
fuzzy haired little Nelson at the foot, they
are all finished acrobats, athletes and gym
nasts. They give their performance with
absolute accuracy. throwing double somer-
saults with the ease that other acrobats
throw single ones; there is no more posing
than is necessary to the graceful accom-
plishment of their astonishing feats and
there is no working up of applause by
means of the tricky tactics adopted by SO
many performers in the same line of work
The act is far and away the best of its
kind seen on the stage at the Grand this
season.
Eva Nudge a newcomer to Indianapolis
scored a hit at yesterdays matinee and
again last night. She possesses a winsome
personality and a surprising ability &c
make lightning-like changes of costume
There is but little range or volume to her
voice, but she sings her songs with ex-
preston and injects so much originality
into her methods that she makes even the
worn-out bill Bailey" which she sings as
an encore, seem like a new song. She ap-
pears as an army officer, Red Cross
nurse, seaside GIRL, a sailor, Con
federate general and finally as a rag-timC
soubrette. with songs suited to each OF
her characters. Her little entertainment is
distinct novelty and is sure TO attract at
tention this week.
Kathryn Osterman, assisted by Edwin
Boring. appears in a little farce called
THE Editor" and while the piece is of the
usual vaudeville kind, in which mistaken
identity and subsequent complications form
the groundwork IL is cleverly acted anC
affords a good deal of amusement. Mis-.
Osterman plays the part of a female editor
who arouses the belligerent spirit of q
young man by publishing severe criticism
OF an athletic club to which the young mar
belongs. The farce does not afford her any
real opportunity for effective acting, but
she makes the best of the rather common.
Another sketch of an entirely different
nature is the one presented by Thomas j
Ryan and Mary Richfield. Their littl,
comedy. Mag Hegerty's Father" is one
OF Will NJ. Cressy's excellent bits OF
vaudeville writing. 1t has been seen her,
before. but is one of the few sketche.
that do not grow tiresome upon being wit
morous and Mr.. Ryan characterization o.
the old hodcarrier, who has hard tim,
adapting himself TO luxurious surroundings
is a truly comedy creation. while Mis-:
Richfield's acting his educated daughter
is just as good in its way.
There are no other acts on the bill OF
exceptional merit Miss Phyllis Allen. whS
possesses contralto voice of musical DUAL
ity. does not display good judgment in tn,
selection OF her songs. Essentially a ballad
singer she renders only one ballad ane
then attempts tho much overworked coor
songs. Smith, D)ty and Coe. a musica
trio. give a stereotyped speciality which 1:
attractive only on account of the excellen
playing of wind instruments by all tire,
1.-The emperor of minstrelsy." Is a gooe
comic singer. hut poor jester. Some OF
his jokes are better suited 10 the burlesqu,
houses than TO first-class vaudeville the
alter. Maddox and Wayne, "A pair oi
travesty comedians. open the bill I'm q
sketch that starts out well but which be.