Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 61, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 April 1909 — Chicago Theatrical Gossip. [ARTICLE]

Chicago Theatrical Gossip.

Gosport, Ind., is where Edith Ellis has made the scene of her very charming play, Mary Jane’s Pa. It is a beautiful production, as now running at the Chicago Opera House, "full of pathos and fun, depicting all sides of country town life, politico and business, including the running of a country newspaper. Henry E. Dixey in the leading part, supported by Marie Nordstrom and an excellent company, give a finished, artistic portrayal of the different characters, each one true to life, nothing overdrawn, it is without doubt one of the best domestic comedies that has been produced in a long time. • • • • The International Theater on Wabash Ave. is running again, this under shrewd and competent management. It opened last Saturday with “The Girl from Rector’s,’’ a spicy production that had quite a run at Weber's Theater, New York. The advertising for this show was so warm that the local authorities forbid the use of 'some of their posters. However, that is no reflection on the show, as it is perfectly proper in every respect, and it is almost impossible to get seats unless secured in advance. • • ♦ • - The American Music Hall is beating all vaudeville houses, owing to the unusually high character of their art- ' ists. Their bill this week is one of the most expensive ever produced in Chicago, that is for a variety bill. It is like a beautiful garden, smoking being permitted, and an extra orchestra renders promenade music during the intermission. • • • • \ , The summer gardens are expecting to outdo all previous efforts this year and there will bo some big losses if the weather is not propitious, as the outlay is something enormous for attractions, one trying to excel the other without any consideration of cost. The Bismarck is, of course, the most refined and classy of them al), nothing but music and high class surroundings, a truly beautiful place for cultured people. The World's Fair City, Forest Park, Riverview and a few lesser places are the big popular resorts where everybody can have a good time, and all hope to be open by May 15. • • • • At The Garrick, crowded houses greet John Canton & Co., a play written around Chicago business life in the stock yards. Under the Shubert management and their local representative, Mr. Dues, the Garrick is fast becoming one of the leading houses in •> Chicago.