Indianapolis Times, Volume 40, Number 190, Indianapolis, Marion County, 29 December 1928 — Page 5

DEC. 29, 1928.

“MY MARYLAND” LIGHTS UP ENGLISH’S SOON FOR WEEK

Musical Play Made From ‘Barbara Frietchie’ to Have the Honor of Reopening Legitimate Theater After Being Dark Three Weeks. “IiTY MARYLAND,” the stirring, soulful musical romance which L A Messrs. Shubert will present at English's the week of Jan. 7, has certainly taken New York and all the larger cities by storm. It is years since anything quite so colorful has been seen and heard in these parts and from all indications it looks as if it will duplicate the success of “Blossom Time” and "The Student Prince.” These masterpieces were fashioned from the same fabric, so to speak, for Dorothy Donnelly wrote the books, Sigmund Romberg, composer of the three scores, and Messrs. Shubert fathered the productions. But popular as the former two have been, the collaborators of “My

Maryland,” which, by the way, is a musical version of “Barbara Frietschie” have touched upon a very popular vein. The cast is splendid in every respect, composed of more than 100 artists of musical ability and a chorus of sixty, making it an organization of magnitude. Booming cannons, Maryland belles, military figures, haunting melodies and a continued tug at one’s heartstrings that remain long after witnessing a performance—that’s “My Maryland.” *r tt tt SWAN WRITES OF THEATER GUILD As there is some chance of us getting Pauline Lord in “The Strange Interlude,” on Jan. 31, Feb. 1 and 2, It is interesting to read what Gilbert Swan, New York writer for NEA Service, has to say. Swan writes as follows: “Ten years after the Theater Guild was born in a Greenwich village garret, that extraordinary adventure in artistic theatrical experiments finds its roots fast spreading across the nation. "If, in the face of disaster which commercial managers claim awaits troupes venturing out upon “the voad,” the Guild players win a national following, it will be no more than they have done in their home port. “Today they have the most tasteful and impressive theaters in Manhattan. Their attractions are likely to be the most interesting to be done on Broadway. And all this came from a gathering of youngsters totally without capital, but rich in enthusiasm and intent. "There were, if I remember correctly, nine of them—all struggling dreamers—who managed to chip in SIOO each. Today the Guild has eight troupes, with 200 players to call upon. “And even as the various ‘shrewd’ managers talk of bankruptcy and issue statements telling the world that the movies have lulled wandering road companies, the Guild has been packing its trunks again for the most significant road tour experiment in the past theatrical decade. Within a few weeks a production which might be termed quite the most highbrow drama to be put on tour will be making its way across the land. “This is Eugene O'Neill’s ‘Strange Interlude,’ winner of the Pulitzer prize and unique in the field of modern drama writing. By this time the peculiarities, virtues and vices of ‘Strange Interlude’ are known from coast to coast by those who follow the drama. "It Is the much-discussed nineact play, which starts at 5:30 in the afternoon, turns its audience loose at 8:45 for a dash to the nearest beanery and reassembles at 9 to continue until the final curtain falls. It Is also, the play wherein the characters not only utter the lines ordinarily written for their recitation, but also express the thoughts which flash through their minds. Thus is revealed the inner and the outer individual in a manner fascinatingly interesting, at least to this writer, who has seen the production with three different leading women—Lynn Fontanne, Judith Anderso nand Pauline Lord. "Miss Lord it is who will head the road company. And taking a nineact play upon the road offers probl lems seldom faced by a touring theatrical company. i “Last season, the Guild inaugurated its program of stretching beLyond New York. It was eminently ■successful with its repertoire, which ■included ‘The Silver Cord,’ ‘Arms land the Man,’ and ‘The GuardsKnen.’ I "Miss Theresa Helburn, who was ■among the original launchers of the ■Guild idea and now is its executive liirector, tells me that the organisation looks upon the road tour

rilpl ipiPPWEEK COM. MON. lAII7 LllbLldH 0 MATS. WED & SAT. JAN I SEAT SALE OPENS NEXT MONDAY [ PRICES NIGHTS: 50c, sl, $1.50, $2, $2.50, $3, BARGAIN MAT. WED., 50c to $2. SATURDAY MAT., 50c to $2.50.

I § Iffy-MUSICAL HIT/ JjHflllfc rmffl ■ I,i ]i| .IUaH B XU UUMMH WSRBfflximitlMfmpAL. tN. ■success vmSmSttnmmKawsTA rcas-; H ALL )) WJUUMiP V MALE / SIGMUND ROMBERGT BESTSCORE^^S^ Rh THE SAME COMPOSER OF “BLOSSOM TIME”—“THE I STUDENT PRINCE” AND “THE DESERT SONG” g AUGMENTED ORCHESTRA! Music That Thrills! Love, Romance, Comedy, Adventure All Here!

Thriller Virginia Vaili and* Gaston Glass have been signed for the romantic leads in Columbia’s latest production which is to be a thrilling mystery drama set against a background of political intrigue in a fictitious country. The new vehicle has not yet been definitely titled. Both players had prominent roles in recent Columbia productions. Miss Valli, who is cast as an agent of the secret service in the new film, was starred in “The Street of Illusion.” Mr. Glass has just completed his first heavy delineation in “The Faker.”

idea as good for the players as well as for the American theater. s “For some time the actors would open in New York in five or six plays a season. Which was a great strain. Now they need know but two or three plays, and while away on tour can relax by playing roles they already have memorized and appear in. "At present the Guild has subscription seasons in Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Baltimore—branching away to other nearby communities for shorter runs. This year ‘Porgy,* ‘Marco Millions’ and ‘Volpone’ are already out of New York and some of its favorite performers—including Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne—are giving other sections samples of the most Snished acting Broadway has to offer.”

What They A re Doing

Evelyn Brent, Paramount featured player, will leave for New York on the completion of “interference,” the 100 per cent dialogue production. Oliver H. P. Garrett, former New York newspaper reporter, who went to Hollywood last year as a scenario writer, has made good, for yesterday came the announcement from Paramount that he has been signed to anew contract. Garrett was the author of George Bancroft’s recent underworld picture “The Dragnet,” and he was responsible for the adaptation of “Ladies of the Mob” and “Forgotten Faces.” His most recent work was on “Tong War,” in which Wallace Berry and Florence Vidor are to be cofeatured. Bebe Daniels, having glorified a woman newsreel cameraman in a recent picture, will show herself in the role of a newspaper writer in her new Paramount picture, the title for which is yet to be announced. The story was written by Lloyd Corrigan and Grover Jones. The picture will be directed by Edward Sutherland. Robert Castle, the handsome young Viennese actor placed under contract by Paramount some weeks ago, will act as Miss Daniels’ leading man. Julian Johnson, head of Paramount's staff of title writers, has just been assigned to title the latest Emil Jannings picture, “Sins of the Fathers,” now in production at Hollywood. Johnson’s titles for “The Patriot,” the Ernst Lubitsch production starring Jannings now current at the Rialto Theater, were singled out for special praise by many of the critics. Dual Role Florence Vidor plays a dual role In “Tong War,” the Paramount picture in which she is featured with Wallace Beery. In the opening sequences she is a society woman. Later in the picture she is shown as a woman of the streets, degenerated through contact with forces of the underworld.

AMUSEMENTS

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I—One of the chief characters in "My Maryland,” opening at English’s on Monday night, Jan. 7, for the week.

‘On Trial’

Lois Wilson In the cast of “On Trial,” now at the Apollo, Lois Wilson has a highly emotional opportunity.

Completed

Gary Cooper, who has just completed an important featured role with Lupe Velez and Louis Wolheim in “The Wolf Song,” has been assigned to a big part in Emil Jannings’ new Paramount picture, which will have a picturesque Alpine setting. Cooper will play the role of a Swiss artist in love with Jannings’ wife. Esther Ralston will play the wife. Lewis Milestone, director of “The Racket” and “Two Arabian Nights,” will have the megaphone for this story, which is an original by Victor Schertzinger and Nicholas Soussanin, the Russian actor who appeared as valet to Adolphe Menjou in “A Gentleman of Paris.” Strong Cast Clara Bow’s supporting cast for “The Wild Party,” her next picture, has just been strengthened by the engagement of some of the leading young players in Hollywood. The additions to the cast include Ruth Taylor as “Baba,” Jack Luden as “George.” Phillips R. Holmes as “Phil,” Jack Oakie as the life of the party, and Shirley O’Hara. Miss O’Hara is remembered as the leading woman with Adolphe Menjou in “A Gentleman of Paris.” Suggestions Although the new book by De Wolf Hopper, co-author of “White Lilacs” at Jolson’s Theater, New York, which he is calling, “De Wolf Has the Floor,” will not be out until the first of the year, the wags in Times Square are already offering their suggestions for a better title. Their latest is, “De Wolf at de Door.”

AMUSEMENTS

IMUTUAL HIGH-CLASS BURLESQUE DIRECTION OF MUTUAL BURLESQUE ASSOCIATION OF ‘NEW YORK START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT } THE CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT OF THE BURLESQUE WORLD! “BARE FACTS” —WITH—JOE YULE, That Different Comedian —AND A MARVELOUS CAST—TESSIE SHERMAN—CHARLES COLE—PATRICIA BURNS —OLLIE NELSON—FRANK McCONVILLE—RUTH ROSEN EXTRA—SPE Cl AL—EXTRA O IT T iV the queen K L u u 1L; 0F QUIVEK 32 SCENES OF GORGEOUS SPLENDOR BIG MIDNITE JAMBOREE NEW YEAR’S EVE—II P. M. GET YOUR SEATS EARLY—WHY STAND IN LINE?—GET AHEAD OF IT

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

2—Olga Morselli in "Golden Dream,” starting Sunday afternoon at the Lyric.

ROUNDING ROUND THFATFRS With WALTER I ilhA 1 ILl\ O D _ HICKMAN

THE fact remains the only definite dates that Ad F. Miller has at English’s in January Includes one week of “My Maryland" and three days for Pauline Lord in "The Strange Interlude." When “My Maryland" opens at English's on Monday, Jan. 7. that theater will have been dark for three weeks. Conditions at the Grand theater, Cincinnati, 0.. have been terrible as that house up to last Sunday has been dark ten weeks. Do not blame Mr. Miller for a dark theater. The attractions are not now on the road and as I see it we have slim chances of getting

caught up on the season. Nelson Trowbridge, manager of the Shubert theater, Cincinnati, has been very fortunate. He has had only one or two dark weeks after getting a very late fall start. So far there has been no definite announcement concerning B. F. Keith’s future. Some leaders in this city are urging the early return of the Stuart Walker company, which is now in Cincinnati. > Indications are that Charles Berkell will get an early opening at English's. No definite date has been fixed for Berkell. I would not be a bit surprised to see a March opening for Berkell. Berkell is now in Chicago engaging “new faces” for his company here, I have been informed. Jean Oliver is now in London, England. Miss Edythe Elliott is now in New York City. nutt Since Mrs. Florence Brooks-Aten has started a National Anthem Competition with the first prize of $3,000 and other prizes amounting to $2,000, I have been asked if I feel that we need anew National Anthem. As far as I am concerned, I am satisfied with the one we have and see danger in changing it. The judges in this national anthem contest are well known people, including Lambert Murphy, former Metropolitan Opera tenor; Reinald Werrenrath, baritone; Dr. Sigmund Spaeth, music critic, and Witter Bynner, piet and playwright. Have received the following statement from the committee in charge of the competition: A nation-wide response has been received to Mrs. Brooks-Aten’s plea for new and original national music, announcement of which sent out last July. More than 2,000 persons interested in poetry and song have returned cards requesting further Information concerning the final anthem competition which closes Feb. 1. Newspaper editors and special music writers throughout the country have commented on the competition. A few have been critical. Others have been skeptical, but the general concensus of the press indicates that anew national anthem Is desirable. From forty-seven states 1,308 competitors contributed poems in the preliminary for words only, which closed on Oct. 15. More than half of these poems were received Just prior to the closing date. From New York state alone 242 competitors submitted

FAMOUS ST. OLAF QUINTETTE ■ - Y. M. C. A. AUDITORIUM Under Auspice* of Emmons Mil It her I.eußiie Tickets 50c: Reserved 75C: Ewhunited for Reserved Sent* Saturday, 1 F M., Curlln Music Cos. Tickets on Sale: ll.\ It KY HILOKMKIKR .IB„ 3304 tiartteld Orlve, Phone l>Rexel 0309; or CARLIN Ml SIC CO.

poems. From Pennsylvania came 103 of the contestants, California with 100 competitors Is third on the list. Massachusetts, Texas. Ohio and Illinois all ranked high. The Judges have reached the final elimination. The winners will soon be announced and ten cash prises ot SIOO each will he awarded. Many leading poets who have signified their Intention to participate In the contest for a national anthem did not submit manuscripts In the preliminary competition. The Judßes Interpret this ab an Indication that they are collaborating with prominent musical composers in competition for the capital prise of $3,000. Already 191 composers and poets have submitted both words and music for the final competition. On Feb. 1 all anthems must be in the hands of the chairman of the board of Judges. On or before April 15 the manuscripts will be Judged and prises awarded according to merits, regardless of '•'hether the prise winning anthems are worthy of national adoption. The competition is open to a'l American citisens. whether native born or naturalised. The first prise is $3,000, the second prise SI,OOO. and ten prises of SIOO each will be awarded to the writers of the next ten anthems deemed worthy of honorable mention. If any of the prise winning anthems are the composite work of two persons, one composing the words and the other the music, the amount of the award will be divided equally between them. n tt tt Have been asked to obtain the name and address of aft Indianapolis man who is organizing a harmonica band. If anyone knows who he is. kindly let this department know.

At Colonial

A special New Year’s eve show, starting Monday night at 11:30 p. m., features the week’s entertainment at the Colonial. This show will be entirely different from the regular perfomance and will be made up of special comedy bits, additional vaudeville acts and girl numbers. The regular stage show for the week is “Rocky Pass,” featuring Buddy Kane, and the picture is “Midnight Life” with Francis X. Bushman.

AMUSEMENTS

3—Patricia Burns in "Bare Facts,” at the Mutual, starting Sunday afternoon.

Daley to Present His Show *Bar6 Facts’ Will Open Week’s Stay at the Mutual. “DARE FACTS," coming to the 13 Mutual Sunday afternoon for the week, goes in for optical delights, in the attractive persons ol sixteen show girls and an entertaining host of feminine principals bears heavy on comedy, as provided in the book by Seymour Brown of the “Greenwich Village Follies," and shows no end of scenic wonders and novelties in stagecraft. Ed E. Daley, who has given burlesque many of Its most elaborate offerings, has provided ‘‘Bare Facts” as an example of what modern showmanship can create and still provide an entertainment with tickets listed at low prices. The featured comedian, Joe Yule, will head the comedy brigade in song and patter and will add his own mirthful originations. Eccentric comedy of uproariously funny variety will engage the talents of Charles Cole in bringing out the humorous purport of various incidents. Ollie Nelson and Frank McConville will contribute individual talent as well as united artistry. Fair womanhood dominates the rcster. the principals being Reggie White, anew Mutual burlesque star; Patricia Burns, Tessie Sherman and Ruth Rosen, classical dancer—with the chorus of unison dancers, which is an exceptionally attractive feature of the show, it is claimed. Lists Films In the December issue of Its official guide for worth-while pictures currently released, the Natlona’ Board of Review lists nine Universal productions, out of a total of thirty The pictures which give Universe 1 so high a percentage of recommended pictures are “Red Ho*: Speed,” "The Shakedown." "King of the Rodeo," “The Girl on the Barge,” and "Calford on Horseback,” "Farewell” and “The Bookworm Hero” of “The Collegians” series, and two Oswald cartoons, “Farmyard Follies” and “Sick Cylinders."

AMUSEMENTS

MUSICAL Y2gTCONSERVATORY - jgv DAN HOLT - DALE & ADAIR AND ~ THE HAZEL. CHUROIIL ORCHESTRA . FRANK SHEPARD ■ - V in “Bunkoloyy” Did Midnight jk O Jj On SHOW AM the Screen New Years fylly s CTeature Picture (T) Starts at 9--15 V H/ W,th | Vaudeville WIMIWI pUMN IOtSWUSCN I iv 10=45 Jr~ Happy I ) 'Stv/ Year

At Apollo

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Nat Carr Among the Vitaphone acts that will be offered at the Apollo on the program starting today that features Pauline Frederick in "On Trial" is Nat Carr, noted character comedian, a brother of Alexander Carr of "Potash and Perlmutter” fame. After some twenty years on the stage Nat recently made a successful deput In the movies, and now, through Vitaphone, he is brought to the screen in one of his inimitable monologues supplemented by original comedy songs. Team Signed Charles Grapewin and Anna Chance. well-known vaudeville team, have been signed by Universal to appear in a talking picture comedy. Work on the production started Saturday.

MURAT AFTERNOON JAN. 13 A SERGEI RACHMANINOFF CELEBRATED COMPOSER—PIANIST PRICES: $3.00, $2.50r52.00751.50751T00 Seat Sale Opens Monday, Jan. 7, Murat Box Office —MAIL ORDERS— Send AH Mall Orders With Remittance and Self-Addressed Envelope to the Treasurer, Murat Theatre. For information Call Riley 7512—Lincoln 7951.

‘Big Act’ to Top New Bill Lyric Will Present an Act Composed of Musicians. THE main stage attraction at the Lyric for New Year’s week will be a humorous novelty, entitled "Musical Conservatory," presented by a company of blackface entertainers whose musical Instinct Is inborn. Five of them constitute the HazelChurchill orchestra, the other two Dale and Adair play banjos and harmonicas. Dan Holt in the role of the professor, docs not take his position seriously, his methods of teaching being coated with fun. He puts the class through Its recitations which includes several old time southern melodies and tap dances. Paul Barron and Jack Burt—An eccentric comedian and his singing partner have a comedy act entitled “Don’t Bea Fool.” The Robbins Trio—Roller skate daredevils, who present a sensational skating act which is probably one of the fastest entertainments placed on any stage. They feature a one-ankle hold while whirling at top speed. Vic Honey Trio—“Fast-Stepping Youths," who present a peppy little song and dance show featuring a step dance on steps ala, Bill Robinson. Golden Dreams—A posing act presented by the Rome brothers and Olga Morselli. The feats of these artistic athletes in bronze are greatly enhanced by Olga Morselli’s divine violin music. This lady has the distinction of holding the first prize and diploma for her art from the Paris conservatoire. Frank Shepard—An eccentric comedian offering “Bunkology." On the Screen—“ Sally’s Shoulders," the FBO production of Beatrice; Burton’s widely read story which peared serially in many newspapers! throughout the country, will be thefeature picture for the week with! Lois Wilson, noted screen star, in' the leading role. The screening of this homely narrative of modern life, which depicts the struggle of a determined young girl to keep her head above water when support of her family Is placed upon her shoulders, has been eagerly anticipated by thousands of readers. The story of Sally’s self sacrifice to save a wastrel brother and an ungrateful sister, at the risk of her own romance and happiness has been graphically portrayed by a splendid company under direction of Lynn Shors. In the cast supjwrttng Lois Wilson, are Huntley Gordon, George Hackathorne, Edyth Chapman Ind Lucille Williams. J Radio Talk H. M. Warner, president of Warner Brothers, was heard on the radio during Vitaphone Jubilee hour this week over Station WOR in New York and a national hookup taking in the principal cities of the country from coast to coast. Mr. Warner’s talk was an address of welcome to the staffs and officials of the new com panels comprising the corporation: that have lately been added to the Warner organization.

AMUSEMENTS

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