Grand Rapids morning telegram., 1885-01-03
AMUSEME ENTS-
Minnie Maddern in "Caprice at
Powers 's-Attractions to Follow.

MINNIE Mduoern IN "CaprIce al
Powers ss-Attractions to Follow.
1t was cold night, and but a small audi
ence attended the play last evening. But
had the studious, intelligent devotees of the
theater known what good dramatic treat
was procurable it is doubtful if they would
not have hurriedly and eagerly donned their
heavy wraps and baffied the frosty atmos-
phere incident to reaching the opera house,
so rare indeed seems the opportunity now to
see play produced as intelligent taste feels
it should be. Entirely free from The coarse
and rough methods which many productions
offer for approval, Caprice" is jewel in
the cluster of attractions that have appeared
here so far this season. Finely polished with
all the softer modes, peculiar in its sympa-
thetic tone, touching in the simple and
natural effects, pure and ref ned in dialogue,
"Caprice" has been deserving of all the kind
words that have preceded it. Though it re-
lies upon its pathos and touching situations
for winning the good will and opinion of the
audience, these situations are preceded
and followed by bright CLEAN of
comedy In motif it bears
similarity to Young Mrs. Winthrop
though trife broader in the range of its
recital. Appealing entirely to sympathy
that is refined and susceptible of movement,
under the gentler influences, it should be q
strong success, wherever there exists emotion
and affection. Resting then on this propo-
sition, there are a good many ladies and
- e n
very, very much to interest them in this
play, produced as it is by an excellent CON-
pany.
The Mercy of Miss Maddern decidedly
eclipses and drives far back into the past
anything she has heretofore undertaken.
character, so much so that Minnie Maddern
and the rustic maiden seem synonymous.
Nothing is done with effort. every movement
and utterance seems spontaneous. in this, the
accomplishment of good acting. Her smile,
her merry laugh, a tenderness in expression
when her sincerity is doubted that is affect
ing; careless in attitude and posture. she is
truly natural, and as Mercy holds
the mirror up TO nature 'only
to reveal, complete in conception, thoroughly
imbued with soul and breath. warm in color.
and consistent in disposition and feeling.
Mercy, as she would appear If she actually
existed; triumph of art, so deity used
that it is entirely dissipated- Mr.. Henry
Miller as Jack Henderson was a manly in
teliigent person, thoroughly Of the nobler
nature and possessed of those elements Of
honesty, consistent dignity and affection.
Such were the revelations made by Mr..
Miller in the character. Mr.. Brooke ss Potts,
the eccentric and Ioquacious professor, did
so well ss TO leave the impression
that his success might be traceable
TO actual experience. Mr. Herndon as Jef1ro
Barter. plain. hardy honest farmer. with
some appreciation of the jovial side Of life.
made good impression af The start which
increased upon acquaintance. The other
ladies and gentlemen in The cast, tsongh not
having 50 much 70 SAP OF do. performed in
ike proportion Of erceIie nee to those men,
toned Miss Maddern was three times
called before the curtain. The play may be
seen again this AFTERNOON and evening. and
II Is TO be hoped goo1iy number viii take
advantage Of the chance % see q good play
Interpreted By competent corupanr.