The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-09
s.The Sultan of suIu' at English's.

When George AIDE gave to the public his
first piece of theatrical writing many of the
critics said: "Well. we expected something
different from AIDE, but this will answer
the purpose all right" Just what was ex-
two years later in the form of his comedy
drama, 1.-The County Chairman" But THE
Sultan of Sulu," the maiden effort, still con-
tinues to meet with success everywhere,
and If it is not the excellent bit of work
that the later production proved to be.
it is certainly one of the brightest enter
tainments of its class before the American
public, and will probably be amusing big
audiences long after many OF its contem-
poraries are laid away on the theatrical
shelf.
All of which leads up to the point that
1.-The Sultan of Sulu," which was seen in
indianapolis early in its career before 1T
experienced that enormously successful run
on Broadway, came back to English's last
night for a stay of two nights and enter
tanned an audience of moderate size that
was demonstrative in it's enthusiasm. This
musical comedy is far better than the aver
age because of the fact that. there is real
wit in it's lines, genuine humor in its situa-
tiOns and delicious satire running through
ii. What a contrast between its clever IL
bretto and the libretto of the comic opera
which preceded 1t at EngliShs-a Hbretto
that was notable for it's monumental stu
pidity. The humor in THE Sultan of Sulu"
is not forced, and even If the comedians
were not of the first rank, the fun would
still be there, and the audience would find
much to laugh at With really capable
comedians to interpret the good comedy
passages. 1.-THE Sultan of. Sulu' quite easily
holds it's own among the cleverest of the
modern musical shows.
And Mr.. WathaIs music must not be
overlooked. 1t is always pretty, and, for
the most part, quite original and while not
aiming to be anything ambitious 1t is well
constructed. both in melody and harmony:
Mr.. Wathall is really a careful student OF
music and is able TO compose much more
pretentious works if he but choose to do so.
There are several songs of his that are well
worth several hearings, and many good
qualities in his composition that become
more noticeable when heard a second time.
The present company is very nearly the
same as the one seen in this city when the
merry piece first started on the road after
its long Chicago run, and the changes that
have been made are for the better Frank
Moulan is seen once more in the title role
and repeats his strong success as the little
monarch who is initiated into the joys and
sorrows of civilization. He makes the char
acter exceedingly droll sings his several
songs with his customary spirit and humor,
and his comedy throughout is clear-cut and
refined. Mr.. Moulan returned to the cast
only recently, having been with Anna Held
as ner lSdQlnS during the nTSI
half of the season, and he seemed to be
enjoying his work last night. Fred Frear,
as his private secretary, again gives him
able assistance in the mirth-provoking
scenes. Mr. Frear is a good comedian and
gets more out of his small part than most
funmakerS could do. A manly Lieutenant
Hardy is presented by Walter Lawrence,
who possesses a better baritone voice than
did his predecessor in the role, and George
O'Donnell is fully equal to all requirements
in the part of Col. Jefferson Budd. Melville
Collins was suffering from such a severe
cold last night that some of his lines and
all of his share of the score were cut out.
His appearance as the insurance agent was
pleasing, but he voluntarily remained pretty
much in the background.
Gertrude Quinlan gives a splendid per-
Torrance, as before, in the role of the
Sultans favorite, Chiquita. She is a good
singer, a dancer Of more than ordinary
ability and a very engaging comedienne.
Cheridah Simpson carries off the vocal hon
ors with her clear, high soprano voice and
looks very attractive in her handsome
gowns. Blanche Chapman makes the most
of her few opportunities as Pamela Jack
son and does a good bit of burlesque work
in the satire on a minstrel first part -
The chorus is an admirable one, containing
many very pretty girls who are capable
singers, and the beautiful costumes appear
to be brand new.
1.-The Sultan of Sulu' will be seen for
the last time here this evening 1t is
deserving of a larger audience that ii
dreur la ST night