The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-10-09
ADJUSTMENTS.

GRAND OPERA HOUsE, THE WILLOW COPSE.'
1t there is more forcible, finished and natural
Characterization known to the stage than Mr..
On aries w. Couldocks Luke Fielding in the
''Willow Copse, the writer cannot recall it at
the present time. The play was presented at
the Grand last night-the first time in this city
for many years-and it made an impression that
will not be silly effaced. It is domestic play
of the good oldfashioned kind. depending for
effect upon dramatic merit alone, and accompa-
MED by the glittering accessions of elaborate
scenery. That it has been favorite with the
public for more than quarter of century is
not to be wondered at, for it contains all those
elements that appeal most strongly to the popu-
lar fancy, and some of the scenes are Sc strongly
drawn that the intensity and tension of
feeling become almost painful The
play is in six acts, and the
first two are to great extent Introductory. The
third, in which the erring daughter makes her
sad confession, is very strong, and the succeed
ing act where the story of her shame drives her
stern old father to insanity, has no superior in
intense interest and dramatic strength. The
scene between Mr.. Couldock and Miss Turner,
there, is made maryelously effective by the
excellent acting of both, that the spectator for
the time, loses sight of the counterfeit present
ment. and is impressed only with tho reality. 1t
is great piece Of acting-there is none greater
The part Mr.. Couldock assumes is similar to
Dunston Kirke, which he made famous; but
the affection that befalls Luke Fielding is
mental alteration instead of blindness and it is
a most impressive and original impersonation
The sombreness of the play is relieved by COM
edy, where it is a great relief and all the parts
are exceliently acted. It is pleasure to com
mend Miss Carrie Turner, for the grace and low
ing tenderness with which she invests the very
ID - ~, -. hxu
hands, is made particularly artistic. Miss Kate
Tousey, of this city, showed the progress she has
made in Ter chosen profession, by careful and
natural impersonation of Lucy Vanguard and
Miss Sydney Cowell did Meg character part
as she does all parts-excellently. Mr.. A. S.
Lpmans Sir Richard Vaughan was dignifed and
forcible, and Mr.. T. L. Bixby, who, on account
of an emergency, was compelled to play Dick
Hulks, did it very we'll. Mr. Raymond Holiness
clever light comedian, Mr. Samuel Hemple
Mrs. Mary Myers and others, filled out the cast
creditably. "The Willow Copse" will be repeated
tonight, tomorrow afternoon and tomorrow
night and these performances will be Of interest
alike to old-time theater- goers and the present
generation, for it a very strong play, and be-
comlngly acted. 1t is not often that such an inn
PRESERVATION as Mr.. Couldocks Luke Fielding is
seen.
ENGLIsH's OPERA HoUsE--"BUTToNs"
''Buttons,"a musical comedy. running the
gamut from gentlest humor to riproarous hilar-
ity, with Tony Hart and wife in the leading
roles was the attraction at Engish's last night,
and it opened to good house, and with an audi
ence capable of intelligent discrimination. The
night before Mrs. Hart received fall, COMPEL
ing her to carry her left arm in sling, and this
interfered with her action. But she sang in
good voice, and one of the sweetest things on the
programme was the Dolls Lullaby" The com
pany as whole is good, and has evidently been
| selected with care as it embraces Addie Cora
Reed, Fannie Reddng and Mr.. Alfred
SwartZ-tne latter an excellent tenor, having a
slight tendency to nasalntonation--and both the
ladies have fine stage presence and cultivated
voices Miss Reed surprised the audience with
her rendition of the nightingale song, receiving
deserved encore. The choruses were excep-
tonally strong To be critical, there is nothing
in the comedy but the singing but there is
enough of this to please both the eye and ear.
The orchestra at times showed lack of rehearsal
pieces between acts the fact is potent that the
drummer earns his salary.
NOTES
At the Museum the sensational drama For a
Life" is drawing good houses. 1t will continue
during the remainder of the week.
"Satan's Judgment" is receiving large patron.
age at the Zoo The usual matinee will be given
to morrow. Next week 'Alice Waltons
Blondes"
Twenty years ago tonight, Oct 9. 1865 Mr.
Couldock, supported by his daughter and the
stock, company played 1.-THE Willow Copse" at
play and actor have survived thousands of in
ferior attractions
Distinguished Defendants