Indianapolis Times, Volume 41, Number 156, Indianapolis, Marion County, 9 November 1929 — Page 6
PAGE 6
KIRKLAND WILL HEAD CAST OF “WINGS OVER EUROPE”
Colored Players of ‘Blackbirds/ Due Thursday at English’s, Will Offer a Travesty on ‘Porgy/ a Highbrow Drama of Negro Life. WINGS OVER EUOPE,” a hypothetical drama of tomorrow, will bo ofTered by the Theatre Guild at English’s for three nights, starting Monday night. Its authors are Robert Nichols and Maurice Browne ana the direction is by Rouben Mamoulian. Raymond Sovey designed the setting. The play was presented in New York last winter at the Martin Beck theater for the first time. After ten weeks it was moved to the Alvin theater where it closed its run in the middle of the summer. Statesmen, clcry,', laymen and critics, were unanimous m praise of this unusual and exciting piece.
“Wings Over Europe" is melodrama. with all the suspense one looks for in such plays, but it is melodrama of a logical and superior sort. A young scientist learns how to control the energy of atoms, which eivea him the power to abolish drudgery and want, to turn sand into gold, or to blow the world to bits. He announces this discovery to the cabinet of Great Britain. The young man is a poet and ,n idealist. He asks the cabinet to formulate a program by which is discovery, if he consents to re?al it. will be used for the good of ail mankind. One fascinating aspect of the first, ret 13 the convincing way in which j demonstrates that the statesmen tirst fail to grasp the idea at all. When they do comprehend, their If ar of what damage could be done with this power outweights their hope of benefits. They don't believe that human beings are ready j ior such power. Their proposal is i ‘hat the young scientist destroy his j tecret. The young idealist is a true reformer. He can not bear to let people alone. And it isn't difficult for him to reach the conclusion that if i he can’t remodel the world to suit; his own ideas, the next best thing to do is to destroy it. The play presents in interesting j fashion the various emotions with j which the cabinet members await J their doom. At the climax, one of ! them shoots the idealist in desperate attempt, to keep him from blowing j up the world. He succeeds; butj while the youth lies dead, word comes that another scientist has j diseoi ered the same secret, and has, taken pains to compel the accept- j ance of that same political reforma- j tion for which their young idealist j had hoped. The authors, Robert Nichols. Eng- | llsh poet, and Maurice Browne, ac-j tor-playwright and producer (“Journey’s End”). with the help of an extraordinarily deft and vital per- j formance. have taken the most unlikely theme and situation and built into them a living fabric that defies the ordinary conventions of the theater; but is unusually successful In creating that intense and sustained emotion which it is the business of the theater to create. I '‘Wings Over Europe" has the atniosnhere and efTect. so far as the 1 audience is concerned, of a first-rate ry.i ’v play, with this difference,
and this superiority—that it deals with boundless things which try the limits of the human imagination, and gives the auditor the agreeable sensation of a good time combined with the feeling of looking beyond infinity and imaging the unimaginable The piece Is directed by one of the cleverest young stage directors in the land, Ronben Mamoulian, nho has performed a similar task m “Porgy” and “Marco Millions” for the Guild, lie is now at work on the Guild's production of Roniain Holland's “The Game of Love and Death.” The original cast which created “Wings Over Europe" in New York will rho appear in the Indianapolis enca'eivent, with a few minor except icn . Due to the recent and sudden death of Grant Stewart, the part of Sir Romillv Blount, first lord of admiralty, played so effectively by him. will be taken by William H. Sams, who has been brought over from London to fill this role. The players are Alexander Kirkland. Ernest Lawford, Morris Crnovsky. John Dunn. Joseph Kilgour. Bovd Davis. Nicholas Joy. Hugh Buckler. Thomas A. Braidon, Charles Francis. William H. Sams, Edward Cooper. George Graham. Gordon Richards. Edw.n : Lester, Lionel B vans. Charles C o. Harold Thomas. an u •m U KBIRD” DI E THIRSDAY Po siblv the number n o joker, of in Lev/l c. iic's "Biackbin . coming to English’s next Thursday, Ncv. 14, for three nights and a Saturday matinee, is the travesty on *Porgy." which is used as a finale to the first act. Starting as a solo by Hilda' Perleno. the curtains arc drawn and the full strength of the company, including the Cecil Mack choir, are discovered in a weird semi-riark-scene. No casual description can really give to this number the importance that is its due. but here is where the Negro ncutally excels. No
SUNDAY AT 8:15 P. M. INDIANAPOLIS J. C. C. A. OPEN FORUM AT KIRSHBAUM CENTER MERIDIAN AT 23rd ST. NORMAN THOMAS “What I Would Have Done As President of the U. S” ADMISSION 50c SEASON TICKETS FOR THE EIGHT LECTURES—S3 Avaplcea Jewish Community Center , Association.
chorus of white voices could possibly duplicate tliat peculiar blend of wild 1 syncopated harmony that finishes, with the assistance of a most unusual orchestration, in a thrilling combination of musical and emotional appeal that stirs the audience to vigorous applause. It L the one touch of seriousness, beautifully and artistically done, during a performance that is replete with speed and pep. Shubert to Send Big Star Here EtheT Barrymore Will Be Big Event at English's. LEE SHUBERT has arranged to present Ethel Barrymore, foremost actress on the English-speak-ing stage, for a limited engagement in Indianapolis, following her season in Chicago. The exact date has not yet been settled, as it depends on the length of her stay in Chicago, where ai-1 ready she has been forced to extend her visit twice, owing to the soldout houses which have greeted her 1 productions there. Two plays will be acted here by j Miss Barrymore. G. Martinez Sier-; ra's impressive Spanish drama. “The i Kingdom of God." and Lili Hat- i vany’s modern comedy drama. “'The, Love Duel."’ both of which she pre- i sented in her own theater in New York City last season. Miss Barrymore's recent tour to the Pacific coast established new records for a dramatic star. It is due to the many requests Mr. Shubert has received from leading citizens of the country that Miss Barrymore decided to extend her road season and postpone her New York appearance in “Scarlet Sister Mary” until next fall. “The Kingdom of God,” despite its title, is not a religious drama, nor is Sister Gracia, the role acted by
Miss Barrymore, a nun. This character is unlike anything she hitherto ! has played and shows her at the i varying ages of 19. 29 and 70. Helen | and Hartley Granville Barker translated “The Kingdom of God" from the Spanish. Sierra wrote “The Cradle Song." which Eva Le Gallienne produced in America. “The Love Duel” is in direct con- ! trast to “The Kingdom of God.” Lili Hatvany. the author, is a prominent society and literary member of continental life. This is her first play to be produced in America, though she has had many presented in Budapest. Vienna and Berlin. Zoe Akins, who wrote “Declasee.” in which Miss Barrymore starred several years ago, adapted “The Love Duel" for Miss Barrymore. It is a highly sophisticated drama of modern life. Louis Calhem is leading man for Miss Barrymore. The company numbers fifty players. Watson Barratt designed the scenery. Miss Barrymore directed both produc- . tions.
Goes Hollywood
Howard Johnson, famous lyric writer, is the latest to join the rapidly growing Hollywood “musical colony.” Johnson has just signed a lofig term contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. He has arrived in California and will commence work at once. Some cf his big successes include. • M-O-T-H-E-R Spells Mother.” “Where Do We Go From Here?”. “Feather Your Nest.” “Ireland Must Be Heaven.” "Ice Cream, You Scream." and the score of the musical comedy success. “Tangerine.” Harry Is a Lawyer Harry Green. Paramount featured player is a graduate of New York university. After leaving college he was admitted to the bar and practiced law for a short time in New York before he entered on a stage and screen career.
AMUSEMENTS THE ONLY RECOGNIZED BURLESQUE THEATER IN THIS CITY PLAYING TRAVELING ROAD ATTRACTION'S OF THK MITTAL HI RI.ESQIE ASSOCI \TION' BURLESQUE REVIEW WITH HARRY PED PEARCE. MADLYN BEATTY, EDDIE SIMS, NELLIE CASON, FRANK KRAMER. EVELYN BURKE, HERBERT HARRIS, CHARLOTTE RAE, CHET KNIFFEN AND CHORUS OF SIXTEEN DANCING GIRLS
1 — Alexander Kirkland and Ernest Lawford In one of the scenes of “Wings Over Europe,” which the New' York Theatre Guild sends to English’s for three days, starting Monday. 2 Charlie Murray is the headline attraction on the new bill now at the Lyric.
ROUNDING ROUND THEATERS WUh WALTER _____ _1 D. HICKMAN
FOR the life of me, I can’t understand why people will pay $4.40 for a seat for “Strange Interlude” and then carry on a foolish conversation with the person in the next seat. That is what I suffered with when I saw “Strange Interlude” the other night. I really can not understand it. The two elderly women who were guilty of this offense were at least old enough to know better.
I have received many letters recently from readers of this department protesting against the habit of j people carrying on conversation i during a talking movie. If people want to gab, why don't j they stay home and do it instead of annoying people nearby. It is not only bad taste and a complete disrespect of other peo- i nle's rights to carry on a conversation during a stage play as well as a talking movie. What do I care if Lizzie so and so has a new' fur coat? Neither am I concerned if Mrs. So and So is taking on more weight. Neither do I give a rap if so and so has taken away Clara's best fellow. For the love of mike, who cares anyway, especially when one has to listen to it in a pa : d seat. It is time that this silly conversation on the part of some people stops and stops for good. I am sure on the side of those who have been writing and begging me to say something about the theater seat noise maker. ana Have received the following from the Indianapolis Civic theater: That plays presented during the 1929 season" by the Indianapolis Civiic theater shall be chosen primarily for their entertainment is the recently avowed policy of the directors of the organization. Mortimer Furscott, Miss Eldena Lauter, Myron Green and John Kautz. It is felt that since the Civic theater has made a community project, supported by the entire public instead of by a few. the first duty of the group is to present productions which will appeal to the greatest number. This is the most feasible way to express appreciation for the generous manner in which the public has sponsored the drive for funds and membership. In accordance with this policy the first play will be “The Lilies of the Field.” by John Hastings Turner, which opens at the Playhouse, Nineteenth and Alabama streets, on the evening of Thanksgiving. Nov. 28. It is an amusing comedy with clever lines and situations, providing excellent opportunity for the actors to display them telcnts. With such fare it is confidently expected that the house will be filled to capacity for every performance. Extensive alterations lfave been made in the Playhouse, most, of the money spent having been used in
Indianapolis Matinee Musicale Presents Ethel Leginska & Boston Women’s Orchestra Caleb Mills Hall—Sbortridjce High rfliool ;Uth Street A" North Meridian Sunday. November 10. 1920 —Three P. M. ADMISSION SI.OO
THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES
making improvements backstage. The stage is deeper and wider, newfly galleries' have been installed and new dressing rooms and property rooms have been built. The seating rapacity of the liou.se has been increased one third. Fev> alterations have been made in the front of the house because of financial limitations, but it is expected that improvements will be made next season. The greatest defects have been : remedied, however, and the forthcoming productions will show the | benefits of the added backstage i facilities. The theater itself will also be far more comfortable, because of the : newly installed ventilating system. Looked Like a Bad Man George Bancroft, an easterner, on his first day in the west, won Honors and a long term contract with Paramount because of his remarkable characterization of the wild ! west’s most noted bad-man. Not that there weren’t plenty of bold, bad. villains to be had in the film colony. But Bancroft was a “smiling villian"—something really difTer- ; c-nt and novel in screen characterizations. Clara Is a Prize Beauty Clara Bow was born in Brooklyn, N. Y. In her junior year at the Girls’ Bay Ridge high school she won a magazine beauty contest, v’hich eventually started her on a screen i career. The judges of the contest were Harrison Fisher, Neysa McMein and Howard chandler Christy. Austin Went to Srhool William Austin, eccentric English ccmic of the screen, was born in South America, educated in England, in business for a time in China, and made his stage and ; screen debut in the United States.
DANCING LESSONS Social & Theatrical STOCKMAN STUDIOS “Indiana** largest school of dancing" 16th at Illinois . Riley 1610
3 Evelyn Burke has the feminine, lead in “Burlesque Review,” opting Sunday matinee at the Mutual. 4 Harriett Calloway Is the chief person in “Blackbirds,” an all-Negro review due at English’s Thursday night.
Back Home
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Charlie Davis After making Broadway successfully, Charlie Davis is back home at the Indiana again at the head of his band.
Nice Coat
Tome Moore has a coat that has won him a fortune. He is wearing it in his policeman's role in his new picture with Blanche Sweet at the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios. It is a policeman's uniform coat he had tailored for himself in 1923; in it he played “Officer 66G," “One cf the Finest,” a policeman in several stage plays, and many other police roles of the screen. He estimates that the coat has made 5,708 per cent on the investment!
AMUSEMENTS > ! %\ I'MSUBE CLAD TO BE WV sror AKDKPWA I^ ' Vi Tt | E WAVE R A C REAL I i ‘IJ SURPRISE FOR YOU - / paaSfipl ON THE STAGE OWN THAN ON MOVIE STAR, PHSOI9, DONr MM WMf VA<r BREEZY BREATH of HOLLYWOOD g- crura vwKviuf Am——— I POLLY ako LUCAS and I foro, Marshall OX , IHUAN and JOKES VSCENESONIS* | "Afßggkftkllie fl \ 7/ INDIANAPOLIS SEES \ 4.: 1® jgpNsfiyi IT DAY AND DATE JIMS INCOMPARABLE \ \ y J W/7U NEW YORK AT SINGING STAR IN \ W THE ROXY THEATRE a rv-,. UK / / NEAR JEST EL 5/NCr„ LAuwe*ANc> ffiTZdwmfwnfw 1M ‘'"’both msT' ONE.. YOU’LL LOVE IT/ ’ GEORGEJESSEL LILA LEE aciinV jpl j
Mutual to Offer New Production 'Burlesque Review’ Will Open Engagement Sunday. A WELL-ESTABLISHED burlesque show under the title of Burlesque Review,” is the coming attraction at the Mutual, starting Sunday. It is sponsored by John G. Jermon. Jermoii is a veteran in the field of this brand of entertainment. In this, his latest production, he lays claim to having given every consideration to the modern way of doing things and of doing them in a manner quite distinct from the convetional form. This review has two scenes of special importance, each one telling a different story in burlesque. One relates to an American rookie
TONIGHT MOLLEB (SKATING T.WXA. 329 N. Pennsylvania St. Good Floor—Good Music Men, 35c Girls, 25c SKATING EVERY TUESDAY AND SATURDAY EVENING
in France, the other is called “Tire Play’s the Thing.” Os course there are plenty of spirited songs and novel dances incidental to the acting. Harry (Pep) Pearce and Madlyn Beatty head a cast that includes such well-known burlesquers as Eddie Simms, Nelle Cason, Frank Kramer, Evelyn Burke. Herbert Harris, Charlotte Rae and Chet Kniffen. The same careful consideration went into choosing a chorus as into picking the cast.
; 3 '** H| i H' § Tlirnc Pay, Only! Beainnlng toeatre MONDAY NIGHT Lincoln 8273 Nights at B:3o—Matinee Wednesday 2:30 Rood Seats tor All Performances How on Sale at Theatre Box Office Ak The Theatre Guild Jit ©£ New York -SSI presents WINGS OVER EUROPE By ROBERT NICHOLS and MAURICE BROWNE A DRAMA OF TOMORROW Wifb All-Male Cast Including Ernest Lawford Alexander Kirkland Morris Carnovsky Hugh Buckler John Dunn Joseph Kilgour Direction ROUBEN MAMOULIAN Pei(!a- Nights—sl.oo, $1.50, $2.00, $2.50, $3 00 rilLCa. Mat. wed.—soc, SI.OO, $1.50, $2.00. I THURS., FBI. and SAT., NOV. 14-15-16 j MATINEE SATURDAY Boston 15 Months New Yorks . _ & 3 Months Philadelphia 4Months at Moulin Rpu&e,Pans SEATS j Nights, $3.00. $2.00, $1.50, *I.OO and 30c ] MAIL MONDAY Sat - Mat - f2 00, $, oft and r>or ' ORDERS NOW ■j <i ww. ————™ ENC LISH 3 DAYS, BeginningMONDAY, NOV. 18 POPULAR MATINEE WFJI.VESDAY SENSATIONAL WAR DRAMA WITH ALL-ENGLISH CAST The play that is sweeping the world / IV GILBERT MILLER W*f * |ir (By Arrangement with Maurice Brcwnel presents foumegshtd 4 R.C. SHERRIfF J&Ljl Nights. 50c, SI.OO, $1.50, $2.00, $2.50. Wed. Mat.: Best Seats, *1 JO. MAIL ORDERS NOW—SEATS THURSDAY COLONIAL :h: WEEK STARTING TOMORROW AN ORIGINAL AND DISTINCTIVE BURLESQUE “THE PASSING REVIEW-’ l —Latest Song Hits— \\ WITH \ 1 “BOTTOM SIDE UP” \\ Ray Cook—Babe Archer \ 1 “LOVE’S DREA.M” \\ Joe Dr-Cano —Florence King \ \ “BIGGER AND BETTER” \\ _ \ 1 “SITTING IX THE SUN” \\ T “ tl,r E Sipt Jimmy Bova \ \ “SOMETHING ABOUT YOU” \* Bert Wrennick—lrene Joslin \ | COLONIAL SWEETIES ON RUNWAY | ON THE SCREEN WILLIAM BOYD in “HIGH VOLTAGE” l MATINKUS !Oc—.MTES, SAT., SIN-, MATS.. Ar MIDNIGHT FROLIC II F. M. EVERY SATCRDAV
NOV. 9, 1929
Six Boys From Here in Play Purdue University Will Present New M sical Comedy. QIX beys from Indianapolis, students in Purdue university, have been given parts in “Co-Ed," the fifth annual all-men’s revue of Little Theatre Players of Purdue. Wesley Reedy of 5311 Broadway, W. B. Shimer of 3126 Ruckle street, G. A. Fisher of 506 East Thirfcyninlh street. H. M. Bettge of 442 (West Fortieth street. G. A. Warmoth of 3140 Park avenue, and M. E. Robbins of 2037 Ashland avenue, are the Indianapolis boys in the show, all having parts in the chorus. Brown Robbins, an older brother of the last-named boy, who is a senior iri Purdue, is coaching the dancing of choruses in the show. “Cc-ed" is a musical comedy written specially for the Purdue dramatics organization by J. A. McGee, an instructor in the English department of the university, and A. M. Philion, a student. It has as its seating a typical college campus, and is a farce on colllege life as the general public views it. The production will be presented at, the time of the home-coming football game, Nov. 14, 15 and 16. Little Theatre Players is a student dramatic organization, sponsored by the Purdue Memorial Union, and it presents two shows a year, an all-male production in the fall and a play during the winter. Arlcn Started as a Clerk Before deciding on a motion pici ture career Richard Arlcn, who was recently made a star by Paramount, ’ was in turn a clerk in a broker- ; age office, a swimming instructor, a sports writer and an oil worker.
AMUSEMENTS