The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-18

GRAND.-High-class vaudeville, 2:15 and
PARK.-"King of Detectives" 2 and 8
d. m.
EMIPRE.-Burlesque. and p. m.
UNIQUE.-Vaudeville, 3 and ID. m.
Mary Mannering in n Bright PLAY.
With a plot that cannot be said to ex-
hibit the charm of absolute novelty. Leo
Ditrichstein has managed to surround that
most graceful and gracious actress, Mary
Mannering, with a bright little comedy that
Is a better play than Clyde Fitch's 1.-THE
Stubbornness of Geraldine The new piece.
"Harriet's Honeymoon" was enacted at
English's yesterday afternoon and evening
for the first times in Indianapolis and il
proved a very palatabIe offering to the audi
ences Of moderate size hat assembled to
see this favorite actress in a brand new
vehicle.
Mr.. Ditrichstein's play seems to nave been
derived from a German farce by Wichert,
the distinguished Teutonic playwright, al
though no credit is given the old country
author on the programme. There Is UNI
douDtedly so much similarity between 'Har-
rletS Honeymoon" and "Ein Schritt vom
Wege" that If the German players who oc-
caslonally appear at English's were to
nave dropped into the theater yesterday
aiIsIncoh OF last night they would have
looked upon the entertainment as an adapt
alton from one of their productions rather
than an original comedy. But original or
not, Mr.. Dftrichstein has written a delight
iuLy cIeVer three-act stage stOry-a trifiing
AFFAIR. but interesting from start TO finish.
and when Interpreted by the charming Miss
Nianner1ng and a most praiseworthy COM
pany OF comedy players, "Harriet's Honey
moon becomes a very attractive piece in
deed. -
1t is hard to understand why this splendid
nn0ndyF aAA.r1l -.
WITH a more marked degree of favor in
New York. 1t is true that IL drew good
sized and well-pleased audiences during its
stay In the metropolis, but the critics
seemed disposed to tender it a reception
that was only lukewarm. In a season of
SO many failures, "Harriet's HONEYMOON"
STANDS out as a real success and IL is de-
serving or warm communication. Even
thougn the piece may owe its inception TO
an oIder play In another language the fact
remains that Mr.. Ditrichstein has furnished
mary Mannerlng with a part that fits her
ike the proverbial glove-and that is much
10 be thankful for. When this lovely actress
Is AT her best she is the most engaging
FEMININE star on the American stage.
The scenes of the play are laid in Kvrn-
maiden, a small watering place in the
duchy of S~axenhausen. To this pictur-
esque spot come Mr.. and Mrs. Elliot Baird.
OF New York. on their wedding trip. The
bride, Harriet, is of a sentimental turn of
mind and the husband is a typical Wall
street business man., with a head full OF
money-making matters. The two have
many disagreements and they finally quar-
rel because Harriet wants to remain at the
pretty health resort while the husband de-
slres TO hurry on TO another place. being
desirous of winding up their tour of Eu.
rope as soon as possible.
Young Mr.. Baird wins his point, but when
inst QhnVr IN dAnnE q Al
he has lost his pocketbook containing ali
OF his ready cash and transports. The land
lord insists that the hotel bill be paid. In
ms diiemma Baird's old college spirit as
serts itself and he proposes that Harriet
and he shall pretend to be an Italian prima
donna and her manager and raise funds by
giving a concert. Harriet, who has had a
musical education, falls in readily with the
plan. just for the fun of the thing.
Meanwhile, rumors have come to Kyrn-
halden that Prince Alfred Erwin. of Sax
enhousen has eloped with a famous ItaI-
Ian soprano of the Court Theater. The
local police inspector receives instructions
to be on the lookout for the couple and if
ne nnds them TO send the prince home by
force, if necessary-and TO escort the ladv
over the border. The prince himself turns
up at the watering place, without the Ital-
ian singer, but in possession of Raird's
pocketbook. which he has found. When
called upon 10 register at the hotel he
JotS down his name as Elliot Baird. New
York" in order to preserve his incognito.
- WAeA AAtAAA = CT INST al
and realizing that the Americans are play
ing a game of some sort, he plunges into
ii himself and acts as Harriet's piano ac-
cOmpanlSt at the concert which takes place
A good sum OF money is realized at the
musical affair. but after quarreling with
his bride again, Baird. in a daredevil
spirit. turns the amount over to charity.
Then the laundering police inspector dis
tinguishes himself by capturing Baird by
force, believed him to be the prince. and
sending him to Saxenhausen. while in
forming moor. hPWlldprpd Harriet that Sha
will have to get out of the country. When
Harriet finds that things have taken a
serious turn her love for her husband fills
heart and she repulses the prince with
whom she has been mildly ~firting) in a
scene of real dramatic strength. Baird es-
capes from his captors and returns to
brother. who has also been touring the
continent. puts in an appearance and sets
everything straight. The young husband
and wife fall into each others arms and
all ends prettily.
Though suffering from a cold which
caused her low contralto voice-usually SO
musical-to seem harsh at times. Miss Man
nering gave a fascinating portrayal of the
young wife, depicting the varying moods
with which the role Is invested i'm a most
convincing manner. She was delicious in
the humorous scenes and impressive in the
more stressful passages of the play.
Arthur Byron. one OF the best young
actors before the public. was strikingly
good In the role of Elliott Baird, being ex-
tremely natural and pls-ng the part with
fine understanding. Henry Kolker. who APP
peared as the handsome prince. looked and
acted the part well-night perfectly. MIR.
KOlker has made rapid strides as an actor
since the days when he was an IndianapO-
lis matinee idol" taking the heroic parts
with the old Grand Stock Company. Only
those theatergoers who had seen Thomas
| A. Wise as the merry old mar I'm Are You
a Mason?' could appreciate the sterling
merit of his Interpretation OF the German
police inspector in this new play. IL was q
capital characterization and showed him 10