The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-15

Parker. which Miss Robson will also pro-
duce in the near future.
XXX
Following Miss Robson, the well-known
religious and historical melodrama, The
Sign of the Cross will be at English
for three performances-Tuesday ana
Wednesday nights and Wednesday mat
inee. This play of Wilson Barretts mas
been most magnetic attraction for the
followers of the Christian religion or sll
sects and denominations. as well as Tor
the regular devotees of the drama, and II
has never failed to draw large audiences
when presented in Indianapolis in past sea-
sons The reverential and yet force1ul
manner in which the subject is treated
the story dealing with the cruel treatment
Of the early Christians by the tyrant En-
peror Nero-has endeared the drama to
many people who seldom visit the theater,
and their Endorsement of the piece has
been so sincere that their support has had
an Enthusiastically powerful influence In the
success of the production. sympathy with
the down-trodden and oppressed, and the
deep religious intent of the motive form
largely the secret of the power of THE
Sign of the Cross" The torture of the
Christian boy Stephanus, the miraculous
saving of the cnaste and beautiful Chris
tian maiden Mercia by the intervention of
1 heaven the dauntless courage that enabled
the lowly Christians to meet unflinchingiy
and with the glorious heroisn the hungry
beasts in the Roman arena. the winning of
the pagan project, Marcus Superbus. to the
Christian faith of his adored Mercia, and
the final test of his faith. when hand in
hand with Mercia he goes to his death in
the Roman amphitheater, arc among the
MANY thrilling climaxes in this drama.
George Flood. actor of magnificent
phvsioue and virile dramatic powers. will
enact the intensely dramatic role of Mar
Gus Superbus In the matter of scenic and
costume display the production will pre-
sent some magnificent stage pictures. THE
Sign of the Cross is essentially spec
| tacular production. and Messrs. Berger &
Craerin. In securing the rights for this play
from Mr.. William Greet, of the London
Lyric Theater, purchased also all the cost
~ and ornate scenery anc appointments of
the original London production. The seen
ery will have the brilliancy of newness,
having been repainted this season by the
| master brush of the famous artist, Matt
! Morgan.
Ezra Kendall, who comes for a single
| performance OF his Vinegar Buyer" at
EngIish's Thursday night. is so well known
to local theatergoers that but little ad-
vance comment is necessary. He has played
| two previous engagements in this city since
he became a star in his comedy of Indiana
| country Iife and both of them were highly
successful. His attitude toward the public
| IS frankly that of an entertainer and he
| calls his play "a license for laughter"
| That he always succeeds in keeping his
/ audiences amused there is no doubt, as he
| is one of the most original humorists on
the American stage. The vinegar business
| cuts a poor figure in the play, though Joe
Miller, the character impersonated by Mr..
Kendall lis a vinegar buyer beyond ques-
tion," as the comedian himself puts
| it, Joe Miller is man with a
| ready wit big heart, pretty
wise head and with knowledge of
i human nature that enables him to over
| come the Vaccinations of the villain of the
play and care for the unfortunate and op-
/ pressed. The cast supporting the star is
| said TO be the best he has ever had. Among
| Mr.. Kendalls associates this season are
| c. III. Crosby. Frank A. Lyon, Ralph Dean,
! Roy Fairchild. John ID. Garrick, Harry
Hanlon. Frank A Howson, jr, Helen