Indianapolis Times, Volume 39, Number 111, Indianapolis, Marion County, 17 September 1927 — Page 5

SEPT. 17,1927

THE BERKELL PLAYERS MOVE TO THE COLONIAL SUNDAY

First Offering at New Location Will Be 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,’ a Successful Comedy of a Clever v * Gold Digger by Anita Loos, The Berkell Players, formerly located at the English Opera House, begin their iiSiii and winter season of stock at their new quarters in the Colonial ‘Theater tomorrow evening. * , They wity open their reptertoire with an auspicious vehicle “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” a dramatization of Anita Loos’ well-known novel.

For the right to produce the stage version of this play, Manager Charles Berkell, after several months negotiations with Edgar Selwyn, sole owner, Anally offered a sum which is the highest price paid for any stock release, so far as is known. He recognized that Miss Loos had given to the world a really great character in her “Lorelei Lee,” great because she rings true and carries the conviction all really great characters must carry. She is a definite slice of 1927 America. That Miss Loos, in her several years’ associations with Hollywood’s stars, has an accurate knowledge of life as it is today, this play attests, for “Lorelei” is a composite picture of thousands of modern girls. Her rough-shod philosophy is indescribably funny and will delight the most serious minded theater-goer. All of the members of the Berkell company which operated at the English Theater will appear in this laughable piece. Miss Alney Alba, new leading woman, and Milton Byron, will have the more important roles. , The play presents a number of characters which are delightful, therefore offering each player a particularly good part. The scenes are unusual in that the play opens with an Imperial Suite on an ocean liner. The second curtain rises on a scene at the Ritz Hotel, Paris, and in the third act Lorelei’s New York apartment Is seen. "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” is the intimate laying bare of the soul of a high-powered gold-digger and “butter and egg man.” She is well equipped with wise-racks, making the play run on merrily to a Surprise ending. The charm of a love romance *? sprinkled over the entire play. The usual policy of seven nightly performances and tnree matinees will be effective at the Colonial, with the week’s bill opening on Sunday evening. , To Play Opposite Menjou Kathryn Carver, the newcomer, who had her first important role opposite Adolphe i Menjou in “Service for Ladies,” has been selected for feminine lead in that actor’s next picture, "Serenade.” Fay Wray had been cast for the part but was unable to proceed because occupied with Emil Jennings in his latest Paramuont picture.

PLAYERS i COLONIAL OPENING WINTER SEASON SEPT. 18TH With Augmented Cast, Presenting “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (First Time In the City) BY ANITA LOOS AND JOHN EMERSON Nightly at 8:15. Lower Floor, 00c— Entire Balcony, 50c~Uallery (Not Reserved), 25c. Gov. Tax on 90c Seats Paly MATINEES—WED., THURS., SAT. AT 2:15 Lower Floor, 50c— Entire Balcony, 85c— Gallery, aoc WEEK OF “ FLAMING YOUTH” SEPT. 25 BY WARNER FABIAN

{l®do£’[c^ |.W ■[, I DIVERSIQH ALA CARTE 1 BEN SMITH Bf J§ \%J VAXTDEVILLE’S favorite COMEDIAN Kii IJ CHAS. DEHAVEN CALLAHAN CO. jj Ii 1 Mil FLOYD, SHELTON & 7 LEE fc M 9 H |JU|‘ f THB three dancing CYCLONE? iy Wm-WL . wll the mcreas ;■ m wt HfL iL SLAYMAN ALL TROUPE K iM&Sf tnk *k N ARABIAN WHIRLWINDS SPECIAL ADDED ATTRACTION It VIOLIN MANIA ■ WITH STANELLI AND DOUGLAS M&jjp *■;:•;••* ; A REVIEW OF YOUTH, MUSIC AND MIRTH BEN TURPIN COMEDY, BPORTLIGHT FILM, EDGAR GUEST’S “SILENCE OF SNOW,” KINOGRAMB KvM>i

New Events at Riverside

A woman balloonist, Mile. Ethel Pritchett, will attempt a triple parachute leap at Riverside Park Sunday afternoon from the park’s brand new balloon, "The Spirit of Indianapolis,” an immense hot air bag that was manufactured in this city. The aerial stunt will be under the direction of “Mile High” Ruth, who will superintend the filling and launching of the new aircraft. The fair young aviatrix has made a number of highly spectacular balloon jumps in various parts of the country and has been heralded as “The Woman Without Fear.” Riverside Park announces there will positively be no curtailment of the amusement devices until the final closing of the fun resort in October. Big crowds of pleasure-seek-ers fill the West Thirtieth St. park each evening and Riverside is at its best right now. All the coaster and other thrilling rides are going full blast, and “Kewpie Alley” is enjoying a season of unprecedented prosperity with its numerous enticing games of skill. An announcement concerning next season will shortly be made, according to park officials, that will revolutionize the amusement park business in Indianapolis and vicinity. Details are withheld, but it is intimated the enterprise will involve several hundred thousand dollars;

Over the Andes

“Over the Andes” is the final title of the Douglas Fairbanks production which was made under the working title of “The Gaucho.” Besides the fast moving adventure always expected of Doug, it is said that “Over the Andes” has a deeper vein of romance than any previous Fairbanks picture. “Over the Andes” will have its premiere at the Liberty Theater, New York, in the fall.

AMUSEMENTS

Keith’s to Open Its New Season Snappy Musical Revue to Top Bill at the Lyric. Indianapolis vaudeville fans have a chance to see Florence O’Denishawn, one of America’s foremost interpretive dancers, when Miss O’Denishawn, Nelson Snow and Charles Columbus, late of the Music Box Review, open the season at B. F. Keith’s Sunday. For her vaudeville venture Miss O’Denishawn departs from the classic routine of the Ruth St. Denis school with which she was first associated end introduces . graceful w’altz jtnd one or two modern numbers of the type pleasing to musical comedy audiences. ROD LA ROCQUE IN “THE FIGHTING EAGLE” The first feature photoplay for the Keith combination policy of Kelth-Albee vaudeville and a feature film is based on Conan Doyle’s “Adventures of Gerald” and tells a romantic story of the adventures of a. young officer in the guard of the great Napoleon. Rod La Roque is the star. Phyllis Haver and Julia Faye are featured players. THE RYAN SISTERS-Dorothy and Rosetta, two attractive sisters, sing and dance in the modem manner, using many of the popular songs and steps and some specialty numbers written just for them. FLORENCE CROWLEY IN “HAUNTED”—A company of eight, headed by Miss Crowley, in a laughand thrill revue that burlesques all of the popular mystery plays of the past few years, from “The Gorilla” to the “Cat and the Canary.” William Wilson is the blackface comedian. CLAUDE AND MARION—A henpecked husband and his masterful wife air the troubles of domestic life in “Still Arguing.” PAUL REMOS AND HIS WONDER MIDGETS—In an unusual hand-balancing act Remos uses acrobatic midgets as his assistants.

MUSICAL REVUE TOPS LYRIC BILL The Lyric will offer a sparkling musical revue as the topline attraction of the bill to be seen for the week starting tomorrow. Ttts revue, which in billed as “Diversion ala Carte,” is headed by the popular musical comedy and vaudeville favorites, Fulton and Parker, who have surrounded themselves with a group of pretty and talented misses who assist them in a fast moving routine and songs and dances. Colorful costumes and special scenic effects are predominating features of the act, which is among the most elaborate in vaudeville. The bill includes: BEN SMITH—The rotund comedian, who offers a line of songs and humor of a different sort. Smith has his own manner of selling his act that gets it over in fine style. VIOLINMANIA—The title of a recent European novelty that is headed by Stanelli and Douglas, who are assisted by a pair of pretty singing and dancing misses. i CHARLES DEHAVEN-CALLA-HAN COMPANY—WiII offer what is said to be a real laughing novelty. It should hold the comedy honors of the bill. FLOYD, SHELTON & LEE—Are a dancing trio that go in for speed in a routine of steps that includes everything from the old-time buck to the latest in acrobatic and ballroom steps. DU BOISE AND COMPANY— Have something new in the line of trick cycling. New stunts add to the novelty of their act. THE SLAYMAN ALI TROUPE—-

AMUSEMENTS

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

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Alney Alba, leading womar of the Berkell Play- Florence O’Denishawn, noted dancer, who has Peggy Parker will have an important place been featured In many of the big stage revues, on the new variety bill opening Sunday ers, will be seen In “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, haJ the honor of being the headline event at afternoon for the week at the Lyric opening at the Colonial Sunday night. Keith’s next week. Theater.

ROUNDING THEATERS

For the past five summers Charles Berkell has operated successfully his stock company at English’s. In five years’ time, Berkell and his organization has built up a loyal and powerful following in this city. So strong Is this organization ands. loyal is the public that Berkell and his players will move tonight after the final performance of “The Unkissed Bride” at English’s to the Colonial Theater.

The Colonial, starting Sunday night, will be the all-winter home of the Berkell players. The opening bill at the new location will be “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” and I am told on reliable authority that Berkell is paying the highest royalty ever paid for a stock presentation in this city. In the season just closing. Berkell has produced a total of twentyfive nlays. He has had two leading women this season—Miss Jean Oliver and Miss Alney Alba. Miss Alba will be leading woman at the Colonial. Milton Byron is leading man and will continue in that capacity at the new location. The following plays have been presented by the Berkell company at English’s this season: “It I Was Rich.” “Lilac Time,” “Square Crooks." “Whispering Wires," “The Little Spitfire,” "The Cradle Snatchers.” "White Cargo.” “Lass That - Off." "The Home Towners.’ "Is Zat 8c?." "Easy Come. Easy Oo." "Sure Fire.” “Grounds lor Divorce," "Smilin’ Through," "Loose Ankles." “His Chinese Wise’ r (An unnamed mysterv play), "Love ’Em and Leave 'Em," "Pigs, ’’Stop Thief," "PoUyanna," "The whole Town’s Talking." r 'The Ohost Train,” "Home Fires,” "Unklssed Bride." The high lights of the season have been “Smilin’ Through,” “Lilao Time,” “PoUyanna” and “The Ghost T ’•ain.” Berkell has had some leading recent New York hits such as “The Little Spitfire,” “The Cradle Arabian tumblers, offer a whirlwind acrobatic act that only the sons of the desert can accomplish. The bill includes on the screen: Ben Turpin in “Love's Languid Lure,” Grantland Rice’s “On the Hook,” a Sportlight novelty film, the screen version of Edgar Guest’s poem, “Silence of Snow” and the Kinograms. Daily organ recitals will be given by Ruth Noller.

OTVS\ B.TALBOT FINE ARTS ENTERPRISES HAVE YOU ORDERED YOUR TICKETS? How Is the Time for Choice Seats ALL SEATS SELLING OPENING CONCERT SBjIdAY AFTERNOON, Ol’T. 2*. Marion Talley I America’s Reigning Star of the Metropolitan Opera. Prices: $3, >2,50, $2. |1.50, sl, Plus 10% War Tax, I Orchestras Engaged for Season 1927-28 FIRST ORCHESTRA CONCERT MONDAY EVENING, OCT. 81. NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA I WILLEM MENGELBERG, Conductor. ■ SECOND CONCERT MONDAY EVENING, JAN. 30. NEW YORK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA I WALTER DAMROSCH. Conductor. . ■ THIRD CONCERT MONDAY EVENING, APRIL 18. CINCINNATI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA I FRITZ REINER, Conductor. ■ ORCHESTRA SEASON PRICES: Upper Boxes, seating six, SIOO. Main Floor Season Tickets, sll, $9. $6. Balcony, sll, EXTRA ANNOUNCEMENT WEDNESDAY EVENING, NOV. 8. “The Beggar's Opera". Entire English production from Lyric Theater, London. Sunday Afternoon Concerts ISCHIPA, Dec. 4. GALLI-CURCI, Feb. 19. CHALIAPIN, Feb. 26. GABRILOWITCH-THIBAUD, I Co-Recital, March 25. PADEREWSKI, April 1. HEIFETZ, April 8. Greatest Artists Before the World Today !81NGLE PRICES SUNDAY CONCERTS: Main Floor. $3, $2.50, sl-50. m sl. Balcony, $3. $9.50. $2. $1.50, plus tax. Chaliapin and Paderewski prices: $2, $2.50, $3, $4, $5, plus tax. Inclose self-addressed stamped envelope for return of tickets. ONA D. TALBOT OFFICE 918 Hume-Mannur Bldg. |

ROUND With WALTER D. HICKMAN

Snatchers,” “White Cargo,” “Lass That Off,” “Pigs” nd others. The real novel.y of the season was the unnamed mystery play written by Robert St. Clair, a member of the company. This play was produced for the first time on any stage at English’s. I understand that St. Clair is writing another play. Berkell enters his first winter season here with a good five season record behind him. He has purchased the producing rights for many interesting plays for the winter. I personally hope that winter stock, will be a big success in this city and I think it will. Indianapolis is big enough to have a year round stock organization, and Berkell has built liis organization to that point of strength where he can remain here for a year at a time. Indianapolis has another fine theater in the Rivoll which has just been opened A representative of the new theater has given me the following statement: “The Rivoli, being one of the vast Universal chain theaters which dot the entire world, will be operated by theater executives of wide experience in every phase of the business and all Indianapolis will be justly proud of this new venture. “The Universal Chain Theatrical Enterprises, Inc., operating the Rivoli, is headed by Carl Laemmle, president of the Universal Pictures Corporation, makers and producers of the Universal pictures. “He has been connected with theater business since 1906, when he started his first theater in Chicago.

AMUSEMENTS

Since then he has exercised capable judgment and this, with untold hard work, has put him at the top of the ladder and made him the proud “father” of the largest motion picture studio in the world— Universal City, Cal. “Dan Michalove, well-known throughout the country as one of the ablest theater men in the business, is general manager of the Universal chain of theaters. Michalove really proposed the entrance of Universal Into the theater field and through his untiring efforts the theater holdings of seventeen houses In Florida has reached the amazing total of more than 300 theaters from coast to coast. “Because of his brilliant record, Laemmle announced his appointment to the position of general manager of the entire chain early this year. Under his able direction the company is already entering a new period of growth and increased prosperity. The Rivoli is just another beautiful and impressive link in this great chain of really great houses of amusement and entertainment. ‘ The local manager of the Universal theater interests in Indian-

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WEEK COMMENCING SUNDAY SEPT IS 1 GALA REOPENING OF THE WINTER SEASON L'NLffRGEO RROGRR.M OF KEITW-ALBEE VAUDEVILLE & PEATURE PHOTOPLAYS DEMtILC rtCTU&CS GO/Z& jgj&EQLI/PRESENTS W / ROD 41/Lafocqiie /fa FIGHTING CAGLE ' PHYLLIS H/SVEPa. / /7 TREMENDOUS, GLITTERING, PHOTOPLUr OF NffPOLFON/C FRRNCE

COMEDY - PATHS NEWS - FASLES-TOPICS FIND A GREAT OPENING VAUDEVILLE BILL HEFTDEO & Y THE ZIEOFEL.D STAR FLORENCE O'DENISHAWN to/rt-f NELSON SNOW <st CHARLES COLUMBUS (LI7TE OF MUSIC SOX ME VC/E /7NO OH-' PL ERSE ") RE 'UNITED FOR A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT

THE MISSES DOROTHY* ROSETTA RYAN MO/D& OF M/*TH Fr PfE/LOD Y "

A EUROPEAN NOVELTY PAUL REMOS Sc HIS WONDER MIDGETS

EXTRA ADDED ATTRACTION 7-00 /v/67if/?r r?/.OY rfvl/o "HAUNTED " F 3U*LFSQUE OF 3*OOOWRY S MYSTERY o*o*o SUCCESSES THRILLS ! CHILLS } SHUDDERS 1 . CHUCKLES! SCREAMS !

CARL GORDON AT THE NEW GRAND WURLITZER ORGAN

PRICES REDUCED

Gibson Is Busy Having completed “The Rawhide Kid,” by Peter B. Kyne, Hoot Gibson starts immediately on “A Trick of Hearts,” under the direction of Reaves Eason. “A Trick of Hearts” is adapted from an original story entitled “Western Suffragette,” and the Universal star will be supported by a cast including Georgia Hale, Nora Cecil, Dan Crimmins, Rose Gore, Joe Rickson, Howard Truesdale, George Ovey, Heinie Conklin and Grace Cunard, who plays the lady constable.

apolis, W. W. Grist, Jr., having been located in this city for the past several weeks, is already widely known in business circles of this section.” Judy Added to Cast Judy King, ingenue, has been added to the cast of Esther Ralston’s new staring picture for Paramount. She takes the part of a stage soubrette and companion of the star.

AMUSEMENTS

/? RE PL L/7UOP PEPTC/RE CLAUDE * MARION "ST/LL PRGU/NO "

Thousands Dance at Indians Cool Ballroom Attrac Those Who Love to Dance, Thousands in the past week ha found it, while hundreds of tho sands have sought it. Thousan pass it and thousands enjoy it. is right downtown in the heart, i this city. To tell you more abo this secret. It is on Washington £ in the 100 block, on the sixth flo above the ground. Well, if you really want to kne what it is, it is the coolest anil mo refreshing atmosphere of 68 degree the Indiana ballroom, atop the ne Indiana Theater. This ballroom is cooled with oi of the most modernly known coo ing systems in the world; it is va ued at SIOO,OOO. This system changi every cubic foot of air in the Ind ana Theater and ballroom every ! seconds. This air is more refresi ing, more invigorating, than tl natural air of a cool evening thi you might find anywhere, with tl exception of the vicinity of the A lantic Ocean. This air pass through salty water which is he at a frigid temperature. From records taken in the pa week it sho\vs that when the a entered the ballrooom it was aboi 65 degrees. After it passed throug and came back to be re-washed had only reached the temperatu of 76 degrees. This goes to sho that during the thirty seconds was in the ballroom it approximat* ly gained 11 degrees of atmospher while the thermometer on th ground level varied from 80 to 8 degrees, only a difference in tem perature of about 14 degrees coole than on the streeet level. This air is washed and cleanse and distributed in a manner whic gives proper humidity as well o temperature. It may be an interest ing fact to know that during th process of its cleansing that th surplus humidity, such as sweat an various moistures from the buma: body, are drawn downstairs at th same time this cool air is being ta ken from the theater and the ball room. Sixty gallons of water every hou are derived from this surplus hu midity in the ballroom. Therefor* in this process every particle of th ballroom and every person in th ballroom are receiving the usua Saturday night dieet after gettin the air in the Indiana ballroom, s why shouldn’t it be cool?

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