The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-02-11
"Are You Mason 80 mt EnsIi.h'..

The farce-comedy Are You Mason?'
which Leo Ditrichstein adapted from the
German, began it's second engagement in
Indianapolis at English's last night, and
the manner of it's reception by a good-sized
audience left no room for doubt as TO its
success mirth~maker There are crudi-
ties galore in the construction of this piece
and its continual lack of respect for the
plausible would be noticed even by a comic
opera librettist: but for all that, 1t con-
tains plenty of uproarious fun, and when
once the plot begins to thicken wild romp
of comical incidents is inaugurated, which
continue without abatement until the final
curtain shuts the characters from view.
And. after all. one gets little of pIausi-
bility in farce that the stretching of an ad-
ditional point or two may readily be par
doned, especially when the farce in ques-
tion is in the hands of capable company
as Is the case in this instance. All that
Is necessary TO thoroughly enjoy Are You
a Mason?" is TO forgive its wild flights of
fancy and feel truly grateful to its author,
or its adapter-or whoever it was that made
II what IL is at present-for his successful
Efforts In building up a number of very
humorous eposides that keep one laughing
for two hours and half.
To briefly review the story of the piece,
young married man in New York has
promised hi wife that he will become a
Mason, her desire in the matter being
prompted by the fact that her father holds
high office In \ Masonic lodge. While his
wife is away from home the young hus-
band INDUCES in very gay time-so gay.
III fact, that he is taken into custody on a
charge OF disorderly conduct. When his
wife returns she learns from a servant girl
OF her husbands continuous absence from
home, and proceeds to take him to task
Tor not remaining at nights hfc
freside- He excuses his actions by declar-
ing that he has become Mason, and ex-
plains that his absence from home has been
made necessary by Masonic duties. Upon
this lapse from truth the complications be-
gin, and they are increased tenfold when
the father-in-law Of the young man appears
on the scene, coming visit New
York from Rockford, Ill. The old fellow
Is really no more of a Mason than the
younger man, but has been masquering as
one for many years in order TO explain his
periodical absence. from his own home at
various friendly poker games. Both the
young husband and the old deceiver are
continually In hot water, each fearing that
the other will discover his ignorance of
Masonry After a series of farcical situa-
tons everything is straightforward out i'm the
end TO the satisfaction of all concerned
John G Rice, as the young married man.
Frank Perry, has role for which he is
Well lifted and he loses none of the opnor-
tunities afforded him for fun-making. He
possesses a very expressive face and an
easy, natural style, and is. on the whole.
makes capital old father-in-law giving to
the character many delightful touches of
humor, and never OVERRIDING the part AT
any time, while Edward Abeler a Young
actor who Is always at his best in light
plays OF this description, Celebrates i'm
pleasing manner all of the telling points
which fall to his lot. George Richards
who is well remembered by local theater-
goers for his excellent work in MANY of
the old Hoyt farces, has but little chance
TO display his true worth in the part of
John Halton, a gentleman farmer but he
makes the most of the few lines and bits of
business allotted him. Charles j. Greene
and Ralph Yoerg fill two smaller roles
acceptably. The women OF the cast are all
good In their respective parts. Miss MAY
Muller has the leading feminine Character
as Mrs Perry, and she looks very pretty
anc acts with spontaneity. Miss Gertrude
Witty gives a creditable performance of
the fearful wife of the old make-believe
Mas5n, but she does not possess a strong
enough voice for her more strenuous scenes,
The other women's parts, none of which
are or especial significance. are ably por-
trayed by Miss Sally Cohen Miss Mar
garet Evans. Miss Hazel Chapple and Miss
Florence Earle.
The farce Will be repeated at a matinee
performance this afternoon and will be
given for the last time here this evening
If one wishes to enjoy a few hours of light
entertainment IL Is we'll worth seeing.