Indianapolis Times, Volume 36, Number 262, Indianapolis, Marion County, 14 March 1925 — Page 5
SATURDAY, MARCH 14,1925
BERKELL CHOOSES NEW COMEDY FOR FIRST BILL
Stock Manager Calls His Players Together for Initial RejM hearsal of Season —‘Why Men Leave Home’ Will Introduce New Players to Gity, Charles Berkell will call the Berkell players together for rehearsals at English’s on Monday, March 23. A busy week will be in store for the players, as the season opens on Sunday night, March 29. ‘‘Why Men Leave Home,” anew Avery Hopwood comedy, is the tentative selection of Berkell for the opening bill. Many new players will he introduced to Indianapolis during the season.
EDDIE LEONARD WILL TDP SNOW AT BJJEITH’S ‘Tarzan’ and New Revue Will Head Other Bills. [ ' IDDIE LEONARD, the famous JJ-T I black face comedian, and without doubt the biggest (Pawing card in vaudeville, with his minstrel bunch, will hold down tbe headline position of the bill to be seen at B. F. Keith's next weejc, starting with a matinee Sunday. Eddie and his yfcroup Q f singers, dancers and bantt olayers, ,'ncluding Jack Russell, Goa Mulcay and Charlie Oberle, will be seen in the new offering, “Oh, Didn’t It Rain,” taken from the famous song of the same name written by Eddie Leonard. The balance of the bill, which runs mostly to comedy, will include: STAN STANLEY—BiIIs himself as “Nature’s Nobleman of the Theater.” He Is a past master in the art of classical hokum. ( ERNEST HIATT—Is another funmaker who cornes under the head of “nut” comics. He has an original line of squirrel food which he oflfertj under the title of "Nothing Serious.” HENRY REGAL Contributes more Joy to the program with his travesty gymnastic act in which he is assisted by Ida Gerber and O. Henry. ALICE HAMILTON Vaudeville Cameo” will give her impression of an old lady who has Just reached the “chicken” age. CHRISTO AND RONALD—WiII perform a routine of tricks requiring strength and agility. TORINO —A Juggler, and said to be the only pupil of the famous Paul Clnquevallt, will present a number mit seemingly impossible Juggling assisted by Doris Whitely. IFThe bill will also Include the Pathe News, Topics of the Day and Aesop's Fables. -I* I- -ITABZAN* TO VISIT LYRIC FOR A WEEK Felix Patty, noted French animal trainer will bring his latest Jungle product, “Tarzan,” heralded as “The Ape With The Human Brain” to the Lyric next week. Tarzan goes through a truly remarkable routine of feats, far and away from the beaten path established by his simian predecessors on the vaudeville stage. “Dancing DeLuxe” anew terpsichorean revue presented by Gretta A twine and Company, is described as a dazzling offering made up of speed and grace, embellished by beautiful costumes, lavish settings and novel light effects. The bill will Include:
ELSIE AND PAULSEN—Supreme artists of the ice, just back from a European tour. Their act consists of intricate achievements in skating, including their original Apache dance on ice. They present this * unber true to life as it Is danced by the Apaches of Paris. Elsie and Paulsen were at the New York Hippodrome two years and later graced several big Broadway productions. LLOYD AND WARREN—Two tlrls who entertain with tongs, in(rumental selections and a. breezy ne of up-to-the-minute humorous chatter. JOYNER AND FOSTER—"The Boys Who Put U In Humor,” introducing comedy songs, some clever strutting and a budget of original stories. NEILSON AND WARDEN—Extracting laughs and winning appUause in a mirthful skit called "Who’s To Blame?” EARLY AND KAYE—Singing songs of their own in an inimitable fashion. KIRK COLLIER AND COMPAND —Camouflaging skillful feats on the tight wire under the billing "Radio Trouble*,." ON THE SCREEN—“The Way Os A Maid," Klnograms and an Imperial comedy, “The Sleep Walker.” *1 -I* + TWO SMART BILLS ANNOUNCED AT PALACE “A RevlewsicU Ravu'*” entitle? “If” will be the haadiine attraction presented cy Bn it und Rosedale with Dedette and tVctor Henry at the Palace Theuer the first half of next week. The bill Includes: DEWEY AND ROGERS—Who offer ‘‘Honey,” a comedy with music. MORGAN AND GHELDON— Comedians and entertain* is in ** Dash of Red," a tr.;U'ical comedy playlet. 'xONY AND GEOP . Comedy Lcrobatg who ask people to "Watch ■hem Walk.” AfTES AND DARLING—BiIIed as "Beautiful and Dumb” in their song act. Broderick and Felson, dancers, with Hill’s Chicago Blue Devils, a Jazz orchestra, and Pincus Leffwell head the show the last half of the week. Willa Holt Wakefield is callted the "International Entertainer" in her singing act. The La Varre brothers and Miss Pingree will have Pafraud Vaudeville Quilt” in
“Why Men Leave Home” deals with several phases of a persistent and infectious matrimonia 1 problem. Hopwocd has treated with them in his usual deft, but impressive way, driving home a number of barbed truths, the sting being tempered witli laughter. It is the sort of a play that stock companies can do justice to in every way, as it lends itself readily to stock presentation.^ New Leading Players. Heading the company this season will be Milton Byron, lesiding man and Edythe Elliott.- lending woman, both new in the Berkell folk. Other newn-oiv.ers will bt Robert St. Claire in juvenile roles, and Martha Morton, a young actress. Old favorites who will return are Larry Sullivan, comedian, and Idabelle Arnold, ingenue, who have been with a stock company in Dallas, Texas, throughout the winter; Robert Fay, who has been in the East since the close of the Berkell season here last summer; Mary Hill, character actress, who made a host of friends here last year: A1 Wilson, character man, who will be remembered for his work with the Berkell company during the summer of 1923, and William V. Hull, now director of productions. Reception Planned Following the matinee performances the opening week the members of the company will hold a public reception on the stage at English’s. This will be the third season of the Berkell Players this city. Bills will be changed on Sunday of each week. Berkell begins his season earlier than usual. He probably will remain here until Labor Day. which all kinds of entertainment are included. ?, The Village Nut.” holds the comedy talents of Black and O’Donnell. Hanson and the Burton Sisters are revealed in the roles of the “Magic Man and His Magical Maids.” On the screen are: "The Age of Innocence” with Beverly Bayne, Elliott Dexter, Edith Roberts and Stuart Holmes, the first half, and "The Family Secret" with Baby Peggy, Edward Earle and Gladys Hulette the last half. Pathe News, a comedy, an Aesop Fable, and Topics of the Day are the short reels.
Original Player Ralph Whiting, who was one of the comedy hits of “The Merry Widow,” when the famous Lehar operetta was orginally produced by Henry Savage, is appearing in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer screen version by Erich von Stroheim and Benjamin ’ Glazer, and directed by von Stroheim with Mae Murray and John Gilbert in leading roles. Whiting plays an officer in the King’s Guard. When von Stroheim was casting “The Merry Widow” over twenty applicants stated they had appeared writ hthe original cbmpany. It was learned that most of them were In the choruses of the numerous road companies.
W '^EAJ , CDDI>~BIGGE/f ATTRACT!ONL JpiEipßD Im* HiHi- ~, HIJ tlin s and BanjoiVt/ VAUDEVILLE‘X HOST ELABORATE ACT IN “OH, DIDN’T IT RAIN,” WITH JACK RUSSELL, GUS MULCAY, CHARLIE OBERLB STAN STAN LEY “NATURE’S NOBLEMAN IN THE THEATER” MAE FRANCIS HENRY REGAL & CO. 1 MUSICAL COMEDY SONGSTRESS ONE Os THE FINEST ER NE S ThTaTT NOTHING SERIOUS CHRISTO & RONALD ATHLETIC VOGUE OF THE CONTINENT
LOOKING OVER THEATRICAL EVENTS HEADED HERE
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R 0 UNDING ROUND THE A TERS
WALTER D. HICKMAN SHIS city has been taught a splendid lesson/ by the Little Theatre Society this season. By presenting a morality play, “Everyman,” as a part of the Lenten observance at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, one has a better understanding of what is inti nded by the remark of better cooperation between the stage and the church. I am told that Dr. Lewis Brown, pastor of St. Paul’s, was so impressed with the sincerity of the mission of the play and by the splendid reception given it by a capacity congregation, hopes to make this, a yearly event at his church. In obtaining this desire of the rector of St. Paul’s, the stage has made another link in the chain which binds the stage and the church together. Dr. Brown at least once a year preaches a sermon on “The Stage and the Church.” Local managers as well as artists appearing in the city make it a point to be present. During the regular church services on Sunday you will find visiting actors present at St. Paul's. Dr. JJrown is regarded in the theatrical profession as a wise and helpful friend of the stage who not only understands the mission and troubles of the stage today but who honestly seeks to remedy conditions. With one masterful stroke of artistry and sincerity,'George Somnea, director of the Little Theatre, has actually built the foundation of a ieal home for the Little Theatre. Very soon this society will have Its ovm home and theater. Such public service as presenting “Everyman” convinces the public that the Little Theater is a great civic institution. • • • This week we have had “Parasites” and "Hell-Bent Fer Heaven” In our midst. The Franclne Larrimore comedy was one of those “smart” highbrow smutty attempts to be elegant and entertaining at the same time. The play is nothing but slapstick stuff dressed up in evening gowns. The entire gang (characters; are society wasters and do not deserve to live. The dialog is smart. Yes, but It contributes nothing but a place to go to spend an hour and a, half. But “HellBent Fer Heaven” is a vital drama.
AMUSEMENTS
THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES
ADVERTISING CLUB TO GIVE ANNUAL SHOW AT MURAT Music, Variety and Special Stunts on Feature Program, "Who's Your Helen” has been chosen as the title for the annual frolic of the Indianapolis Advertising Club which is to be presented at the Murat, Saturday night, April 4. The production is filled with musical numbers Interspersed with short dramatic sketches, artistic dances and filled with surprises and sudden happenings, some of them exploiting the products of Indianapolis advertisers. Each of the Murat's twenty-four boxes will be utilized for advertising purposes, as the club has done at its previous annual shows. The sale of box spaces Is in charge of Frank S. Chance, former president of the Advertising Club. To Play Part Blaine McGrath, president of the club, will play the part of the host to the guests at a mardi gras ball which Is to be the first scene in the show. At the conclusion of the first act a statue of Helen of Troy, about which the entire piece has been written, will be unveiled. The statue will be represented by a live figure, but the Identity of the actress portraying this part will not be disclosed. Okley Richie of the Herron Art Institute, instructor in costuming and stage setting, has assisted the club In preparing the mardi gras ball scene. The club has secured the services of Mary Ann Miller, Marguerite Stowers, Marietta Mauck, Florence Barclay, Hazel Douglas, Joseph Heninger, Ralph Applegate, Robert Worman, James Roberts, Essie Long, Gladys Denny and Ruth Keiter, who will be ball guests. There will be forty other costumed guests on the stage In the ballroom scene. Special Music Helene Hibben will present a special fnuslcal number with Mellissa J. Cornelius, Zeralda Rubush. Ada Rubush, Helen Morro and Evelyn
No. I—Eddie Leonard and his “Gang” will be the chief delight at Keith's next week, beginning Sunday afternoon. No. 2—Betty Felsen, dancer, at the Palace the last half of the week. No. 3—Rudolph Ganz, pianist and conductor of the St. Louis Symphony, In concert at the Mu-
EGGLESTON PLANS PART IN NATIONAL VAUDEVILLE WEEK Leading Figures in American Theatricals on Program, The vaudeville campaign for N. V. A. Week, April 12 to 19 Inclusive, was launched yesterday and will continue in waxing activity until last year’s record-break-ing success has been equalled or surpassed. The sick and benefit fund of the National Vaudeville Artists now, as in past years, Is the only beneficiary of this annual week of celebration. Plans Made The General Central Committee of the annual National Vaudeville Forsyth. Mme. Theo Hewes has originated a ballet number that will be presented by twenty young women specially costumed and with an original stage setting and special lighting effects. Mrs. Horace Mitchell, Mrs. Willson Todd, Mrs. James K&lleen, Lillian May Huesleln, Hazel Dell Sllvey, J. Lloyd Wayne, III; Herman Ernest, Mury Wickard, Clarence Weesner. Worth Howard, Maurice Tull, Edward La Schelle, Mrs. Claude Stephenson, Mrs. H. L. Purdy, Lester Horton and Chapin Staley have special parts in the production. Artists’ celebration week, April 12 to 19 Inclusive, met at the New York Clubhouse of the National Vaudeville Artists and perfected plans for the general observance of the occasion in every sectisn of the United States and Including all branches of
usf for ran Vaudeville’s Supreme Laugh Makers W J FRANK MYRTLE f BURT & ROSEDALE VICTOR HENRY & DE DETTE 1 rrrrrr A STUOY OF MIRTH, MELODY AND SONS I DEWEY & ROGERS ATES & DARLING "HONEY” BEAUTIFUL AND DUMB A COMEDY WITH MUSIC ONE LONG LAUGH ! muniel van and. TONY & GEORGE Morgan & Sheldon n IN "ON THE BOULEVARD" “FLASH OF RED” watch them walk H .• rcftruffz PuoTo/=>L/7r || vl X jpkAde of innocence*^ a I BEVERLY BAYNE ELLIOTT DEXTER _ SAe Jo<3lhea£ Jt/s vary toucA 1 a/ds £Ae jnan sAg jnctssJea/f JKT'Vmtm ?
rat Monday night. An Ona B, Talbot attraction. No. 4 —Amanda Randolph with “The Chocolate Dandies” at English’s, beginning Monday night. A colored revue. No. s—Herman Escher with the New York Police Band at the Murat Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock. No. 6—“ Tarzan” at the Lyric all next week. the theatrical world, because every department and interest in American show' business “loomed up,” vicariously or personally, as keenly interested in anew record success for N. V. A. Week. Important List Personally or by official or personal representative, the following factors in the American amusement world were present to pledge their aid and encouragement for the national observance of N. V. A. week: E. F. Albee, Marcus Heiman, F. F. Proctor, B. S. Moss, Marcus Loew, William Fox. S. Z. Poll, J. J. Murdock. Gus Sun, Sam A. Scribner, Frank Keeney, Walter Reade, John Harris, Carl Hoblitzelle, A. Pantages, Wilmer and Vincent, Harry Davis. Jules Mastbaum, W. W. Butterfield. A. J. Brylawski, Nathan Gordon, Fred Schanberger, M. Shea. Maurice Goodman, James Moore, Pat Casey, Major L. E. Thompson, Mark A. Luescher, Jacob Loeb, David Loew, Arthur M. Loew. Jacob H. Lubin, Secretary Chesterfield of the N. V. A. and others. Roltare Eggleston, manager of the local Keith house, is now busy making plans for the part that Indianapolis will take in this important week. Last year N. V. A. week was a splendid success here.
Houdini Booked at Keith’s
Houdini, famous magician and mystlfler, coming to B. F. Keith’s March 29, whose activity in disclosing fraud mediums has aroused public interest all over the country, is convinced that the Government should take steps towurd suppressing fake psychologists and spiritualists who rob honest citizens of their hard-earned money. He is particularly incensed at the so-called “spirit photographers.” For a sum. such as three dollars or thereabouts, one can send one’s photograph to a ‘‘spirit’’ photographer, and have it returned with accompanying photographs of dear departeds, of influential ectoplasms, etc.
AMUSEMENTS
SISSLE AND BLAKE RETURN IN NEW MUSICAL SHOW Colored Revue to Open Three Day’s Engagement at English’s, Sissle and Blake with “Their Chocolate Dandles,” a colored revue, will open a three-day engagement at English's on Monday night. This show w'aa seen here early in the year and made a splendid impression. , Eubie Blake will he at the piano. Noble Sissle will be seen in the studio scene with his partner and collaborator, Blake, where with Blake at the piano and Sissle jazzing around, they present new songhits.. Lew Payton will be chief comedian, and his side-kick, Jimmy Ferguson will be there. Josephine Baker, announced as “The bronze edition of Charlotte Greenwood," will be present, as will Lottie Gee, the prima donna. Belasco Success For Screen. “Shore Leave,” adapted from David Belasco’s stage production of Hubert Orborne’s play, will be Richard Barthelmeas’ next Inspiration picture for First National to follow' “Soul-Fire.”
All of which the magician asserts are nothing but tricks to extract money from the credulous. "Such people,” says Houdini, "are as much a menace to public safety as any other variety of thief or cheat, or grafter, and should be dealt with by Government officials as such." Houdini has spent the past thirtyfive years fighting false mediums who prey upon the public. He recently for the first* time disclosed the fact that he was himself a medium at one time for a period of three years. He is well versed in the tricks of the trade, and his services in detecting fakers is Invaluable, it Is claimed.
AMUSEMENTS
PM.
A Great Spring Festiyal Bill of Novel Surprise Features GRETA , —.ARDINE L-U& CO. In a Brilliant Dance Presentation ‘The French Model’ * * * Direct From European Triumphs ELSIE & GO PAULSEN Supreme Artists of the Ice, Originators of the Apache Dance on Ice Skates. * * * The Mirthful Comediennes m LLOYD m WARREN In a Joyous Concoction Called OH, LISTEN! * * * Versatile Comedians .-.JOYNER* LL FOSTER The Boys Who Put U in Humor * * * Two Glad Girls EARLY & [s] KAYE Singing Glad Songs in Glad Rags * * * Maura NEILSON
and e I Joe W WARDEN Well-Known Vaudeville Favorites, in Their New Comedy Hit, Who’s to Blame * * * A Novelty in the Air KIRK [TI COLLIERS &CO. “Radio Troubles” * * * EXTRA! Special Added Feature Attraction Felix Patty Presents 3 Tarzan Sensation of the Season Tit Aft with Hit Human Brain * * * On the Screen - n “The Way of 9 1 a Maid” Final Episode of “The Go-Getters” * ♦ * Imperial Comedy 77T “The Sleep -511 Walker” Klnograms Dancing in th Lyric Ballroom, Afternoon and Evening!.
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