Jasper County Democrat, Volume 23, Number 58, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 October 1920 — THINGS THEATRICAL [ARTICLE]

THINGS THEATRICAL

Gus Hill, who owns and produces some 50 large musical comedies each year, is said to be one of the wealthiest men In the theatrical business, and owes it all to the funny sheet in your Sunday newspaper. While Mr. Hill’s other cartoon plays have reaped him a nice harvest,- "Mutt and Jeff" has perhaps made more money than any other musical or dramatic play ever sent on tour. About 10 companies of this cartoon play tour every season presenting the two funny comedians in a new play each year. This season It Is "Mutt and Jeff at the Races,” and is due at the Ellis soon. Owing to the very good business “Mutt and Jeff’s Dream” enjoyed here last April, Mr. Hill Is sending another of his big musical cartoon plays to the Ellis on Saturday afternoon and night, Oct. 16. This entertainment comes in the form of Hans and Fritz, the Katzenjamer Kids, in “The Captain and the Kids.” The two kids are played by Casper Wels and Danny McCormack: Queen Mab, the tiniest prlma donna on the stage, Is a member of the cast which includes 30 players. Gus Hill’s Honey Boy Minstrels Is now playing an engagement at the Auditorium theater, Chicago. “Abe Martin” was so well liked at the English opera house, Indianapolis, during the two weeks It played there that the show Is returning to' Indianapolis the week of Oct. 18 with the same original cast, Including G. Carlton Guy, Dorothy Freund, Minnie Burke and Inez Mercer. This company played the Ellis Sept. 17. “The Wishing Ring,” a musical comedy of local talent, Is now In rehearsal and will be presented at the Ellis Oct. 21 and 22. About 120 will be In the cast and the original New York ballot dances will be introduced. The John Rogers Producing'company seems to be doing things up in regular show: style. “Direct from a long New York run.”