The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-03-07
THE AMUSEMENT REVIEW.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE FRANCESCA DA RISfINI-'
To Mr.. Lawrence Barrett the credit must be
given of having produced two plays from the
pens of American authors, that in dramatic as
well as literary excellence, will not compare un-
favorably with many dramas which stage tradi-
ton and popular acceptance have held sacred as
being classical The first of these was ''Pen-
dragon and the last is Francesca da Rimini. >
which was presented for the first time in this
city at the Grand Operl-house last night before
a magnificent audience that filed the theater.
The story of Francesca" is from Dante
1t tells of Lanciotto, a hunchback, who, for po-
ltical reasons, is betrothed to the daughter of a
rival family. A younger brother, Paolo, is sent
to bring the bride, and when he appears before
her she is deceived into thinking that it is her
intended husband Upen her arrival at Rimini
the truth becomes known and she shrinks from
the approaching marriage, because she has al
ready fallen in love with PaL0 At the altar
Lancotto catches a glenn of the truth and
rushes off to the war. The young bride and
Paolo become lovers, are detected by Pepe, a
revengeful Jester. who hastens to the hubsand
and tells him of the wrong that has been done
him. and is killed for his trouble
Lancotto comes home and finds Paolo
their guilt and want to die together and the
play ends by Lanciotto killing them and then
himself. 1t is not pleasant story but it is told
in such way as to retain all its dramatic
strength without impressing one too much by
its gloomlnesS. 1t is an excellent play The
characterizatons are well defined the situations
effective and the dialogue stately and expressive.
In fact there is not a stupid dull line in it,
but instead much that is bright and original.
The part of Laneiotto is played by Mr. Barrett
with at at nd
which have made him such Il successful actor.
The scene in which he first met
his betrothed was given SO admirably that
the curtain was rung up four times
in acknowledgment of the enthusiastic applause,
and he was none the less effective in the scene
de resistance, in which he received indisputabe
proof of his wife's infdelity His Laneiotto is q
creation of originality and artistic merit. Mr..
Louis James, as Pope the motley fool, an ex-
cellent part, made most palpable hit, and was
not less kindly received than was the star Miss
Wainwrghts Francesca was tehderand grace
full and Mr.. SINNERS "PSolo' was manly and
forcible. All the smaller parts were well as
sumed, particularly the Retta of Miss Plunket
a careful soubrette actress, and the Guido of
Mr.. Mosley.
A feature of the performance was the rich and
brilliant costuming-the stage setting partcu-
larly. The cathedral scene strikingly good
with the exception of the second act, in which an
homogeneous faxed" scene was used.
Tonight, Hamlet" will be given, with Mr..
Barrett in the title role, Mr.. James the ghost
and grave-digger. and Miss Wainwright as
Ophelia; and in the opinion of many competent
cities, she is regarded the best Ophelia on the
stage. AT the matinee tomorrow, Francesca
will be repeated, with "Richeheu" for the clos
ing bill tomorrow night This will De the last
opportunity for seeing Mr.. Barrett for some
time as he goes to England in April.
NEXT WEEKS ATTRACTIONS.
At the Grand, the first three nights of next
week, Salsburys Troubadours will be at the
Grand in their new comedy extravaganza, ''Three
of a Kind" which has been the greatest success
the company has had. The advance sale will
begin to-day.
Louis Harrison, j ohm Gourlay and their comedy
company, will produce their play, skipped by
the Light of the Moon" at Englishs the last
three nights of next week. 1t has had greater
success than any play of its ealiber produced in
years. From New York to San Francisco i'll all
of the principal cities, its success has been uni
versal. 1t is described as the funniest creation
ever placed upon the stage, and will undoubtedly
draw crowded houses Sam Harrison is in town
arranging for the engagement
Harry Miners Comedy Four company, one
of the best speciality organizations on the road,
will be at the Zoo next week.