James Francis O'Donnell

              Figure

James Francis O'Donnell
Monologue Actor


ON THE AMERICAN PLATFORM
The name of James Francis O'Donnell is synonymous throughout the United States and Canada with The Sign of the Cross. In this play he impersonates eighteen different characters.  It is his art to so relate the incidents, impersonate the characters and portray the scenes in each act, unaided by makeup or any stage accessories whatever, that the audience beholds the entire drama enacted as though a fully equipped company held the boards.  He arranges all of his own plays, and presents them in plain evening dress, impersonating the various characters by voice inflection, tone-color, facial and physical expression, with that degree of perfection that one sees, not the impersonator, but the living, breathing personality portrayed.  There is a good solid basis to his work in the fact that he is not only a graduate of one of the foremost schools of oratory in the country, having won the degree of M. O., but was also Professor of Voice and Action for two years in the Cleveland School of Elocution and Oratory.  Subsequently he conducted a summer school of oratory for professionals at Lapeer, Michigan, for four successive seasons, during which time students who have since won distinction in the pulpit, on the stage, and on the platform, studied under his direction. His repertoire covers a representative range of the best English literature, both classic and modern.  Below is the cast of characters and synopsis of scenes and incidents of his greatest work, and also a list of convents, colleges and universities at which he has appeared one or more times.



THE SIGN OF THE CROSS
CAST OF CHARACTERS


PAGANS


Marcus Superbus
Prefect of Rome


Nero
Emperor of Rome


Tigellinus
Counsel to Nero


Licinius
An aedile of the city


Metullus
A Roman General


Glabrio
Devoted to Bacchus


Philodemus
In love with Dacia


Servilius
A Spy


Strabo
His Companion


Viturius
Captain of the Guard to Marcus Superbus


Poppea
Empress of Rome


Berenice
In love with Marcus


Dacia
A Gay Patrician





CHRISTIANS


Mercia
An Orphan, Beloved of Marcus


Favius
Teacher to Mercia


Titus
Friend of Favius


Melos
Schoolmate of Mercia


Stephanus
Boy, Messenger to Favius





SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS
ACT I.
Scene 1. Street scene in Rome.  The Spies.  The two strangers.  The Sign of the Cross!  Some gay patricians.  The arrest of Favius.  Mercia pleads for Favius.  The assault by the rabble.  Marcus to the rescue.  Berenice greets Marcus.  Glabrio talks too much.  Jealousy of Berenice.  Tigellinus delivers the mandate of Nero.  The meeting of Marcus and Mercia.  The threat of Tigellinus.  Marcus defends Mercia.



ACT II.
Scene 1.  The house of Favius.  The arrival of Mercia.  The mysterious stranger.  The departure of the Christians for the Cestian Grove.

Scene 2.  Torture room in the prison.  The examination of Stephanus.  The rack.  Marcus arrives in time.

Scene 3.  The Cestian Grove.  The meeting of the Christians.  Melos gives the alarm.  The attack, Marcus to the rescue.



ACT III.
Scene 1.  House of Berenice.  The arrival of Marcus.  A jealous woman.  Berenice vows vengeance.  The arrest of Mercia.

Scene 2.  Atrium of Nero's palace.  Marcus pleads for Mercia.  The decree of Caesar.  Marcus and Berenice.  Despair of Berenice.

Scene 3.  The dungeon beneath the Amphitheater.  Meeting of Marcus and Mercia.  Mercia's avowal of love.  The pleading of Marcus.  Tigellinus demands the decision.  Mercia's response.  Resolution of Marcus.  The light beyond!




SOME COLLEGE APPEARANCES


The Catholic Summer School, Plattsburg, N. Y
Two


Notre Dame University, South Bend, Ind.
Three


Niagara University, Niagara Falls, N. Y.
Three


St. Mary's Jesuit College, St. Mary's, Kan
Five


St. Vincent's College, Beatty, Pa
Two


St. Bede's College, Peru, Ill
Three


St. Benedict's Abbey, Atchison, Kan
Two


Benedictine College, Savannah, Ga
One


Conception Abbey, Conception, Mo
Two


St. Mary's Seminary, Cleveland, O
One


St. Dominic's Seminary, Washington, D. C
One


St. Joseph's College, Dubuque, Ia
Two


Hope College, Holland, Mich
One


Ferris Academy, Ferris, Texas
One


St. Mary's Academy, Notre Dame, Ind
Two


Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Scranton, Pa
Five


Academy of Our Lady, Chicago, Ill
Two


St. Xavier's Academy, Chicago, Ill
Two


Sinsinawa Mound, Sinsinawa, Wis
Two


St. Mary's of the Springs, Columbus, O
Three


St. Aloysius Academy, New Lexington, O
Three


Convent of the Immaculate Heart, Monroe, Mich
Two


Loreto Academy, Niagara Falls, Canada
Two


Nazareth Academy, Kalamazoo, Mich
Five


Mount Carmel Academy, Wichita, Kan
Two


Montvilla Seminary, Montvilla, Alabama
One


Greensboro Women's College, Greensboro, N. C.
One


Carlton Women's College, Bonham, Texas
One


Itasca Women's College, Itasca, Texas
One


State Normal School, Edmond, Okla
One






ECHOES FROM THE PRESS

Georgia: The Savannah Council, Knights of Columbus, opened their Lecture Course with James Francis O'Donnell in The Sign of the Cross.  The audience listened with rapt attention as scene after scene of the powerful play was brought to their imagination by the art of the impersonator.—
The Morning News, Nov. 3, 1906.


Mississippi: The Vicksburg Council, Knights of Columbus, had for their second attraction, James Francis O'Donnell in The Sign of the Cross.  He played all the parts, the masculine and the feminine; the old man and the young man; the Roman prefect and the drunkard; and the change from one to the other was accomplished by but the tone of the voice and a gesture or two; but the scene constantly changed in the minds of those who heard him.—
The Vicksburg Herald, Nov. 11, 1906.


Pennsylvania: The Carbondale Council, Knights of Columbus, had James Francis O'Donnell for a return date last night at St. Rose Hall; and his excellent work in that sterling old comedy, The Rivals, fully sustained the splendid impression made on his former visit.—
Carbondale Press, April 28, 1906.


New York: At the Plattsburg Theater last night James Francis O'Donnell gave us an excellent presentation of The Sign of the Cross.  One could almost imagine that the eighteen characters which he portrayed were really on the stage.  The whole performance reflected great credit upon his histrionic powers.—
Plattsburg Evening News, May 16, 1907.


Tennessee: At the Nashville Tabernacle Auditorium last night several thousand people listened to James Francis O'Donnell in The Sign of the Cross, and from the first note of his voice the vast audience was attentive.  He paints the scene of Marcus looking upon Mercia for the first time with marvelous effect; and when, as Marcus, he pleads before the throne of Nero for the life of the Christian maiden he touches hearts.  The climax comes in the final scene with the girl he loves, when he gives up his place as Cæsar's lieutenant and goes forth with her to die.—
The Nashville American, Nov. 4, 1906.


Louisiana: Mr. O'Donnell is a gifted reader, a truly remarkable impersonator, an actor far above the average ability; and, altogether, an entertainer who cannot fail to please the most critical audience.—
Abbeville Press, Nov. 23, 1906.


Massachusetts: Under the auspices of the Wakefield Catholic Club last night James Francis O'Donnell read Wilson Barrett's famous drama, The Sign of the Cross.  Eighteen characters were impersonated by the reader with a fidelity to nature that appealed to each person in the audience whether he or she were familiar with the play or not, and at the close Mr. O'Donnell was given a genuine ovation.—
Wakefield Daily Item, Jan. 12, 1906.


Kentucky: His impersonations of the different characters were perfect, and he carried his audience spellbound through the three acts with as much pleasure and expectancy as if the play were being rendered by a company of actors.—
Wickliff Press, Dec. 19, 1902.


Maryland: He is a versatile actor, and was completely at home in the numerous characters he represented.—
Baltimore Sun, April 31, 1904.


South Carolina: James Francis O'Donnell closed the lecture course at the Opera House last night with a reading of Wilson Barrett's famous drama, The Sign of the Cross.  His entertainment was unanimously voted the best of the course.—
Newberry Press, March 20, 1903.


New Hampshire: If a full company of players had presented The Sign of the Cross at the Opera House last Monday night, instead of the gifted reader and impersonator, James Francis O'Donnell, they could hardly have done better, or have held a more rapt attention.—
Hillsborough Messenger, April 14, 1904.


West Virginia: The Chautauqua Assembly opened Thursday evening with a large crowd.  Mr. O'Donnell's three programmes were exceptionally fine, and won enthusiastic applause.—
Wheeling News, July 31, 1903.


Canada: Mr. O'Donnell is a wonderfully clever impersonator.  Indeed his talent in this direction can hardly be equaled.—
London News, Jan. 14, 1904.


New Jersey: One of the best entertainments of the season.—
Vineland Journal, April 8, 1904.


Wisconsin: Mr. O'Donnell is an impersonator of rare ability, and is endowed by nature with a voice and face capable of an infinite variety of expression, over which he exercises remarkable control.—
New London Republican, Nov. 20, 1903.


Indiana: Mr. O'Donnell delighted a large audience by his clever impersonations of the widely varied characters in the drama.—
Indianapolis Star, Oct. 20, 1907.


Iowa: Mr. O'Donnell presented The Rivals at St. Joseph's College in the afternoon, and The Sign of the Cross in the evening at the Grand Opera House.  His work shows remarkable voice range, character perception, and, best of all, the innate artistic sense had only by the best actors.—
Telegraph-Herald, Dubuque, Ia., Dec. 2, 1907.


North Dakota: Mr. O'Donnell's impersonations of the different characters in the drama were fine, and were thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end.—
Cogswell Enterprise, Dec. 26, 1907.


South Dakota: Mr. O'Donnell is listed as one of the platform stars, and well justifies his reputation.  He is an artist.—
Canova Herald, Dec. 13, 1907.


Texas: The Galveston Y. M. C. A. Lecture Course patrons listened last night to Prof. James Francis O'Donnell in The Sign of the Cross.  The dropping of a pencil on the floor of Rosenberg Hall would have been heard from the parquet to the last seat in the gallery, and the members of the audience would have scowled at the person unfortunate enough to have caused the disturbance, so intent were they to catch every word falling from his lips.  The Professor came to Galveston with the reputation of being master in the art of monologue.  He leaves with that reputation unimpaired.—
The Daily News, Nov. 22, 1906.


Oklahoma: James Francis O'Donnell delivered his famous rendition of The Christian to a packed house last Saturday night.  This was his second appearance before the people of Billings; and although his first appearance was appreciated, the second was still more so, and should he come again, he may rest assured that he will receive a warmer welcome than ever.—
Billings News, Dec. 14, 1906.


Missouri: A large and enthusiastic audience expressed their delight with his artistic work in his rollicking Olla Podrida by abundant applause.—
Edina Press, Jan. 15, 1904.


Michigan: In his rendition of Enoch Arden, James Francis O'Donnell added much to the high reputation he already enjoyed here.  As a reader he has few equals, and Tennyson's beautiful tale took on a new beauty and interest as recited by him, with the effective musical accompaniment as a background.  The music is by Strauss, and each character in the story is portrayed by its individual theme.—
Lapeer Clarion, April 12, 1906.


Minnesota: The Stillwater Auditorium was filled to overflowing last night with the best people of the city to see and hear James Francis O'Donnell in The Sign of the Cross.  His portrayal of the various characters, and the scenes and incidents of the play were highly interesting.  His interpretation of Marcus Superbus, and his conversion by the Christian girl Mercia, followed by his determination to die with the woman he loved, came as the grand climax of the entrancing drama.—
Stillwater Daily Gazette, Feb. 13, 1907.


North Carolina: In the auditorium of the Greensboro Women's College last night James Francis O'Donnell presented his famous monologue, The Sign of the Cross.  He assumes the roles of eighteen different characters, and does it in such a way as to hold the closest attention of his audience.  Those who attended were more than repaid, and were given an evening's entertainment that is helpful, uplifting and inspiring.—
Greensboro Daily News, Oct. 31, 1906.


Nebraska: Mr. O'Donnell's rendition of The Sign of the Cross was exceedingly fine, and his rapid transition from one character to another was marvelous.—
Steinauer Star, Feb. 4, 1904.


Kansas: He gave the very best of satisfaction to a large audience.  It is not often that a one man show pleases a Wamego audience, but Mr. O'Donnell has something different from anything ever seen here before.—
Wamego Press, Feb. 4, 1904.


Illinois: His presentation of The Sign of the Cross is one of the most artistic productions that has ever been given in this city.  Such talent as his is rarely if ever equaled.—
Bloomington Press, Oct. 13, 1903.


Alabama: The Sign of the Cross, the last and best number of the course, was given last night at the Noble Street Theater, by the great impersonator, James Francis O'Donnell.—
Anniston Star, March 27, 1902.


Arkansas: His rendition of The Sign of the Cross was exceptionally fine, and held his audience entranced.—
Marianna Index, Nov. 6, 1902.


Ohio:The Sign of the Cross, given by James Francis O'Donnell at the Sorosis Parlors yesterday afternoon, was intensely strong and dramatic.  The eighteen different characters were impersonated with much skill and excellent discrimination.—
Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 24, 1901.




JAMES FRANCIS O'DONNELL
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

Edna, Kan., Jan. 25, 1907.

James Francis O'Donnell presented The Sign of the Cross at the Edna M. E. Church last night in a marvelous manner.  Certain it is that no one could have impersonated the characters introduced in a more artistic and dramatic style.  The audience was delighted, and everyone was sorry when the end came.  All Lecture Course Committees would do well—and could do no better—to have Mr. O'Donnell on their course.  He carried us all back to the days of Pagan Rome, and presented the whole play so strikingly that we could see it all in our minds.  We shall be much pleased to have him on our course again.

REV. LEON V. STILES, Pastor, Edna M. E. Church, Manager of Lecture Course.

THE DEANERY.

Kalamazoo, Mich., Oct. 5, 1906.

Dear Prof. O'Donnell: The large audience greatly enjoyed your presentation of Richelieu.  You are a grand interpreter of the mind of the author, and vividly portray the part of one of the world's greatest statesmen.  An oft time patron of lamented Barrett remarked that he never heard the part of the Cardinal rendered better.

Accept my congratulations. VERY REV. FRANK A. O'BRIEN.

Knights of Columbus Council, Philadelphia, Pa.

Mr. C. T. Maines:

Dear Sir: Knowing that an expression of appreciation sometimes counts, I wish to write to you to say that the members of our Council were delighted, and I am sure that Mr. O'Donnell will be asked to repeat his visit.

Very truly yours—MICHAEL J. RYAN.


BOB ACRES



GRATIANO



OLD GOBBO



PHILODEMUS




The ever popular evening of Mimicry and Mirth, OLLA PODRIDA

Texas: If you are in the mullygrubs and need a remedy for the blues—hear O'Donnell.—
Leonard Graphic.


New York: He made us laugh enough to drive all cares away until we cannot help but wish he'd come some other day.—
Niagara Falls Univ.  Index.



Mr. O'Donnell's repertoire consists of the following plays, readings and character sketches, each one of which comprises an entire evening's entertainment:

The Sign of the Cross
The Christian
Enoch Arden
The Rivals
Olla Podrida
and A Drawing Room Evening of Standard Musical Selections
The Merchant of Venice
A Christmas Carol
Richelieu


N. B.—Committees will kindly notify the management which one of the entertainments they have selected.  Enoch Arden is given with the Richard Strauss musical accompaniment, and the music is forwarded on two weeks in advance; but committees are required to furnish their own pianist.


Hertford, N. C., Oct. 27, 1906.

Mr. W. L. Radcliffe, Richmond, Va.: The series of winter entertainments for the Hertford Graded Schools was opened last night by James Francis O'Donnell in his monologue, The Sign of the Cross; and it is a pleasure to us to say that his impersonations were magnificent, and the entertainment throughout was of a very high class order.  Our audience was greatly pleased, and regard the study of Mr. O'Donnell's work of very great educational value.

T. S. McMULLAN, Chairman Board of Trustees.



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