Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-12-21
Downing i'm New York.
SUCCESS OF THE YOUNG WASHINGTON ACTOR IN ssrH



GLADIATOR"
Robert L. Downings nrst appearance as a star
I'm New York last night seems 10 have been q de-
cided popular success Judging from the notices In
the New York papers. The " orld says: "A packed
house. friendly and enthusiastic 10 the last degree,
greeted the new star and showered upon him all
those favors that actors love- Judging from the
standpoint OF the audience, Downing's success was
as instantaneous as he could have desired. The
actors splendid physique is half the battle, and
what with his half-naked barbarian costumes and
the accessories OF scenery the few lines he spoke
OF place could be easily forgiven him. His acting
Is pitched on somewhat too strained key and
lacks the smoothness that marked the artistic
.Spaltdcrs or Mccullough. Perhaps this lack of
refinement In the man made him the truer bar.
bar1an and the more real TO the people"
The Herald Was equally favorable, saying: He
has not yet Mr.. FORESTS wonderful power OF con-
trast, as shown by his alternations from melodi-
repose 10 tremendous and electric outbursts or
passion. But he has strength, feeling, a sngularly
nne voice, an Imposing presence, and delicacy or
feeling that at times is strangely touching mainly
second and fifth acts Mr.. owning made bis most
decided Impression. He Is much better actor
than has been generally supposed" The sun laid
particular stress on the great enthusiasm OF the
audience, which IL attributed In part 10 the pres
ence OF a large number OF actors ana actresses
The San SAYS: "At the close of the first act Mr..
Downing came before the curtain twice: at the
finish OF the arena scene he was thrice recalled,
and the end of each succeeding act Witnessed
repetition OF these plaudits until the evening yir-
tually became an ovation to him. III ever Young
star received glorious encouragement Indeed IL
was Downing. All Mr. Downing's powers,
I'm word. tend TO evoke the martial spirit OF his
hearers: he Is most wanting In the stimulation OF
palhos, the great and trying test by which an
actors art H. most severely measured. In his
Suorfdcns there was undeniably more than the
force OF Mccullough, but Infinitely less than that
tragedians subtlety aud delicacy of treatment.
Yet there was such abundant promise ia the newer
Spartacus, such Doldness of attack, such astound-
ing confidence that one could hardly regret that
the encouragement given 10 him was somewhat
out OF true meaS'lre.n
The Times is less favorable though kindly say
ing: Nr Downing did not fail TO move the ASSEM-
bly in the Star theater last evening, and there
were periods during The play when the applause
was much more tumultuous than any recently
heard in this city, ana at the close VI the play he
was called out and compelled 10 make a brief
speech OF thanks. There Were moments OF real
and well depicted feeling I'm Mr. Downings per-
formance and in these was TO be seen the true
promise OF his future"
The Tribune says: ''Mr. Downing enacted Spar
facus i'm q thoroughly earnest and often mpaS-
stoned manner so as 10 keep the favor oi his audi
tors. and 10 deserve a considerable measure or
thoughtful commendation His embodiment, how
ever is at this period in his career, deficient In
heart. in Imagination and In weight OF character.
The observer is glad TO see young actor acquit
himself so well OF task so exacfing, but Is not
really impressed by the performance"