The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-02-08
AMUSEMENT REVIEW.
English's Opera House-Mr. Irving's 'Louis
XII"


Mr.. Boucicaults adaptation of Cashier and
Delavigne's intensely tragic play, Louis H, ;"
was presented by Mr.. Irving and his excellent
company, at English's, last night and the per
Torrance was enjoyed by an intelligent and dis
eliminating audience who manifested their APP
probation of its thorough excellence by frequent
and enthusiastic applause. The play was not given
in its entirety, account of the length of the bill
and during the first act-the outlines of the story
to those who were not familiar with it. were
vague and indistinct This made but little diff
ference, however, for almost the sole interest
was in the impersonaton of Mr. Irving In the
recollection of the writer Louis XI" has been
played but once before in this city and then by Mr.
w. f. Sheridan, who achieved quasi success
in it To adopt a colloqual expression, Mr.
Sheridan acted Louis XI-Mr. Irving is Louis
HI The part is so metaphysical that an actor
whose chief strength is in analytical expression,
finds In it the greatest opportunities and Mr.
Irving, in this respect probably has no equal
His Louis is justly regarded by eminent critics
as the most finished and realistic impersonation
known to the stage, and probably no one who
saw it last night will dissent from this opinion.
The conventional criticism, and. indeed,
made on Mr.. Irving's acting is that
his mannerisms and fantastic elocution are I'M
pleasant Accomplishments of it. However true
this may be of other characterizations it GER
talnly is not true of his Louis for in it his indi-
vlduality is sunk, and that of the crafty, cruel
and designing French monarch is made to stand
Doldly forth 1t is not the purpose here to re
view in detail the many exceencies of the per
formance but to notice briefly its salient
features First of all was Mr. Irving's wonder
full makeup, which was in accordance with the
perfect conception of the appearance of the man
represented The painting of the face to simu-
late age and infirrnity was so perfectly
done that it was difficult to determine
any of it was. The shabby gentility of
the costume, indicative of the meanness of the
man; the long bony fingers the hollow sunken
eyes; the palid complexion, and the look of suf-
ferlng and pain, were so faithfully represented
that there was no suggestion other than that of
nature. The death scene was marveously real
lstic, and the effect was made more CHASTITY and
horrible by the regal raiment which clothed the
physical wreck. The wonderful finish of the
performance throughout was its most striking
feature. Not the merest trifie which added to
the vividness of the characterization was omit
ted OF forgotten, and in every word, action,
or position, Louis, not Mr. Irving was
seen. In delicacy of detail and excellence of
technical treatment the impersonation was as
near perfection as be attained by intelligence
and study.
mi1able Mr.. Terress was evidently suffering
somewhat from hoarseness which impaired his
elocution. but his Duke de Nemours confirmed
the excellent opinion made by his acting on the
opening night. Miss Millward's Marie was ten
der and graceful But it is useless
to particularize further, for every
part intelligently and forcibly
assumed. The Suggesting was almost perfect
The groupings, dressing and ensemble effects,
had evidently been arranged by one who was not
only thoroughly familiar with the historical re-
quirements, but who also had a ready apprecia-
ton of the artistic and aesthetic 1t those scenes
where the entire company appeared, there was
no clashing or confusion, everybody seemed to
do exactly what was expected of him. No un-
calmly and iltaught supers were allowed to
detract from the general effect by their awk-
wardness or blunders, and with the accessories
of appropriate scenery, striking dramatic music
and capable and experienced actors it was a
performa which has never been equaled in
this city.
At the conclusion Of 'Louis XII" last night
THE Bellies Strategem" was repeated, and Miss
Terrys graceful acting was received with much
enthusiasm by the audience. Tonight '"The
Merchant of Venice" will be given with Mr.. Ir-
wing as Shylock, and Miss Terry as Portia. The
attendance will probably be the largest of the
engagement, as indicated by the advance sale.
At the matinee tomorrow Charles L" will be
presented.
In compliance with the generally expressed de-
sire, Mr.. Irving, Miss Terry and The Lyceum
Company, will appear tomorrow evening in the
trial scene from the MERCHANT of Venice which
will afford an opportunity for those who are UNI
able to attend the representation of the play to
be given tonight. The programme for Saturday
evening will therefore consist of 'The Bells
with Mr. Irving as Matthias after which will be
given the trial scene from ''The Merchant of
Venice" Mr.. Irving as Shylock, and Miss Terry
Portia.
WHO WERE THERE.
Among the people from other cities in the au-
dience last night were the following:
Greencastle-G. H. Brown and wife and John
NJ. Goodwin.
Terre Haute-NIrs. w r. McKeen, Mrs Dud-
ley Deggs Miss Nervenson w. j. Wood and f.
e. Bowling.
Vincennes-S. NJ. Chamber
Crawfordsville-J B. Smith, W. Smalley and
c. H. Perry.
Fort Wayne-Hon. R. c. Bell, Col R. S. Rob
ertson and ladies.
Marion--L. NJ Whistler and wife.
Noblesville-Ben Booth and Frank Moss.
Connersvil!e-Mrs. A. B. Conway and son.
Bloomington, Ind,-Mrs o. B. Clark and
Mrs. A. Arnagoe.
Plainfeld-C G. Slack.
Rushville-J j. Spann.
Michigan City,. H. Duran.
Richmond. F. Miller F. NJ Wheelan.
Frankfort-Charles r. Truax.
Louisville, Ky.-Albert Day and L. G. Wells.
Danville. Ind..-Mr. and Mrs. l. NJ. Campbell. |
Edinburg-John A. Thompson, Will G. Wilson, |
E. E. Carmi Charles Holmes. Misses Minnie !
and Lizzie Thompson, and Miss Adde Carmi.
The following city people were prominent in
the audience;
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cleaveand, Mr. and Mrs.
Oran Perry, Mr.. viii Talbot and Miss Kate
Wright, Mr.. Oliver p. Morton and lady, Mr. H. |
NJ. Talbot and Miss Sue Locke Mr. Ed Hol- |
loway and Miss Flora Malott Mr.. and Mrs John |
Cooper and the Misses Cooper Mr.. and Mrs. |
John NJ. Judah Mr.. and Mrs. Austin H. Brown, |
Mr. and Mrs. W. j. Kercheval, Mr. and Mrs. |
Io1,a NJ M IL Pot 10 a,adl a1x M
and Mrs S. E. Perkins, Mr.. and Mrs J w. |
MnrnhY Nh and Mrs John R Wilson. |