The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-04-12
VIM. GILLETTE, NAT GOODWIN AND
FRANCIS WILSON AT ENGLIsH's.
Vaudeville mt the Grand-Two Attrac-
lions at the Park-Burlesque
at the Empire.


cry other large city in the country. as well
as in England. but somehow or other until
now this city has not been included on his
list. The great success which the play has
scored is well known TO all persons who fol-
low the news Of the theatrical world. Dur
ing the last four years in America and Eu-
rope 1t has been proved that Sherlock
Holmes, at least when portrayed by Mr..
Gillette, is one of the most popular of stage
characters. At first hand one would mag
Inc perhaps that because sherlock
Holmes" is detective story 1t would ap-
peal only to a certain class of people-to
the unframed intellects, in fact This Is
where the hemely old saying. people are
like folks" may well be applied. Some
people dress better than others, are better
educated. more refined. of superior culture
and mental equipment, but, under the skin,
all are of the same blood and like emotions,
and in viewing such play as sherlock
Holmes the innate love Of the marvellous,
the thrilling and the intensely interesting.
which is so common in all, is forcibly
shown
Unlimited credit, of course, must be given
Mr. Gillette for his impersonation of the
great detective-an impersonation that is
said by both American and English critics
to he well-nigh perfect. AS fictional hero
Holmes was immensely popular, but Mr..
Gillette, when he added TO the character
Familiarity known TO readers the force of
his own personality and his acknowledged
abilities as an actor. gave to the detective
not only all OF the charm that the magma
ton had contured up as belonging to Sher-
lock Holmes, but an added attraction by
virtue Of his own Interpretation of the
character. During its long run in London
King Edward was intensely interested in
the play. which he Witnessed more than
once, and upon one occasion, during the
thrilling scene between Holmes and his
greatest enemy. Professor Moriarity, Queen
Alexandra Is said to have been very much
worked up with excitement as she looked
on from the royal box. And a visit any
night to the theater where Mr. Gillette is
playing Will show more demonstrative,
but none the less genuine, interest from
the gallery boy. These two examples tell
the story of the plays success with all
classes. The star is credited with having
the best supporting company that he's ever
been with him on a tour, and IL looks as If
Indianapolis will at last be treated to
really fine production OF play that 1t has
been patiently waiting for. The engage
ment is for three nights. beginning to-mor-
row evening There will be no Wednesday
matinee The curtain will rise every night
promptly at s o'clock-a rule always OBJ
served by Mr.. Gillette. who also demands
that his patrons either be In their seats at
that time or wait until the curtain falls
upon the first act before being seated. If
there is one thing above all others that this
actor heartily detests IL Is TO have the
opening of his play spoiled by late-comers
He says that IL the spectators cannot come
to the theater on time he would much
rather that they would not come at ALL
There are not many stars who would dare
assert their independence In this way, for
fear of hurting their business, but Mr. Gil
lette continues TO insist upon his having his
own way.
Following William Gillstte's engagement,
two great favorites in Indianspolis-Nat c.
Goodwin and Maxine Elliott-win come to
English's for a single performance Thurs
day evening of their latest and most popu-
lar play. The Altar of Friendship" They
come fresh from their success In New
York. Philadelphia. Washington and Chi
cago. 1.-The Altar of Friendship is by Mrs
Ryley who has written several other
strong dramatic pieces. In this new
drama both Mr.. Goodwin and Miss Elliott
are said to have parts that seem especially
well suited to them and through which
these admirable players have reached the
climax or their careers. The story of the
play Is an interesting one and tells of the
sacrifices of a brother for the unworthy
husband of his sister. The young Bene-
dict has become entagled IL an intrigue
VI with H. an ignorant young girl just previous
girl has learned Of the affair and threat
ened TO create a scene at the altar, the
brother accepts the odium and the real
culprit escapes for the time being. AS this
complication interferes sadly with the
brothers own happiness he is in a sorry
plight. These are the main dramatic in
cidents and II Is said that they will be
found interesting and logical In their solu-
ton The dialogue of the piece is bright
and witty, II is understood and several of
the scenes are amusing. while others are
or much dramatic strength. The produc-
ton Will be exceptionally well staged and
the supporting company is reasonably GER
tain TO be an excellent one. The seats for
the engagement will be placed on sale at
English's box Office tomorrow morning.
Xxx
The last event OF the week at English's
will be the presentation OF the new operatic
comedy, The Toreador." Saturday after
noon and night by Francis Wilson and a
large company, under the direction of
Nixon and Zimmerman, who can always
be relied upon for elaborate productions.
Mr.. Wilson has not been seen In Indian
apolis for two years. He has a comical
role in Sammy Gigg that is credited with
hitting him like a glove. There is par
ticular interest in the coming OF this
musical comedy. for IL has been accepted
as by far the greatest of all the musical
plays from George Edwardes's London
Theater, where IL has enjoyed an unusually
long run. IL took six authors and COM
posers 10 write The Toreador'' and as all
OF them are men OF reputation, the re-
suit could hardly prove otherwise than
pleasing Several OF the cola boraters have
become identified with other London musi-
cal successes, notably The Country Girl
and san Toy" James Tanner and Harry
Nichols wrote the book Adrian Ross and
Percy Greenback the lyrics and Ivan Car
ryll and Lionel Monckton the music AS
Sammy Gigg. Mr.. Wilson depicts a timfd
EngliShman. who, in "a series OF laughable
situations and complications, continually
finds himself I'm hot water. being mistaken
for bull fighter and coming near facing
six wild bulls In the arena. and TO leading
numbers nearly a hundred people appears
splendid chorus OF well-trained voices
younger comedians on the American stage
made a great hit I'm New York and Chi
cago in the role OF Sir Archibald Slackett
William Broderick, who has often been
heard here In opera. plays the
The -