Los Angeles daily herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1884-1890, 1886-08-05
MoDJEsKA.
Donna Dianao Presented at
The Grand.


Last night Modjesks, supported by
her excellent company, presented at the
Grand the comedy drama, Donna Di'
ana, originally written in Spanish BY
Moreto some 200 years ago, IN the palmy
days of Spanish poetry, discovery and
conquest. 1t is claimed to have fur.
nished Shakespeare with the plot for
much Ado About Nothing" This
needs confirmation although the plot is
very similar. But then it is very COM
mon plot-that in which "Benedics" and
.'Beatrices" have figured In all time,
both on the stage and In real life. The
play was translated into German
about fifty years ago, and has
been often presented in the theatres OF
that play.loving people. The English
version is theadaptation of one Of the best
known of modern playrights, Mr.. West.
land Marston
The plot is very evenly constructed
throughout, and the satire which runs
through all the dialogue is Of the most
refined stamp, which quite fits Modes.
ka's natural mood.
The costuming is the gorgeous style OF
the age in which the play was written,
and the wardrobes Of the company play.
ing in ii are decidedly rich. Modjeskas
own dressing in the piece was superb.
II would be difficult for her to find robes
more becoming her tall, 1.-the figure than
the black peculiar to a Spanish Princess
in the first act, or the splendid one she
wears in the last.
As to the title role, it gives scope for
all the high finish as to artistic detail Tor
which Modjeska is noted. II affords
also opportunity for those wonderful
changes of expression which her features
are so capable of. Tenderness and jeal
ousy play alternately from her wonderful
eyes, and around her smiles, or stern,
set lips. All the compass oil the
matchless voice is also sounded from the
lowest to the topmost note. The art oil
the actress is all called into requisition,
but while she was on the boards one at
all familiar with her power could not
help wishing for more scope in which
she might call out the latent force OF her
genius.
Az Don Caesar, the "Benedie" OF the
play, Maurice Barrymore had more OPP
than in "Adrienne" to show
the really good actor he is. He played .
difficult part excellently.
As ''Perin," Owen Fawcett scored an.
other triumph. proving unusual versatil-
ity in his acting. This is MIR fancett's
first visit here, but he seems to be an
good "allround" man.
Mr. Vanderhoff, one Of the best men
On tho boards, was missed by the audi
1nee last night.
The Misses Lytton, Tittel and Foltz
lad comparatively little scope to dis.
Dlay their powers, but they approved
themselves as quite worthy of the COM
pany they are in Miss Lytion was as
natural and pretty as in the |
,tber roles she mas played. Miss Tittel
sas, as usual, fascinating in features,
igure and manner.
Modjsska's great triumph is under
ined for tonight, in the great tragedy |
4 "Mary Stuart" The loves, fortunes,
nd sad fate of the charming, interest
rg and lamented Queen of Scots is in |
t least three continents looked upon as
ne of the greatest histrionic creations
{ all time as interpreted by Modieska.
he house is sold almost to the doors,
nd the evening will be an ovation to
he great actress, who will here have
crope for the display of all her greatest
owers of genius and art.
For Saturday night there is change
nderlined. Instead of Mr.. Barrymore's
'Najesda," Shakespeare's Twelfth
Tight" will be given, for Modjeska's
enefit.