Indianapolis Times, Volume 41, Number 228, Indianapolis, Marion County, 1 February 1930 — Page 6

PAGE 6

‘FOLLOW THRU’, MUSICAL COMEDY, OPENS AT ENGLISH’S

Civic Will Offer New Comedy 'The Marquise’ Is Next Event at Alabama Playhouse. Geographically. as well as in comedy-substance, the three comedy offerings of the Civic Theatre of Indianapolis of the 192930 winter season have been of interesting variance. George Somnes. director, selected for the opening bill at the Playhouse John Hastings Turner':, “Lilies of the Field." with all its English charm to b“ found in a setting at Gloucestershire and Rutland Gate, London. Spanish comedy, largely mental, Inactive, but keenly delightful, was provided in “The Lady from Alfaqueque,” by Quinter-Alvarez, which was the January bill at the Playhouse. In Noel Coward’s “‘The Marquise,” the forthcoming production to be prerented from Feb. 5 to 12. that brilliant, young Englishman tells his audacious, clever tale against a background of eighteenth-century France. Those who know their Coward and his apiio isms " ill approve of this French setting a being admirably suited to his swiftly-paced, sententious dialogue and his charmingly Impudent situations.

For that matter, many of Indianapolis’ theater-goers and especially. Civic Theatre patrons, do know Coward and his clever works as well as New York audiences, who are at all a?og over his operette, •“Bitter Sweet.” playing at the Ziegfeld theater with Evelyn Laye. You see, the music was composed and the book and lyrics for “Bitter Sweet” all written by this same 30-year-old success of a playwright. “Hay Fever.” that laconicallytitled piece of cleverness, written and produced in London several seasons ago, was a tremendous success locally when it was presented by the Indianapolis Little Theatre during its 1928 season. At that time, a total audience of 1,700 persons witnessed the eight consecutive performances at the Playhouse, and in the following October. 1928, “Hay Fever” was presented as a pre-sea-son offering at the request of the Indiana State Teachers’ A sociation. The reception accorded this Coward opus by Indianapolis audiences, to say nothing of its New York and London enthusiasts, augurs well for “The Marquise,” whom George Somnes and his confreres at the Playhouse are bringing to town during the w T eek. from Wednesday, Feb. 5 to 12. She is an adorable, daring and exquisite lady, who fills the comedy with incident and situation. Coward has arranged. In this lastmentioned brain child of his. that two old friends, French noblemen, have been provided with a son and daughter, respectively, by this same charming woman, la Madame la Marquise. Then he leaps the years, until he reaches the opening of his play, when his gentilhommes are middleaged and his Marquise a sentimental. gay and capricious ”42.” The Mr l .uise returns to the scene, just when the engagement of the girl and toy has been arranged by their adoring fathers and celebrated with a dinner-party. Was it mentioned before that, neither of the fathers had cognizance that the Marquise was a mutual acquaintance, until this scene? Full of impudence and sangfroid, if you will, but also of charm and refined cleverness. Other plays identified with the success of this prolific and youthful Oiamatist are "The Queen Was in the Parlor.” in which Pauline Frederick played; “The Vortex,” a sensation that London sent New York in 1926 to be enjoyed on this side of the Atlantic; "Fallen Angels,” "This V.'as a Man,” and “Chit Chat." Somnes has selected the following persons to play in "The Marquise”: Mrs. Charles C. Robinson, from the British professional stage; Norma Green, Reginald Garstang, Mrs. Rudolph Stempfel, Almon J. Coble, Robert Blakeman, Walker Winslow, Allen Miller, Vera Cox and Mrs. Edwin J. Kunst.

Helen Again “Dangerous Nan McGrow” will be Helen Kane's next picture. following the release of "Pointed Heels." It will be an all-talking and singing production. according to a recent announcement by Jesse L. Lasky, first vice-president in charge of production. The picture will be made at the Paramount Long Island studio under the direction of Alfred E. Green.

MUTUAL BURLESQUE THEATRE NEXT WEEK—THE SPEED GIRLS WITH FRED (FALLS) BINDER-EVELYN WHITNEY CHORUS I McEVOY

]—N'ayan Pc ree will be seen in “Follyw Thru” when that attraction opens at English’s Monday n'ght for the week. 2—Fred Binder, comedian with “Speed Girls,” opening Sunday afternoon at the Mutual.

Ethel Barrymore Will Be Seen Here for Three Days in Two Plays. ‘The Kingdom of God’ and ‘The ‘Love Duel,’ Two Big Successes. BOBBY JARVIS, principal comedian of Schwab and Mandel’s golfing musical “Follow Thru,” coming to English’s Monday night, started out in life as a farm boy in Michigan. He started his acting while attending the country school of his youth and later appeared in vaudeville. Shortly after his vaudeville debut, Laurence Schwab selected Jarvis to go to Australia to play the principal comedy role in “The Gingham Girl.” Bobby was a tremendous hit in the land of the kangaroo and at the end of his legitimate engagement there, appeared in the leading music

i halls of Melbourne and Sidney. When he returned to America, he re-entered vaudeville and was once more drafted by Laurence Schwab to take over the principal comic role in the New York production of “The Desert Song” originally played by Eddie Buzzell. It was during this engagement that Schwab & Mandel gave this comical young fellow a long-term contract. Following “The Desert Song” engagement he was sent to London for the English production of "Good News.” After a long run there, he remained abroad touring the provinces. Returning to America last spring he again received a call to take up the job of funny man, this time, his present role in the newest Schwab & Mandel musical comedy, “Follow Thru.” k ts a BARRYMORE TO GIVE TWO PLAYS The return of Ethel Barren., re to theh local stage promises to be an event of unusual interest, as it marks the appearance of the actress here in two unusual plays. Under the management of Lee Shubert, Miss Earrymore will be seen at English’s three days only, beginning on Monday. Feb. 10, with a matinee on Wednesday. G. Martinez Sierra’s, “The Kingdom of God,” translated by Helen and H. Granville-Barker, will be acted on Monday and Tuesday nights, and Lili Hatvany’s. “The Love Duel,” adapted by Zoe Akins, will be played Wednesday matinee and night only. “The Kingdom of God” is far removed from the kind of entertainment which has flooded the American stage in recent years. It is unworldly, serious, searching into the lives of certain classes of humanity. Sierra is also the author of “The Cradle Song,” which Eva Le Gallienne produced. In “The Kingdom of God" Miss Barrymore is seen in the role of Sister Gracia, first at the age of 19. then at 29 and finally as an old woman of 70. This is not, however, a religious drama, nor is Sister Gracia a nun. “The Love Duel” is sophisticated and cynical, giving the actress a role in great contrast to that she plays in the Spanish drama. Baroness Hatvany has taken her characters and story from the lives of two people well known in European social circles Zoe Akins, who made the American version of drama, is herself a playwright of repute and author of "Declasee,” in which Miss Barrymore starred. Since her debut at the age of 14, Miss Barrymore has acted many parts in plays by such diverse authors as Shakespeare. Sheridan. Pinero, Isben, Somerset Maugham, James M. Barrie, Clyde Fitch. Edward Sheldon. Dumas and Henry Arthur Jones. Her ambitious repertory plans include a Greek drama, another Shakespearean tragedy and revivals of productions in which she has already appeared, as well as new plays, among which will be Julia Peterkin's. “Scarlet Sister Mary,” to be presented in New York next fall. Louis Calhern is leading man. The company numbers fifty players and includes Mary- Loane. Georgie

AMUSEMENTS

Drew Mendum, George Alison, William Kershaw, Anita Rothe, Harry Plimmer, Eleanor Stuart, Gertrude Maitland, James Meighan, Olive Oliver, Wilma Thompson, Diane Van Dommelen, Ernestine Gaines, Malcolm Soltan, Marcel Dill, Joan Carvel, Eleanor Powers, Charles Powers, Lionel Dante, Edward Teene and Gregory Deane. Miss Barrymore directed the productions of both plays. Watson Barratt designed the settings. Edward A. McHugh is stage manager. a a t> “VANITIES” IS BOOKED HERE When the seventh edition of the Earl Carroll “Vanities,” with a company of 100 people opens at English’s, Feb. 17, for three days, the playgoers of this city will see the latest “Vanities” of the series for it is in this one that W. C. Fields is starred. In order to obtain the services of Fields, Carroll had to break tradition and for the first time a player is billed over the famous trademark —“Vanities.” Plus the comical antics of W. C. Fields, which adds to the merriment of the evening’s fare, there is the presence of Dorothy Britton which adds to the beauty of the night. Miss Britton is the lass who won the Galveston International Beauty contest in competition with the foremost beauties of America and Europe and earned the title of “Miss Universe.” Under the guidance of Earl Carroll, Miss Britton has advanced through “Fioretta” and “Sketch Book” from the position of merely a featured beauty to a principal of note, with lines to speak and things to do Surrounding “Miss Universe” there is a beautiful chorus of fifty-six girls, many of whom are beauty contest winners themselves and who have at least the claim of being the highest priced chorus in the history of show business for they are receiving from $75 weekly to $350 a week. The best talent from all departments of theatrical endeavor went into making this “Vanities” the best of the series. Most of the sketches were written by W. C. Fields himself and the additional dialogue is by Eddie Welch, who is noted for the comedy touches of many a Broadway hit. The gradueur and splendor of this revue will startle you, for never before has there been a scene as beautiful as “The Temple of Mythology,” a scene which actually ends in a blaze of fireworks. Then there is the “Mechanical Ballet,” as original a number as there ever was in a revue. And as for a scene of sheer excellence, you are referred to the “Raquel” number, one which has all the charm of old Spain. Outstanding among the principals are the names of Ben Blue, The Bennett Boys, Joey Ray, Grace Wells, Dorothy Lull and Paul Russell.

At Mutual

crying uacoos, juvenile ieaa wun “Speed Girls.” the Mutual Burlesque attraction opening Sunday at the Mutual, attributes the fact that he is healthy and hearty to the circumstances that he followed the advice of James J. Corbett, once world’s champion boxer and perhaps the most popular man who ever held the title. Corbett, now in his sixties, but looking twenty years younger, has always taken perfect physical care of himself, and Jacobs, -who, after the World war. was a nervous wreck, was introduced to “Gentleman Jim” by a mutual friend in the Friars Club in New York. Corbett sensed young Jacob’s trouble and suggested a physical culture routine which the young actor followed and has been for years.

ZIMMER HARP TRIO H ARRY V NEWCOMBE Baritone CALEB MILLS HALL Tuesday Nieht. FeH. A R-15 P. M. TICKETS SI.OO FrLLEB EVDE Ml .SIC CO.

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

3 Ethel Barrymore will open soon a three-day engagement at English’s in two plays. 4 Florie Vestoff is present in “Show-land,” the stage show now at the Indiana. 3—Elsa Greenwell and boys are present on the new bill today at the Lyric.

Stage Hit Is Now a Photoplay ‘So Long Letty ? Opens a Week s Engagement at Lyric. “ A FEBRUARY Fun Jubilee” is billed for the week at the Lyric. The new stage and screen show' opens today. The Vitaphone version of the stage farce, “So Long, Letty,” is the screen event. Gene Greene, well known songster, heads the stage show of Radio-Keith-Orpheum vaudeville. Many of the laughs are credited to the lanky Charlotte Greenwood, who made a hit in the role of L*tty in the stage production of ihis comedy. The plot deals with a mixup of husbands and wives, wild parties at a hotel and beach resort, taxi chases and riotous outdoor comedy scenes. There are a dozen or more old and new song hits sung by Miss Greenwood and members of the cast during the action of this tickling matrimonial tangle. The cast includes besides Miss Greenwood, Grant Withers, PatsyRuth Miller, Bert Roach, Claude Gillingwater, Helen Foster, Hallam Cooley and Eddie Gribbon. Miss Greenwood’s chair and tablestepping are said to be even funnier on the screen than they were on the stage. Grant Clarke and Harry Akst wrote the music and songs for the picture. Gene Greene, singing comedian of vaudeville, is one of the entertainers on the stage show which includes four RKO vaudeville acts. Greene is a singer of popular songs and has estimated that in the thirty-two years he has been on the stage he has learned no less than 10.000 songs. Danny Varzos, an accomplished pianist, assists Greene in his act. Roy Gordon and Nell Healy, a duo of light comedy stars, present on this bill their latest concoction of fun, music, song and dance called “Suit 16.” It is a matrlmonia ; farce, sprinkled with lively steps, singing and wholesome fun. They are assisted in this miniature musical comedy playlet by the Kahn Sisters and Tom Harris. Ordinary toy balloons, tablespoons and what not are transformed into musical instruments by the versatile hands of Elsa Greenw-eel and Boys in an unusual act called “A Little Revue.” The usual short subjects on the screen and one other vaudeville act completes the stage and screen program.

AMUSEMENTS

V' Eyric DAM PATRONS f.JnMG yy™ k't .... /, B Gree nwo od (| UNNI|T ■ VOMAN ON STA \ GRANT WITHERS T’Bjy \ RATSY RUTH MIL(.BR V \ CLAUDE eiLLINGtVATER 1 ( •%€ ,1 HAUAM CCOLEY-HELEN \ \ LAMOJ 1 * \ FOSTER-POACHY \ 1 1 A ROLLICKING farce made from \ \ 1 T %*>Z AMO J JS STAO£ COMEDY- and what hap\ \ / ■*' 1 PENS WHEN TWO HUSBANDS EXCHANGE WIVES., \ \ / A m£S*uiAiAM/w(/rf/\ \ AfctVf :.r - , look / listen/ , ( — theme's \ \V TSi NOTHING ELSE TO DO/ \

ROUNDING ROUND THEATERS With WALTER ■ _ T.Tr. .. D. HICKMAN

ONE of the most interesting things of the theater just now is the way that the ybung people of the churches arp going into the “theater.” They are bringing the theater into the church and into the various auditoriums of the city. The other day Ernest Reyer came to me and told me that he was directing certain routines for the coming presentations of the Channing Club of All Souls Unitarian church of things that the late Victor Herbert composed. Some of these numbers will be done Sunday over WKBF. according

to Reyer, at 4:39 p. m„ for thirty minutes. Probably about six numbers will be done at that time to stimulate interest in the work of the Channing Club as related to its appearances at the Civic theater on Feb. 14 and 15 in “The Victor Herbert Revue.” Reyer is enthusiastic regarding the work of the Channing Club and I believe that he has every reason to be in that mood. Young people in the churches are getting acquainted through their own work with great composers and great writers 6f the drama. You recall my experiences with the Sutherland Players and their religious play tournament. I was glad that I was asked to be a judge. It is wonderful to see this broad understanding of the church reaching its young people in this way. tt a a There has been so many requests for me to talk about Elizabeth Patterson and her work on the stage and the screen that I have yielded to the temptation. So I have decided to make Elizabeth Patterson my major theme during my radio

DANCE and DINE JAPANESE CASINO SOUTHEASTERN AT EMERSON AVE. EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY NITES ZIEGY’S DODS —Dutton’s Music Free Admission—Plenty Parking Space

AMUSEMENTS

-—k ane bdos“--^^ 'fTirwwiiTrii GIRLESQUE!/S>\BtJI)B)VI4NE ! - GARTERNITEg I \ I 1 /AfoT aKVe pour STGJ p:5 All

theatrical review over WKBF Tuesday at 1 p. m. The great audiences attracted to English’s this week to see “The New Mcon” proves that we will support at any time when the real article comes along. Nelson Trowbridge at the Shubert in Cincinnati had one of his biggest weeks in years with this same show and cast. Even capacity at times has been the rule with standing room at English’s this week. And Ethel Barrymore in her three-day engagement will go to capacity when she comes to English’s soon. I saw “The Kingdom cf God” in New York last year and I wrote you telling about this play. Here is great acting on part of the star. AMUSEMENTS

C@LONSAL ILLINOIS AND NEW YOB’l STS. FASTEST SHOW IN TOW N t STARTING TODAY “BURLESQUE BABIES” With RUBBT.ES, foote ware. RAY TOOK. IRENE JOSLIN, BERT IiRENNECK, MEL COPELAND RI'N"WAV FULL OF GIRLS ON THE SCREEN! BELLE BAKER In “SONG OF LOVE” Midnite Frolic. 11 F. M. Sat.

At Bandbox

Two sea dogs of the screen are united in “Hurricane; the Co’urn - bia all-talking epic of the sea which opens at the Bandbox teday. They are Ralph Ince, director and Hobard Bosworth, star. These two

Ebf I IOU’Ci MATINEE 2:20 ns la LI orl tonight 8:20 “THE NEW MOON” [“ENGLISH'S^ jjja THEATREGOERS WHO SAW “THE NEW M ” ”™ F ; S?b I [',* SONG” Oil “GOOD NEWS" KNOW THEY WILL SEE ANOTHER m GREAT SCHWAB AND MANUEL PRODUCTION IN “FOLLOW ■ ■ THRU.’* |P OPENS MONDAY NITE. 8:20 T MG S€NSATIONAL> MUSICAL COM€DY HIT ’ op wew yorio / j \ ill D6SYUVA. BROWN• HENDERSON’S TOE TAPPING TUNES „ ( 'button up your overcoat' 'luckySTAß <r, } ; "YOU WOULDN'T FOOL ME. WOULD YA". f 1 COULD GIVE UP ANYTHING BUT YOU. * t m A PERSONALITY CAST ML It) 50 DANCING SWEETHEARTS II ■ Mtes—sl.oo, Sl.nO, $2.00, $2.50 find $5.00. H WED. MAT.—7flc to $2.00: Sat. Mat.—7,*.c to $2.50.

JjljK — ENGLISH’S--3 Days Com. Mon., Feb. 10 l||jSß3r LEE SHUBERT PRESENTS ETHEL BARRYMORE W Mon., Tues. Nights Only ( Wed. Mat. and Nigh! Ont.v G. MARTINEZ SIERRA'S LILI HATVANY’S The Kingdom of God The Love Duel It?. —*-'•■ t— o~>-i V iH e B-rk-r Adapted by Zoe Aldns MAIL ORDERS NOW—Send self-addressed, stamped envelope, SEAT SALE THURS. Nights $1 to $3; Wed. Mat. 50c to $2.50. ENGLJSH'S 313 • ALL EVENINGS—BEST SEATS $2.50 OTIS SKIMMER PAPA JUAN A Comedy of Character, Rich i.i Hjm.ir Adapted by Helen and Harley Granville-Barker In an Hie original Spanish of Scrafin and Joaquin Alvarez Quint ro. “Mr. Skinner gives one of the most compelling of his performances in recent years.” —New York times. Prices: Nights, 50c, SI.OO. $1.50. SB.OO s3.so—Sat. Mat., 50e, SI.OO, $1.50. 53.00. in - rwKTMwra*®*! > ■" nm ■■ | THREE CAYS GHLY-FE3. 17, 18, IS-MAT. WED. I am new j FIRST TIME HERE! ai.i. new | in^ HKfW'V!WBIW 5 6 Cornpanu of 100 : inclu and >n q DOROTHY BRITTON ( ITliss Universe ) ORIGINAL PRODUCTION ■ 45 SCENES DIRECT FROM EARL CARROLL TREATREr n— —, null fIDnCDQ WflW Order Tickets now to secure choice locaEP& InfilL UKuUlvu Hun fj on ah mail orders filled in the order in which they are received before seats are put on sale at bos office Thursday, Feb. 13. Enclose check or money order with self-addressed and stamped envelope. PRICES I NIGHTS —1/rwer ft., $3.85: Rale., S3. $2.50, $2; Gallery. SI. tin-hiding Tax) ( WED. MAT.—Power ft., 83; Rale,. <2.50. 2. 81-50; <n

MURAT T rvDnxAPOiS E V :rs* SATURDAY, FEB. 8 A Laugh—A Tear—A Bit of Love—A Glimpse of Hearth and Heather in Melody FESTIVAL OF SOHO AND LAUGHTER WIIIIAM MORRIS prcicnh i^JANTriAUDER I "THE ENTERTAINER SUPREME' /i ls mOLD FAVOMTESaod NEWSONG HITS ( If Ms ASSISTED BY A COMPANY JPjg OF INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS ARNAUT BRCS. KHARUM in “Two Loving Birds” Persian Pianist CLAIRE LORING DON JULIAN Prima Donna Cartoonist Sir Harry Lauder’s Concert Orchestra nmr'rc night, *2.50, #2.00, #1.50, #1.00,75** Jr tx.l V-R JtiO l MATINEE, 02.00, $1.50, SI.OO, 50c SALE OPENS TUESDAY, FEB. 4—MAIL OKDKRS NOW!

FEB. 1, 1930

have been associated with sea dramas so long that it is difficult to think of one without thinking of the other. Bosworth is seen as Martin, the bold mariner, admired by his men for his fearlessness, but feared by them because of his mysterious habit of indulging in maniacal laughter. _____

AMUSEMENTS