The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-03
A MAGNIFICENT PRODUCTION.
Great Artistic Success of the Presentation of
Comedy Of Errors" at the Grand.

The possibilities of scenic elaboration and
beauty have been exhausted in the production
OF Comedy of Errors as given by the Robson
and Crane company. 1t is marvel of pictur-
sequences and perfection in detail, nothing being
omitted that would contribute to the idealism
and historical accuracy of the presentation 1t is
not gorgeous without regard to proprety, fitness
or artistic effect, is so common in spectacular
productions-but succession of stage pictures
are presented, portraying scenes times and
incidents which have never before had an ade-
quate representation. The counterfeit does not
suggest itself, it is the actual, the
real Ephesus, as she appeared in her glory, with
her buildings, her resorts and public places and
her people and their methods of living. The
production has been aptly called "a riot of
attuned color" for it is masterpiece of the
scene painters art. In all, there thirteen
drops" but massvely built structures, models
of architectural beauty. with all the furniture,
statuary. pictures and other adornments, made
from the most approved classical types There
is nothing cheap and snowy about the produc-
ton. Everything is rich and tasteful The cos
tunes are silk and velvet; the armors, brass and
FURNISHED steel, and scores of articles used Incl
dentaliy as properties are historically correct in
design. The play opens with q scene represent
ing the interior of the Odeum, a circular build
ing with double columns of syenite and a view
of the city in the background Here are dis
played all the gorgeous appointments of the
court. There are five other tableaux in the first
act-the marketplace scene full of life and
motion, the Gymnasium and exterior and
interior views of the house of Antipholus
with terraces and hanging gardens. In the
second act the first scene Phryne's villa
is introduced. showing all the refinements of
art. music and poetic motion, for it is here that
the grand ballet advertisement occurs. The en-
semble effect equals in color and design any
thing ever imagined by poet or painter Next is
the port and docks of Ephesus. a very striking
scene. In which occurs the reception of the silver
statues by the priests of tie temple, followed
by heralds, praetorian guards, vestal choir
acolytes. Ionian futists Egyptian harpists and
curators of the temple The last act is the mel
ancholy vale. somber, hazy effect and the
moonrse in the palace of execution. The en-
tire mise en-scene leaves an impression that is
not easily effaced on the part of the beholder
The audience last night filled the theater to
OVERLOOKING and was composed of the represent
alive people of Indianapolis aud neighborine
cities. Every new scene was enthusiastically
applauded. and, in response to these demonstra-
tons. the curtain went up in repetition of
nearly all the tableaux Aside from the mount
ing OF the play. the performance was everything
NY is composed entirely of So
called Legitimate" actors and actresses, who
give the various parts such an Interpretation as
they deserve. The personnel of the company is
strlklngly good. and IL is suspected that in en-
gag'ng the people the management had attract
i've personal appearance in view as we'll as dra-
matte ability. Antipholus of Ephesus and
syracuse are presented, respectively by Mr.
William Harris and Mr.. Clarence Handyside.
both intelligent and forcible actors Miss Sc
lena Fetter, in costume, manner and
bearing, an admirable Adriana.
and fitting counterpart TO this
was Miss McKnstreys Luciano for it was
full of grace and tenderness. Miss Reynolds's
statuesque beauty displayed very effectively
as Fhryne, and the assumption of the other
parts in the cast was creditable. No extended
mention need be made of the Dromios of Mr.
Robson and Mr.. Crane for they are familiar to
all theater- goers They are so very similar in
manner. make up and speech. that they seem al
most merged into acommon identity There are
no two other comedians on the stage who could
do the parts well. The ballet introduced in
the second act was feature of interest
The production in its entirety cannot be too
highly praised. Nothing approaching it. in
realism and artistic beauty, has ever been seen
here before, nor is it likely to be seen again
soon. There will be three more performances
to night, tomorrow night, and a special matinee
tomorrow afternoon Nearly all the good seats
are already sold for tonight and those who de-
sire to attend any of the remaining performances
should secure their seats as early as possible