The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-05-12
Theatrical Notes.

E. III. Sothern. one OF the best of Ameri-
can actors. will be seen tonight at Eng
glish's I'm his now celebrated performance
OK IF / Were King" the romantic play Of
medieval times written for him by the
young English dramatist, Justin Huntley
Mccarthy. Mr.. Sothern's engagement is
for this one night only. and there are in
dications that English's will be crowded.
as IF I Were King made a very strong
Impression upon local theater-goers when
presented here last season. The company
supporting the star is said to be even a
stronger one, numerically and in impor-
lance, than the one Of last year. Miss Co
ella Lotus, who only recently played Mar
guerite to the Faust of Sir Henry Irving In
London, appears as the heroine, Katherine
de Vaucelles; George w. Wilson will again
be seen in his famous characterization of
King Louis XII. of France, and other promi-
nent members of the organization are Row.
land Blackstone. Margaret Ellington, Henry
j. Carvill, William Harris, Stephen Wright,
sydney MaIher, John Findlay. Cecil de
Mile. Fannie l.. Burt and Lenora Chippen-
dale. There are thirty-two speaking parts
In the play and nearly a hundred super
numeraries are employed I'm some of the
principal scenes. IF Were King is alto
gether a Sothern production, born and bred
under the eye of the actor himself. who has
come to be recognized as one OF the great
est stage directors in America. With his
knowledge Of coloring. the actor-director
has taken good advantage of the opportuni-
~ offered for medieval scenic effects and
lures, as all those who have seen the
production before will remember. This will
be the last chance to witness Sothern
play in Indianapolis for some time to come
as the actor will not make a Western trip
next season. He may not be seen outside of
New York and London In his Forthcoming
production Of THE Proud Prince" Nc
Carthy's latest drama.
Dante has proved a failure In London,
and 1t is said that Sir Henry Irving is
heart-sick as a consequence. The produc-
ton Of this latest of Sardou plays cost
fortune and it seems that there is little
chance for the great English actor to re-
cover his losses. Sardou blames Sir Henry
because Dante" has not turned out sue
cess. The French dramatist says that the
actor made certain notifications and
drama that tended to weaken the principal
scenes. IF Sir Henry was not prepared to
stage the play as wrote It,, complains
Sardou. why did he accept 1t In the first
instance? All the dramatic force and
significance of some Of the best portions OF
the drama are lost on account OF the
changes that have been made so unwisely."
Eleanor Robson, who made such a strong
impression as Juliet the other night at
Englshs in the all-star production of
Romeo and Juliet" will star next season
under the management of Lebler & Co.
In two new plays one of which will be La
Vallier," by Henry Battaile, the Partisan
adapter of Tolstois Resurrection" 1t is
understood that the other play is now being
prepared for Miss Robson by Mrs. Hum
phry Ward and Louis Parker. 1t will be
called Agatha" and will not be book
adaptation but an original modern society
drama. Edwin Arden: who is playing the
Romeo and Juliet" production, is to be
Miss Robsons leading man.
XXX
A new play. called 1.-THE Night Asylum,
by the Russian realist, Maxim Cork, has
just won an enormous success in Berlin.
The playgoers of the big German city have
gone wild over the drama, despite the hor-
rible picture that Ii presents OF criminal
life in Russia and the hideousness of its
scenes. The action takes place in retreat
for the very dregs of society-a place
where thieves and drunkards congregate.
To these pilgrim comes with words OF
hope, and thereafter, in the murk or the
soualid place. there shines a ray of pure
light. The tragic climax of the play is ter
rible, but true to life are the characters
and so logical Is the plot that the perform
ances hold the audiences spellbound. 1t is
said.
Charles Majors novel, Dorothy Vernon
of Haddon Hail." is to be dramatized dur
ing the summer by Paul Hester, the author
of Mrs. Langtry's new play, Mile. Mars, y
and several other successful pieces. The
new book will have its initial presentation
on Sept rs at the Chestnut-street Opera
House, Philadelphia. with Miss Bertha Gal
land In the title role and William Levers
and Frank Losee, two excellent actors, as
her principal support. 1t is believed that
the part of Dorothy Vernon Is particularly
suited to Miss Galland, as 1t will give heI
much opportunity to display her dainty
comedy.
Walker Whiteside has just purchased q
beautiful home at Observation-Disclosures
son and is soon to take up his summer resi-
dence there This young Indiana actor has
WIS arranged to take place in New York
owing to his inability to secure a metro
politan theater for satisfactory length OF
time. Mr.. Whiteside's tour this season In
revivals Of Shakspearean plays has proved
more Of a financial success than any of his
previous tours.
Although Aubrey Boucicault's presenta-
ton of 'Old Heidelberg was not success
full I'm New York, George Alexander, the
English actor. has scored heavily with the
same play in London-another instance go.
| ing to prove that play-goers In different
parts of the world do not always witness
stage production from the same view