The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-04-10
ADJUSTMENTS.

PARK THEATER-"THE NAIAD QUEEN.
The production of the fairy operetta, "The
Naad Queen" at the Park Theater last night
was very much in the nature of surprise.
Those who went expecting to see a "cheap show"
indiffereDtly given by poorly trained amateurs
were disappointed, for it was altogether pleas
ing entertainment given with much scenic splen-
dor. The operetta is allegorical in character,
ana its action is not impeded by the introdGc-
ton of so-called specialties. The music is partly
original and partly selected from standard
operas, the words being adapted TO the story,
which is gracefully told. If the allegory is lost
sight of at times, an ample compensation is
found in the beautiful stage setting
and original effects. In richness
and briliancy these have never been excelled in
the city, and the transformation scene at the
close of the last act is marvel of gorgeousness
and beauty. Throughout, close attention is paid
| to artistic groupings and picturesque tableaux,
and the entertainment, as "a whole, is totally I'M
| like anything ever before attempted here. The
efforts of 400 people enlisted in the presenta
| ton of the Operetta. Perhaps half dozen lead
| ing parts are assigned TO adults, mostly we'll
known ladies of this city, who appear to much
advantage In them. Aside from these,
| the stage is filed with children of
all sizes and conditions, all appropriately
| arrayed. In the drills, marches, and ehoruses
| in which they participate they show marvellous
proficiency, and it is evident that their training
has been most thorough and effective. 1t Is not
an easy thing to train several hundred children
SO that they can go through difficult evolution
without "A serious mistake on the first night, but
| this Prof. Mcknight has succeeded in doing,
and the glare of the footlights, the excitement
of crowd, and the discomfort arising from
new and nntried costumes did not seem to dis
tuIo the little people at all. There also
number of young 'nisses and masters" from
the ages of fifteen to twenty. VINO participate in
| the ensemble effects to good adj
vantage, and all do well. In such
an aggregation iG is impossible to
make extended individual mention. Mrs.
Enrique Miller, who assumed the leading part,
| sang the music very sweetly indeed, and was
graceful and easy in her bearing. Ms. Leon
Bailey's superb contralto voice and excellent
dramatic methods were displayed to much adj
vantage, and Miss Nettie Johnson, who is al
| ways clever i'll an operate performance, is espe
cially so in this. OF the minor characterizations,
I those of Mrs. Ida Gray Scott, as fine singer;
Miss Jessie Meek, who both looked pretty and
| acted prettily: Miss Dude Mcguire, who did
| the "Zingara" song and dance with excellent
effect, and Miss Jennie Goldthwaite a remark
ably clever little girl, deserve special
Ella Barnett and May Van Weis
all did nicely. Mr. W. L. Grimsley, a fair tenor,
Mr.. j. E. Hoover, a good singer. but stiff and
| awkward, assumed the principal male parts and
Mr.. Miller conducted the "Dryad March, which
especially interesting feature. Alto
gether, the entertainment was marked success,
and 1t deserves liberal patronage during the
matnder of the week, because it will repay it.
There will be performances every night, with
| matinee Saturday
Haverly's Opera Company will be at English's
| the first two nights of next week, and Will be
followed by Jay Rars ''Uncle Tommers"
Miss Kate Claxton, who has been seriously i'll
at Muncie, has recovered so far to be able to
rejoin her company 1t is SAID that this is her
last season on the road and that hereafter she
VIII only play in the large cities in the East
Next week is madison Square" week at the
Grand, the announced attractions being the orig
NAL ''Hazel Kirke" the first two nights and
"Esmeralda" the last two. W. W. Randall is now
in town arranging for the first named engage
ment, and Marc Klaw is due
The Zoo drew immense house last night and
gave a good show. the most striking features
being McAndrews, "the Watermelon MAN." the
Twilight Quartet, the best ever heard here the
Murrells, and other good speciality people, the
performance concluding with the Leonzo Broth
ers in their sensational drama, avenged" The
bill promises to draw large audiences all week.