The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-12-24
|AN ACTORS XMAS
"a Modern Eve" Company
Celebrates in Topeka.
There Was . Christmas Tree
and MistletOe, Too.

An actors Christmas. Does that
sound very inviting? Think Of a thea
trical troupe. playing hundreds and
even thousands of miles from home.
on Christmas day in a strange city.
There was q unique Christmas cele
bration in Topeka last night IA Mod
ern Eve, company. which will be at
the Grand Christmas matinee and
night, had their holiday at a local
hotel. Fred LeComte, manager of the
company. is well known to Topekans.
as he was closely associated with the
popular Topeka actor and manager.
Mark Robbins for a number of years.
The company came here Sunday.
repaint1ng their scenic effects, look
ing after their costuming and doing
their Christmas shopping. They spent
a tidy sum of money in Topeka stores
And last night the members had their
Christmas tree.
A Santa Claus, Too.
Russell Flodas, the pianist, acted as
Santa Claus and he held sway in the
parlor of the hotel. The Christmas
tree was most appropriately decorat-
ed. A miniature orchestra and foot
lights were placed before the tree.
members of "A Modern Eve.''
1t was a joyous celebration. Every
one was happy. Whatever petty diff
ferences that might have existed
among the members of the company
were forgotten. The comedian from
Montreal, the girl who is a real ma
tive of the Scotland highlands and the
Indianapolis young man and the 9TH
er actors and actresses from scattered
parts of the country all helped to add
to the gayety of the occasion.
Jack Yates, the carpenter, was CIV
en- a tiny set Of tools. in addition of
course to his other presents. Every
one present was given burlesque on
his or her act. F1odas was given a
cot. a popular young bull dog. was
given a toy dog to play with. LIE
Comte was presented with little tin
safe. Mr.. Yantes. who according to
the company. likes to sleep in the
morning, was given a little dolls era
die. One member, who is said to have.
a heavy tread on the stage. was given
pair of rubber heels. And along
with these merry little presents, the
players have spent several busy days
in Topeka buying pretty, useful. orna-
mental and other desirable gifts.
just Like Kids.
The company gathered around the
Christmas tree like a bunch Of kids.
They were apparently happy, but as
one young woman said later. their
thoughts were continually drifting to
their loved ones at home. Violet Tur-
pie mas two 0f three near IcidtlNco ou
the firing line in continental Europe
Gudrun Walberg has several brothers
in the Norwegian army who might be
called to meet the cannon and howit-
zers any moment.
All Of the players of "A Modern Eve"
put in a pleasant evening. Christmas
away from home to most Of them was
not desirable perhaps. but they made
the best OF 1t and had royal good
time. Following the distribution OF the
presents. lot of good music was CIV
en-. Selections from the musical COM
edJ were rendered, dancing and sing
ing and vaudeville numbers were given
and harmonious singing was in vogue.
There is one thing to be said, they
could certainly MARBLE. Mary Jane
Bushman had a beautiful soprano and
the bass singing of Frederick Van
Ricken was remarkable. George Grubb.
q whistler of ability, gave two selec-
lions.
There was mistletoe placed at various
tempting doorways and no one escaped.
Refreshments were served. 1t was an
excellent Christmas for the actors.
There was a feeling Of home comfort
and good cheer in the troupe. They
had their celebration and lit is now
over and the players are ready to en-
terrain other folks. All who attended
the affair agreed that Fred LeComte
had their celebration and 1t is now
to give them a good old fashioned eve
ming.