The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-11-16
ASSESSMENTS.
GRAND opERA.HoUsE-CLARA MORRIS

GRAND -HoUSE-CLA MORRIS.
1t is a genuine pleasure TO record the fact that
the reception given to the distinguished ac-
tress Miss Clara Morris, upon her first appear
ance in this city, at the Grand last night, was
such as is deserved by her pre-eminent abilities
and her reputation as a noble and high-minded
woman. Every seat in the theater was Occu-
pied, while many stood up, aud were glad to
avail themselves of this poor privilege, The
audience was composed OF prominent people of
this and various other cities of the State, and in
extent and composition was most compliment.
airy. Eminent foreign artistes-Salrini, Bern
hardt, Patti and others of less renown-haye
attracted fine audiences here, but none
larger or more representative than that of
last night. Belors emotional drama, "Arti-
Gle FOrty-seven," was presented, and of
the performance it can be said, in a generalway,
that, so far as the stars efforts were concerned,
it was the most finished and thoroughly artistic
piece of acting that has been seen here for years.
The assumption is well founded that this will be
the popular verdict, Notwithstanding its sweep
ing character. The story of the play, in brief, is
that of a young woman, the affianced wife of q
young Frenchman, George Duhamel, who, in a
fit of Jealous frenzy, shoots her, and is sent to
the galleys for five years at her lnstigation.
Maddened by a combination of embitterlng cir
cumstences, she becomes the keeper OF q fash
ionable gamblDg-house in Paris and leads a life
of gayety aud frlvOilty. At the expiration of his
sentence Dunamel returns, changes his name,
marries and attempts TO live as an honorable
and upright man, hut is discovered by Cora
and compelled to neglect his wife and family
so as TO be at her side. Such a condition of
affairs must have an end, and he throws off her
influence, cOnfessing all to his wife, and be-
Ing forgiven. The discarded woman goes mad,
and dies in the presence of the man she has so
cruelty wronged. The story is very effectively
told by the dramatist, the situations being espe-
clallV strong. Inc part OF Cora, which Is as
sumed by Miss Morris, is one that is we'll calcu-
Lated TO develop all the dramatic possibilities of
which she, or any other actress, is ca pBble. In
the first act she displayed fine comedy powers,
and a striking suggestion. here and there,
of the tragic force held in reserve. As
the story progresses, the development was
little less than marvellous. Every ac-
cessOry of business, or infection, or action,
that could he utilized to make IA scene more eff
fective or IA line more striking was put to its
proper use, and that, too, so naturally that the
art employed was almost hidden. There Is no
particular occasion for an analytical review of
the performances, for 1t satisfied all the require
ments of dramatic art. Miss Morris is a great
actress-a very great actress, and her imperson-
alton last night was Il marvel of intelligence ana
artistic discrimination. 1t goes without saying
that the audience we're delighted with it, and
enthusiastic applause and calls before the cur
tain were most frequent. Such spontaneous
outbnrsts are seldom witnessed and less seldom
deserved. The supporting company contains sew
eral excellent people. Mr.. Gustavus Levic, the
leading man, is IA well-knOwn actor, and his
George Duhamel WAS a manly and strongly
marked performance. Mr.. JOhn SaYule was eX-
tremely fellcitous in a light comedy part, and
the Marcelle of Miss Wallace was well done, the
smaller parts being intelltgently assumed. The
play was put on the stage in excellent style
better, III fact, than any other here this season.
and a feature of the entertainment was the
overture 10y the orchestra, under the direction OF
Prof Miller.
Tonight, tomorrow afternoon and to morrow
night the reignlng New York success, "Moths,"
which is now the attraction at Wallack's Thea
ter, will he played by the Norris company. 1t
has received the hearty commendatiun of the
metropolitan press, ana considerable interest ia
felt in its presentation here. The usual house
prices will be charged.
ENGLTsH's OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES DUMPTY."
George Fl. Adams, the best clown now before
the public, and a good company presented
'Hurnpty Dumpty" at English's, last night, to a
fair audience, and Will repeat 1t during the re-