Indianapolis Times, Volume 39, Number 244, Indianapolis, Marion County, 18 February 1928 — Page 5

FEB. 18, 1928.

GEORGE JESSEL TO BE SEEN IN ‘JAZZ SINGER’ MONDAY

Ethel Waters, Colored Star, Will Open a Three-Day Visit at English’s Thursday Night in a Negro Revue, ‘Africana’ —Fred Stone Booked, II E -Jazz Singer, with George Jesscl in the title role, is coming to English's for a three-da,y engagement, starting Monday, Feb. 20, with matinee Wednesday. i'lie Jazz Singer" differs from the plays of Bernard Shaw in that, among other things, it does nqt make any effort to hide its sentimentality, it deals in the simplest way with the simplest ginotims. It states ordinary human facts in the feverish

terms of the theater. It is as rashly and sliunieies-ly sentimental as life itself. Outwardly the play is as conventional as “Abie's Irish Rose.” The hero is a son of a cantor, who runs away from home—becomes a singer of jazz, then returns to find himself struggling between an acquired love of the stage and a deeper affection lor his family and respect for the precepts of the religion to which he was born. You see the runaway return, see him turned out by a pious father, see him rehearsing for his great night in the theater, see the mother pleading that he throw away his career by taking the place of his sick father on the Day of Atonement to lead the choir in the synagogue; see him finally, against the objurgations of the manager and the pleas of his sweetheart, don the robes of the cantor and stalks away slowly to the church whence a few moments later comes the mournful, deep music of the Hebraic liturgy. There is some sound and penetrating writing in “The Jazz Singer.” Much of that feeling may be due to the excellent performances of George Jessel in the role of the “Jazz Singer.” This clown of revues has somewhere miraculously learned to act. He is admirable not only when he is playing himself, that is, when he is playing the magnetic, breezy vaudeville pantaloon, but when he is suggesting romantic love or stifling a hurt or letting go in a full flood of sentimental tears. Albert Lewis, who staged “The Jazz Singer,” has held intact the cast that has made this comedy drama famous. They include Sam Jaffe, Joseph Schoengold, Mme. Ann Lowenwirth, Lillian Taiz, Edward Arnold, George Schaeffer, Ted Athey, Nat Fryer, Tony Kennedy. Posner’s Temple Choir and “The Jazz Singer” chorus. tt tt tt NEGRO REVUE OPENS THURSDAY NIGHT. Net Thursday night will bring “Africana,” the Negro revue, which has had such a highly successful run of six months on Broadway and Jour weeks in Philadelphia, to English. The star of the revue is Ethel Waters, who is one of the great musical comedy stars of her time. Richard Watts, Jr., in the New

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Writes Music J. S. Zamecnik, well known composer, who wrote and arranged the musical score for “Wings,” is preparing the musical accompaniment for Erich von Stroheim’s road show to be released this spring, “The Wedding March.” He also will do the score for the film version of “Abie's Irish Rose.”

York Herald-Tribune said of Ethel Waters: “To my mind she is easily the superior of Beatrice Lillie or Raquel Meller, those two most admired of musical performers.” Ashton Stevens, Chicago HeraldEaminer said: “Ethel Waters is the finest artist of her race and generation.” Carl Van Vecthen said: “I would rather hear Ethel Waters sing ‘Dinah’ than hear Raquel Meller sing her entire ‘repertoire.’ ” tt tt a FRED STONE IS BOOKED HERE The new Fred Stone production. “Criss Cross,” coming to English’s week beginning Feb. 27, again includes that diminutive piece of Indianapolis femininity, Marietta Sullivan. Miss Sullivan was seen here two years ago in Stone's production of “Stepping Stones,” at which time Stone said in a brief curtain speech that Miss Sullivan would surely make her mark on the stage. Now we find this little girl entrusted with the role of Babi and other parts in “Criss Cross.” Miss Sullivan was adjudged the “prettiest baby” at the county fair bahy show in Indianapolis about six - teen summers ago. and again in the contest at the pure food show in the same year. She lived at that time at 839 Park Ave„ and as a prize was awarded a go-cart and a $5 gold piece. Athe respective age of 6 and 8 the sisters, Marietta and Genevieve Sullivan, were heralded as added attractions at the Vaudeville Opera House and at the Stone City Theater, in 1916, singing up-to-date songs. Marietta Sullivan's first professional engagement was with the Gus Edward's show, appearing in vaudeville, after which she joined the Fred Stone forces.

AMUSEMENTS

Left—English’s presents George Jessell in “The Jazz Singer" for three days, beginning Monday evening. First From Left—Ethel Waters, the star of the Negro revue, "Africana,” which plays at English's for three days, starting Thursday.

Church Play

Miss Elizabeth Feltman

Miss Elizabeth Feltman will have an important role in “Putting It Over,” a cotnedy, which will be presented Sunday evening by the St. Ceeelia Players of Sacred Heart church, in the parish hall. Union and Palmer Sts. Besides Miss Feltman the cast includes Misses Hilda Rathz and Josephine Lawrie; also Albert Hoereth, George Crumbo, Joseph Foltzenlogel, Anthony Lauck, Jr., and Charles Schludecker, who is directing the play. ' Comedian Gets Role William Austin, the eccentric comic who had important parts in Bebe Daniels’ “Swim, Girl, Swim," and in Florence Vidor’s “Honeymoon Hate,” has signed anew contract. He will be seen next in Clara Bow’s “Red Hair.”

B—SBU Ona B. Talbot Fine Arts Enterprises g * MME. 1 I©ALLI-€UECI Eeciial TDmor?ow Has Been Changed to I Sun., April 29th | All tickets purchased Feb. 19th will be good on that date. I CHALIAPIN IGABRILOWITCH-THIBAUD, Co-Recital, March 25. | PADEREWSKI, April 1. HEIFETZ, April 8. Last Symphony Concert April 16th f Order Tickets Today—All Seats Selling IS SINGLE PRICES SUNDAY CONCERTS: Main Floor. $3, $2.50, $1.50, I fij sl. Balcony, $3, $2 50, $2, $1.50. plus tax. ■ Chaliapin and Paderewski prices: $2. $2.50, $3, $4, $5, plus tax 10%. I Inclose self-addressed stamped envelope iot return of tickets. I ONA B. TALBOT OFFICE. 916 Hurae-Mansur Bid*. I

MUTUAL BURLESQUE THEATRE vmnt | |; , rr , nwi" iL*if.iifr.'-_'ii ,iuinimi _i.i ■ m linnwm—w ' Direction of Mutual Burlesque Association of New York ' Playing Attractions of the UNITED MUTUAL and COLUMBIA CIRCUITS BO WE R V URLESQUERS I , I WITH ! HATTIE BEALE and MORRIS TERRY f Ladies at the Week Day Matinee, 25c

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

ROUNDINCx ROUND TUFA T F F With WALTER i nL/i 1 fflvj 1X mCKMAN

In connection with National Drama Week, man? publishers have taken steps to interest play patrons in books about the stage. Alfred Knopi, publisher, has taken more care in issuing several new books that possess much interest for those who enjoy the theater. I have the following letter from Knopf, Inc.:

“In connection with the coming j drama week, you will be interested to know that yesterday we published anew book by George Jean Nathan, ‘Alt of the Night.’ “Wc have also just issued ‘Twelve Thousand,” by Bruno Frank, the second play in the theater of today series, edited and prefaced by Mr. Nathan. The first volume, ‘Chicago.’ by Maurine Watkins, was published some time ago. “Enclojed js a list of Borzoi plays which includes all the plays and books about the theater which we have published, with the exception of the following by George Jean Nathan: ’The Autobiography of An Attitude,’ ‘The House of Satan.' ‘The New American Credo,’ ‘Land of the Pilgrims’ Pride' and ‘The World in Faiseface,’ in pocketbook edition. “In addition, we have issued as volume V. in the Collected Works of Nikolay Gogol, ‘The Government Inspector and Other Plays.’ ” Also I have before me a set of questions and answers relative to the stage which are very interesting. The questions and answers are as follows: 1. What Austrian dramatist, whose plays have become popular in America, was formerly a physician? 2. Two playwrights, formerly associated

New Vehicle Alfred Savoir’s famous stage play, “Super of the Gaiety,” has been purchased and will be Adolphe Menjou’s next starring vehicle, following his current picture tentatively called “The Code of Honor.”

AMUSEMENTS

Second From Left—For the first half of the week at Keith’s, Dorothy Byton and Company will top the bill. ' Right—One of the headliners at the Lyric next week will be the Herbert Bolt Trio, starting Sunday.

Starts Work Filming has commenced on “The House of Scandal ' under the direction of King Baggott, with Dorothy Sebtasian, Pat OMalley, Harry Murray, Cino Corrado and Jack Singleton playing the leading roles.

with the Madison Square Theater, whose sons have become famous in the same profession? 3. What star of the American stage dedicated his recent autobiography to "the girl with the mee arms?" 4. What play by an American author, after being rejected bv managers in this country, won the Stratford Memorial prize 111 191st? 5. The name of the leading spirit of the Moscow Art Theater? 6 What actor holds the world's record for reciting ' Casey at the Bat?" 7. What Italian playwright always delineates characters obsessed with the rtddle of personality and the enigma of existence?

HERBERT BOLT TRIO “Slow-Motion Athletics'’ RAY FERN & MARIE “Vaudeville Diversions” HILTON & HUGHES Radio Stars From WENR (Chicago) IN “You’ve Got to jj ( has. |f SS? ON) THE MW- \\

An English playwright whose characters are always the exponents of his theories? 8. Four men who have made important contributions to stage design in America? 9. What modern Irish dramatist is the creator of anew mythology? ANSWERS 1. Arthur Schmtzler, author of "The Lonely Way," "Intermezzo.' and "The • /ountess Mizzle." iSee. "The Modern Drama Series,' published by Little, Brown & Cos. i 2. Steele Mac Kaye. father of Percy MacKave; and Henry De Mille, father of William and Cecil De Mille. (See: "The ('•eerlean Dramatist," by Montrose J. Moses.) 3. Oeorge Arliss. who dedicated "Up the Years Prom Bloomsbury: An Autobiography." to his wife. 4. "The Piper." by Josephine Preston Peabody (Marks). iSee: "Representative Av.t.T.c..n gramas: National and Local,” rdit-d by Montrose J. Moses with biographical sketches, i 5. Constantin Stanislavsky, author of "Hv Life in Art.' 6. De Wolf Hopper. (See: "Once a Clown. Always a Clown: Reminiscences of De Wolf Hopper.") 7. Luigi Pirandello George Bernard Shaw. (See: "Studies in the Contemporary Theater." by John Palmer.) 3. Robert Edmond Jones. Norman Bel Geddes. Herman Rosse. Lee Simonson. (See: "Theater: Essays on the Arts of the Theater." edited bv Edith J. R. Isaacs.) 9. Lord Dunsany.-author of "Five Plays." including "The Gods of the Mountain," "The Golden Doom.” "King Argimenes and the Unknown Warrior.” "The Glittering Gate. ' and "The Lost Silk Hat." (See: The Modern Draama Series," published by T.ittle Brown ft Cos.) Vaudeville Life Film “Lady Be Good’’ is nearing completion under the direction of Richard Wallace, with Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall co-featured. This is a story of vaudeville life from the stage play.

AMUSEMENTS

Sills Back to Work Milton Sills is having a brief breathing spell between pictures, but will soon start an underworld drama that promises to bring plenty of action to the settings now being constructed.

THE SQUALL WITH BLANCHE YURKA

LAST 2 TIMES TODAY

ENGLISH’S 3 xsh FEB. 20-21-22 Matinee Wednesday at Popular Prices: 50c, 75c, st.lo, sl.6# Evenings: 600 to $2.75; Good Orchestra Seats at $2.20 fiAst TIME HERE WE’VE WAITED THREE YEARS GREATEST — POSITIVELY OF AMERICA’S HIS YOUNG FAREWELL ACTORS PERFORMANCES I GEORGE /J /| W (HIMSELF)I & B Comedy Drama SeHawtloa ■ ■ H (ltiiw In Ita Third Triumphant Year) S I I “THE \ VIAZZ SINGER’NJ Staged by Albert Lewis Mr. Jessel and his associates have played over 1,000 performances ■ -ENGLISH’S ■■ SEATS READY MONDAY MATINEE SATURDAY _ } EVUBL 'I hold this singing comedienne Society* E ■ "■■ to be a very great artist, comLattt I Few. a a parable to the best in her line of any complexion. Ethel Waters In " l 'T‘ * v ‘' , not only sings a song, but she lands it so squarely within the Cta|>| minds of all who hear her HAKirCD'C rendition of the song—it DAINLLK a has been sung for all times. You only want to ** ~ ■■Karan hear it repeated bv A rnif AIIA H Ethel Waters,” says AritlVAll#* | Archie Bell. "Tht grtatost of aH tolorod rvni." / N. Y. World. Direct From Six Months gLJgjP on Broadway With Original New York Cast A Prices: Eve., $2.75, $2.20, $1.65, sl.lO, 50c; Sat. Mat., $1.65, sl.lO, 75c, s#c ENGLISH’S WEEK Beginning MONDAY, FEB. 27 # CHARLES DILLINGHAM presents' FRED STONE fg{4 S S'ro|jiggjjy —IOO-PERFORMEBS-100-BINGERS—BANGERS —PLAYERS —ACROBATS—TUMBLERS Bves.—Orel). 8.1.85: Bale.. *3.30. *2.75. 82.20—(ini.. *l.lO Wed. Mat.—Orch.. *2.75: Bale.. 52.75. 52.20. *1.65—Ga1.. *l.lO Sat. Mot.—Oreh., $3.30; Bale.. *2.75. S" 20 *1.65—0n1„ *1.1" MAIL ORDERS NOW SEATS READY THURSDAY ■"—ENGLISH’S WEEK SSS: MARCH. sth 3S2S MAIL ORDERS NOW SEATS READY MARCH I Nites and Sat. Mat.: sl.fl£, sl,lO, 50c; Wed. Mat.: jl.lo, 75c, 50c

College Folk to Frolic Indiana Ballroom Will Be Scene of a Gay Event. The Indiana Ballroom will be the setting lor a dance fete sponsored by the Woman’s League of Butler College and under the personal direction of Dean Evelyn M. Butler, dean of women, Friday evening, Feb. 24. This dance fete, as well being the initial one for the Woman's League of Butler, is also to be the starting of a huge fund for the construction of a woman’s building at the new Butler College on Fairview. Dean Butler has expressed a desire to the students of Butler that this dance fete have a true collegiate atmosphere and that it be one of the foremost collegiate balls iu the history of Butler She has also instructed Mary Lee Orloff, president, of Women’s League and Martha Dean, chairman of the dance committee and her assistants. Glayds Hooker and lova Conn, to see that there is nothing spared, so that this event will be a big success. In various conferences with the management of the Indiana Ballroom, Dean Butler has laid out one of the snappiest and peppiest of collegiate programs. Interwoven in this program one will find many well known varieties of college entertainment, also one of the main features of the evening will be the personal appearance of Tom Howard, clown of Sells-Floto circus, also Miss Louise Purcell Powell and her partner will offer the new tango waltz.

AMUSEMENTS

PRICES Nites, 50c to $2.75 Mat., 50c to $2.20 Seats Selling

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