The Freeman

AN EVENING IN FUN LAND.

W. Owens King, the Philadelphia Humorist, Scores a Hit at Bethel Church.

No better pleased audience ever assembled at Bethel A. M. E. Church than that which listened to W. Owens King, the distinguished Philadelphian humorist, on Tuesday evening of last week. Mr. King's unctious humor and irresistible wit captivated and held his hearers from his first appearance until the end, and the frequent bursts of hearty applause gave evidence of complete sympathy between the entertainer and the entertained. Mr. King's Jew is life-like as are also his assumption of the Irish, Dutch, Chinese, Italian and people of every day life.

The selection that impressed his genius most effectively was the remarkable transformation from the demoniacal "Mr. Hyde" to the high-minded, Dr. Jekyll." The matted hair, lowering countenance, bent and misshapen frame, jagged teeth, hanging tongue, and harsh rasping voice lent to the character a satanic realism. The struggle for the elixir was graphically done, and the transformation following the draught was an exquisite bit of genuine dramatic art. It was a compliment to our audience that this class of work meets with greatest favor and praiseworthy in Mr. King that he is equal to such exacting character portraiture.

The humorist possesses a well-rounded face, features of marked individuality, so-flexible that any expression may be assumed instantly. His voice is in excellent control and its range is happily brought out in the contrasting tones of his imaginary people. He has an excellent stage presence, a dignified gentlemanly bearing, and his appearance here was unquestionably an artistic triumph.

Mr. King will return to this city about Thanksgiving time, and many who missed him last week will have an opportunity then to see his excellent performance.

The local talent assisting was made up of most accomplished ladies and gentlemen. Mrs. Essie Fry Cook, Mrs. Ella Gibbs Thompson, Mrs. Maud Welch, and Miss Sadie Stapp sang in their sweetest voice, each receiving an enthusiastic recall. W. O. Abbott, our leading mandolinist, sustained himself with credit. Moses L. Tucker made a decided "hit" in his lightning crayon sketches. He executed his figures with remarkable rapidity and accuracy, using right and left hands with equal facility. Miss Grace Lucas' rendition of "The Actors Story" was full of pathos and refined emotion. It was a beautiful recital of human bravery and devotion through trial. Mrs. F. M. Bazel and Ruby Shelton presided at the piano with their usual grace and musical finesse. Thomas Brown and John Tolliver closed the excellent program with their amusing duet "The Upper Ten."

NOTES.

The audience represented the elite of Indianapolis society. The audience "saw" every joke, and the local hits brought down the house. Charles Stewat wondered where they got him, and is uncertain yet whether to laugh or to kick.

The ladies are delighted with Mr. King's affability and highly-developed social qualities.

L. A. Newby, J. D. Porter, M. F. White, C. W. Goens and C. Sweeney made a handsome corps of ushers.

Manager Thompson discarded the old system of announcing the program. It is presumed that our audience can read the printed sheet.

Mrs. Essie Cook's farewell song was finely rendered, and was singularly appropriate, as she left on the following morning for a several months stay.

"The Latest Gossip," an advertising program gotten out by Messrs R. W. Thompson and L. A. Newby was a new idea, and bespoke a commendable spirit of enterprise.

W. OWEN KING. Humorist.