The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-04-10

k4I provided with diversified theatre
kSk1 cal menu this week. At English's
uEnDI there will be a Shakspearean
tragedy. an up-to-date comedy
drama an6 big musical extravaganza, with
a favorite comedian in the cast A bill OF
vaudeville specialties. including several
novelties, will be presented at the Grand,
and the Park and Empire will have attrac-
tions that appear to be UP TO the average
In their respective fields. With such a
variety of attractions TO choose from
amusement seekers should have little diff
Guilty in finding something well suited TO
their tastes
The week will open at English's to-mor-
row evening with an elaborate production of
Shakspeare's "Othello." with Louis James
IN the title role. Frederick Warde as the
crafty Iago and Alma Kruger as Des-
demona. 1t had been the original intention
OF wagenhals and Kemper. the managers
OF Warde and James, to present their stars
In this city In the new historical drama,
alexander the Great" but the revival of
"Othello" in Chicago proved so much more
attractive to the pIay-goers of the Western
metropolis than did the new play that it
was decided TO make the impassioned
tragedy of jealousy the leading feature in
during the remainder of the present season.
'Otnello,' as everyone knows, affords
magnificent opportunities for two capable
actors, while Alexander the Great is. for
the most part, a scenic production
Not counting the recent presentation here
In operate form of ''OtheIlo." this power
ful Shakspearean work has not been seen
I'm Indianapolis in many years, and the per-
uIr
highly interesting one This masterpiece
cannot possibly be acted acceptably by
other than the most accomplished players
and 1t Is generally acknowledged that Louis
James and Frederick Warde eminently
fitted for the task of giving the tragedy
a fine Interpretation. wagenhals and
Kemper. IT is understood, have furnished
very elaborate scenic production for the
play and have surrounded the stars with
adequate company. The engagement in
Indianapolis is for one night only.
+ =
Beginning Tuesday evening Checkers
will, be seen again at Englishs for three
performances. This successful stage version
OF Henry w. Blossoms popular story of
race track life was seen in Indianapolis
last spring. Immediately after it's opening
week in st. Louis. the home of its author.
1t was well liked at the time of its first
engagement here, and as the play has un-
dergone several improvements since then,
IL is reasonably sure of hearty welcome
upon its return. Play-goers of Indianap-
oiis bestowed their hearty approval upon
the piece last year and their verdict has
been indorsed by the press and public of
Chicago, New York. Philadelphia and Bos-
ton Checkers has played two immensely
successful engagements in New York this
season and arrangements have just been
completed by which IL will open a third
engagement there at the beginning of next
season-an engagement that is 10 last three
months.
The characterization of Mr.. Blossoms story
follows the book pretty closely, departing
from Ii only where the memorable exigen-
cles OF the stage demand. And so complete
a story in itself Is the play as to make a
prior reading of the book unnecessary. And
this is as 1t should be. for play should
always be complete in itself and not de-
pendent for success upon some outside ac-
cessory. Checkers Is a tale of love and
luck, and also a breezy tale of to-day,
this piece the playwright had found the
happy touchstone with which to charm the
occupants OF the boxes and the gallery and
make all the play-going world kin. A min
lister In Chicago went several times TO see
Checkers during its engagement there,
and declared IL not only a tonic for the
brain, but an inspiration and invigorator
for the depressed. the tired and the suf-
ferers from ennui- And a gambler in New
York bought box every Saturday night,
declaring that he didn't know of any other
way satisfactory to make his friends
feel that life was worth living after all
as an evening spent with Checkers"
The play IN Indianapolis will be presented
by the same cast seen here last year and
since in New York. Thomas w. Ross will
play the title role His support is large.
100 people being necessary for the plays
production. and includes Miss Katherine
Muikins In the leading woman's role and
May Vokes, the clever and unique por-
trayer of slavy parts. Dave Braham, jr
son OF him who wrote the songs for Har-
rigan * Hart years ago, will again be seen