The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-11-26
ADJUSTMENTS.
BRAND OPERA HoUsE-MR. AND MRS. GEORGE
KNIGHT

BRAND OPERA-HOUSE-MR. AND MRS. GEORGE S.
KNIGHT.
The popularity Of Mr.. and Mrs. George S.
Knight in this city was attested by the immense
audiences they drew at the Grand yesterday af-
kernoon and last night, the theater being packed
on both occasions. Their musical comedy,
cover the Garden Wall" does not give them
those opportunities that such clever and talented
people deserve but it is full of fun of the widest
kind, pretty music, specialties. and little of
everything else that is calculated TO entertain
theater goers, and is immensely popular in con-
sequence Both performances yesterday were
received with the most uproarious merriment,
while the many catching songs were an espe-
cially attractive feature. Mr.. knight is ex-
cellent eccentric character actor, with fine
German dialect, and Mira. Knight is graceful
actress and very pleasing singer. They have a
company of clever people; including Ed Foy,
Charles Frew and James Quinn, all good come
dians; the three st. Felix sisters, bright young
wcmen, and good singers and dancers. and
Others. Over the Garden Wall" will be re-
peated tonight, tomorrow afternoon and to-
morrow night.
ENGLISH'S OPERA HoUSE-RoBERT DOWNING AS
SPARTACUS.
Very good audiences witnessed the two pro-
ductions of 'Spartacus, by Robert Downing at
last evening This promising actor has displayed
good deal of courage in making the character
rendered famous through the interpretations of
Forrest and Mccullough the piece de resistance
of his repertoire in the first of his career as star
But he Justly forces it to the front, for his
ability warrants confidence that his por-
travail will soon take equal rank
with that OF the masters who
have preceded him. Mr.. Downing's physique
fulflls ones idea of the valiant Thracian. The
gladiator Is thrown out in every line OF superb
muscular proportion, but, passing from this to
mas art. one finds some crudities mingled with
effective delineation. His is an Interpretation
that carries with it many surprises. AS whole,
1t is not brilliant, but honest, and if a
rightly of action appears in the first two
acts tnat Keeps the mind in anticipa-
ton of nothing more than performance
of ordinary worth one quickly throws off mere
attention Tor live interest as the story proceeds
1t is in tho third act that Mr.. Dowrinc's subor-
dination OF the physical to the moral hero ap-
pears. and from that on, with the force of n vet
nntried genius, he adds bit by bit, exquisite
coloriug. until the climax is reached in the par
tlcularly strong delineation of the gladiator's
death. His mastery lies In bringing out the hu
uaanitv of the barbarian, which CLOVIS with love
Cor the wife, child and brother. There Is
nne touch of his ability in the contrast between
the fierce Remuneration of the recreant brother
and the pardon wrune from him by his fraternal
promptincs and heart touching undertone OF
pathos in the heroism with which he sends back
TO Crassus his niece and her lover There are
dashes of strong acting in passages like these
shat charm his audiences. The gladiator furi-
pusly driving the frightened Romans before him
into the tent OF the prseior is worked up to
forcible death scene of the Thracian hero. Mr..
Downing makes great deal of this opportunity,
aud get saves himself from OVERRIDING what af
fords unlimited chance for rant
The play is equipped with attractive scenery
holding close to historical detail An effective
ness is attained in the arenic presentation in
pleasing and accurate perspective OF the amphis
sheater while the tigh; ITSELF with two such fine
sxamples of physical strength as Mr. Downing
aud Mr.. Muld1on to carry it out. enhances the
realism Of the play. The supporting people
aavo been taken from the Mccullough and Salvi-
nj companies. The Gladiator will be repeated
10 night and at 10 morrow's matinee
NOTES.
The Museum did an enormous business yester-
day with Passions Slave which is well acted
and mounted. as the attraction, and 1t will run
se rest Of the week.
Mr. Mack manager of Mr. Downing. has been
requestcd 10 produce Julius Caesar with his
company during this engagement. Mr.. Down