The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-11-24
AMUsEMENTs.

GRAND oPERA-HoUsE-"A MOUNTAIN PINK"
Mr. Elwyn A Barron, of the Chicago Inter
Ocean, and in the opinion of many the best dra-
matte critic in the West, is accredited with the
authorship of ga Mountain Pink" which was
presented for the first time in this city at the
Grand last night. The play is of the IN liss'
order except that the story is located in the
South, among the moonshiners, instead of the
far West among the miners, and it has compare
lively few claims for originality beside this. The
dialogue has some merit and natural strength,
and here and there there is a suggestion of dra-
matte strength in situations and climaxes; but,
considered in its entirety, the drama rises
but little above mediocrity Miss Louise
Sylvester, the star, is bright and intelligent
actress, who is degrading her natural talents by
playing such a part. In her professional career
she has done much creditable work, and is capa-
BILE of even better things than she has done, but
as sincerity Weeks in the present play she
has no opportunities such as she deserves. Her
commendable efforts to make the play ''go"
alone relieves it from an almost entire lack OF
interest. Perhaps it is for this reason that she
"overacts" the character in the earlier scenes.
Her songs and dances were we'll received but it
must be Illuminating for so capable an actress to
be compelled to resort to socaled specialties for
pany of moro than average ability. The
other leading parts in the play were assumed
by Frank Aiken and Genevieve Rogers, we'll
known professionals; Harry Hawk, and old-time
comedian; Helen Sedgwick, an attractive and
graceful actress, and Joseph j. Holland, rising
young actor. The play will be repeated this af-
ternOOn and evening. 1t is but fair to say that
the audience last night were evidently well
pleased with it.
THE JEFFERSON ENGAGEMENT.
Mr.. II. 8. Taylor, business manager, is in the
city, arranging for the engagement of Joseph
Jefferson at the Grand the latter part of next
week, The repertoire will be as follows Thanks
giving matinee. "Rip Van Winkle;" Thursday
Cat
double bill, "Cricket on the Hearth" and "Lend
Me Five Shillngs;" Saturday night, "The Ri
walls" Mr. Jefferson's company is up 10 its
usual excellence this year. 1t includes all the
old favorites-Mrs. John Drew, Frederick Robin
son, Rosa Rand, ard the new principals are r.
L. Downing, leading man for Mary Anderson
last year. and an excellent actor and Charles
Plunkett good comedian. There will be no
advance in prices, and the sale OF seats Will be-
gin next Tuesday morning.
ENGLISH OPERA HoUsE-MR. M'AULEY AS
FALsTAFF.
Barney McAuley appeared as Falstaf In
"Eenry w." at Engish's Opera-house last
night. He has taken this part this season as
the successor of Hackett and Ben. DeBar. Mr..
McAuley is an actor, Dut he lacks the rare and
unotuous humor and the mellow laugh provok-
,Shakspeare's idealization. DeBar was to Hack
etts Falstaff what McWsde is to Jefferson's Rip
Van Wrinkle Mr.. McAuley, however, takes a
field in which there are no living rivals and
where he will escape comparisons. His com
pany is defective, probably fault of his own.
Those quaint and picturesque rOguss, BardOlph,
Nym and Peto were characters with little to say,
but what Is said and done requires actors and
acting. The robbery at Gad's Hill was ill done.
but Mr.. MoAuley in the inn scene that followed
ii where the fat kHight described his combat
with the men in buckram aud the knaYes in