The Indianapolis journal., 1885-03-06
ADJUSTMENTS.

VICTOR DURAND" AT THE GRAND opERA-HoUsE.
Henry Guy Carleton's play, 'Victor Durand,"
was produced for the first time in this city last
night, at the Grand Opera house, by the Walack
Theater company, and was received with great
favor by the audience. "Victor Durand" is an
extremely interesting play, and the storyis most
ingeniously told. Henry Favart ('Victor Du-
rand") has married young American eiel, resi-
dent in Paris, who was formerly betrothed
to Paul Dean, young fellow who is
driven insane by blow, the result
of robbery and assault in railway carriage
The Baron De Mersac, villain who has the con-
fdence of the family, reveals the identity of
Favart to the father, claiming him to be the
convict Durand, who was sent to the galleys for
the assault upon Dean. Meanwhile the victim
of theassault has recovered his and dappears
on the scene, only to recognize in the husband
of his former flancee his aSsailant Durand
claims that he is guiltless, and tries to con-
vince his wife of his innocence The officers
come to carry away the prisoner, when one of
the characters is given dairy that he
left at the house some months before When he
sees the pocket-book he is suddenly struck with
having found it in a railway carriage, some
where between Monaco and Paris, over four
years previous. Then he refers to his diary and
confirms the impression, and finds that the Baron
de Mersac rode in the same compartment part
of the way, got out at way station, and came
back again at the next stopping place. At this
point De Mersac enters upon the scene, and, see
ing the pocket-book, claims it, declaring
that he dropped it upon the occasion
mentioned The young man draws him
on to declare more and more forcibly
that it is his property, and at the proper moment
Dean breaks in with the positive assurance that
the book is his, and not De Mersac's He now
| remembers that the Baron sat opposite him at
the gaming table in Monaco, and lost heavily,
while Dean won large sums, which he carried
IN Thn 1xy
De Mersac of the purse, his presence on the
| train, his absence from his own compartment
and subsequent return there with the book, are
convincing proof of his participation in tho inur-
der, even without the evidence of an accomplice,
who is introduced before the curtain falls
The dialogue of Victor Durand" is effective and
natural, the play is full of exciting incidents and
the situations are extremely dramatic and we'll
balanced. Victor Durand" bears the palm this
season in the matter of construction and cumu-
lative interest and, in addition, the character
izations while not extreme, sympathetic,
and there is a touching love story unraveled
Durand" is successful society drama. Of
the company nothing but praise can be
meted the players. Miss Sophie Eyre, who
enacted the role of Ruth, the yosng wife, is
every sense Of the word. Miss Eyre possesses a
sympathetic voice, an almost heroic physique
and her acting shows emotional powers of the
highest order. Her scenes with the husband
were entnutlaStlcally enc0red Mr. George
Clarke, as Durand, always favorite here gave
amanly and dignifed impersonation and in the
scene where he tells his wife Of his conviction
gave bit of superb acting that was repeatedly
encored. Mr.. j. Newton Gotthold also well
known here, as the villain DeMersac, gave a re-
pose and dignity to the part=that almost hid the
subtle and baser feelings in the character Mr.
Charles Wheatleigh, as the father, John
Vaughan, presented the high bred old gentleman
with dignity that was charming, and Mr.. w
Fl. Denny, as Tubbs, the Anglicized young man,
was extremely funny. Miss Louise Dillon looked
and acted the naive young girl to perfection
and Miss Agnes Elliott was pleasing as Mrs.
Dudley Mr.. Corbett, Mr. Blackstone and Mr.
Talbot were extremely capable, and rendered
their parts. in admirable manner. The entire
performance was given with smoothness and
finish that characterize metropolitan stock com
panies. The play was handsomely mounted
Victor Durand" will finish out the week at this
theater.
Hearts of Oak is still at English's, and the
Museum is presenting the usual weekly bill.
Miss Minnie Turpen will be given a compli-
mentary benefit at Pfaffiin's Hall tonight in
which T. v. Cook and his comedy company
will appear presenting "The Two Buz-
zards," and other entertaining features
The beneficiary will also render selections. Miss
Turpen is a bright young lady, and is possessed
of considerable natural ability, and is deserving
of large benefit. She will enter the Lv4..rr,
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