The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1929-08-10


He knows just as we'll as those
who write of the theater that bur-
lesque to live must remain burlcsque
just that, adapted to the modern
era of entertainment.
One reason that burlesque mas
received a black eye in the past is
that it was not burleSque. Since
Herk has become the head Of the
only bur!esque circuit in this coun-
try he has kept burlesque on the
comeback track.
The chief trouble with burlesque in
the past has been inferior casts, aged
and worn out alleged comedy and a
chorus of poorly trained, or, not
trained, in modern dancing step.
Some Mutual shows 1 have seen
last season at the Mutual theater
here would not have attracted at
tention if it we're not for the "Spe-
cial added attraction" the little lady
who had more movements than a
hundred dollar watch.
If Mr.. Herk has retained the le-
Ultimate burlesque comedian and
surrounded him with well trained
chorus, a leading woman who can
at least sing and act a wee bit and
also have a chorus equipped along
modern revue lines--then Mr.. Herk
is to be taken seriously and to be
applauded.
AS far as this department is con-
Cerned, the efforts of Mr.. Herk will
be judged solely by the product he
exhibits in indianapolis this sea-
SON
Also I will take the word of MIR.
Herk that his readjUsting Of bur-
lesque has been wisely and legiti-
metely done.
There is a legitimate and a de
cent demand for the right kind of
burleSque. Has Mr.. Herk this brand?
The box Office will tell the story.
The Mutual theater here is pre-
pared to open its season soon.
I have been informed by the Shu-
bert office in Chicago that "The
Connecticut Yankee" which recent
~ closed in that city after a long
run. will be one of the early attrac-
tons at English's when the local
season gets under way.
Among the most interesting and
gratifying news that have received
this week is that George Sonnnes,
has been appointed director of the
Civic Theater Of indianapolis. He
| tells me that he is getting ready to
put ShakeSpeare's Hamlet" in re-
hearsal for early presentation at the
Playhouse. This is big news and
proves that Sonnnes is right in pre-
dieting the most ambitious season
that the Civic theater has ever hao
in this city.
Cincinnati is much wiser In al
least one respect than indianapolis
Cincinnati has decided to place thu
Stuart Walker company on the sanle
basis as its great Symphony orches-
ira which has the guiding genius Of
Fritz Reiner over it.
And so Cincinnati has made Mr.
Walker free from financial Worry
by establishing and backing tht
Cincinnati Stuart Walker company
Indianapolis should have done i
years ago. No doubt about that.
Jessie Powell-Arnold, representing
Mr.. Walker, has sent me the follow
ing:
On July the Cincinnati Stuart Walker
Company was incorporated under the state
laws of Ohio and the following Cincin
natisns. prominent in Cincinnati's social
artistic and financial life. we're elected Of
| fcers:
Mr.. Robert L. Black, president.
Mrs. George Dent Crabbe, vice-presi'
dent.
Mr.. Edgar Friedlander. vice-president
Miss Amy Sherlock, treasurer.
Mrs. James C. Hobart. secretary.
The forming and incorporation OF thii
company makes Stuart Walker and hi
theater a permanent part of CINCINNATI
life. It is the intention Of the founder
of the new company to put it on the SAM
high plane her Symphony orchestra, he
Art institute and her Educational sys
TEN occupy.
Fourteen years ago. when Stuart Wake
became an independent producer he de
cided 10 leave New York and carry hi
| ideas of good thester to or near that sec
ton OF the country in which he hat
AMITSl