The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-12-17
MoRRIsoN's MEPHIsropHELxs.
Some Points About Faust" as Pre-
scented By His Company.

Some Points About Faust" as Pre-
sented By His Company.
Nh. Lewis Morrison, the reputation Of
whose brilliant impersonation OF Mcphs.
topheles has preceded him, arrived in the
city yesterday, and is comfortably located
in room So Peabody Hotel, where an Ar
PEAL reporter found him last night. Mr..
Morrison has striking head, OF antique
mold, and his smoothly shavon face, black
hair aud eyes and wonderful mobility of
expression remind one forcibly Of Edwin
Booth. Before his Identification with the
character Of Mcphistophelcs his best
known aud most admirable role was Iago,
which he played 80 faithfully and success.
fully, with Salyini ~ Othcllo, as 10 divide
the honor even with that peerless trag.
dan. Mr.. Morson's lago is one OF the
classics OF the American stage, and it is to
be hoped that his phenomenal success in
Faust will not deprive the American
public Of the former artistic impcnonation.
In reply 10 the reporters inquiry, Mr..
Morrison said that the version OF Faust
which he has for three years been en-.
gagged in presenting TO the American pub.
lie was written By Bailey Barnard, an
Englishman,and adopted by Henry Irving
rs the basis Of the play presented by him
self with such signal success. Mr.. Irving
changed the Bernard version In two par.
ticulars, ENGRAVING upon il scenes Of his
own, towit: ''1hc witches kitchen" and
"The dream OF Faust" With those excep-
tons, Mr.. Morrison's play is identical
with Mr. lrvings. The latter gentleman,
whose generosity to brother actors Is pro.
verbal, was even kind enough 20 allow
Mr.. Morrison the use Of the models for all
his scenery, 30 that from a spectacular
point Of view there is no difference be-
tween the Morrison aud Irving plays, ox-
copt the two scenes above noted.
Tho scenery, Mr.. Morrison thinks. will
satisfy the most critical Of the Memphis
public, inasmuc as great care has been
taken 10 preserve historical accuracy. Tho
city of Nuremberg sci was painted los an
eminent artist especially engaged Tor the
work 10y Henry Irving, and Mr.. Morrison's
copy was executed 10y the famous NOcgilin,
Of New York. There are PIG pieces OF
scenery ~ the play, and some Of the real
istic effects are surprising. La the fencing
scene with Valentino electric sparks flash
rom the sword Ia order To hcightcn the
supernatural coloring OF the play, aud in
the garden scene by a mere touch Of the
wand Mcphlstophclcs makes flowers bloom
where before all was barren ground. Other
surprising scenic effects abound.
Mr.. Morrison has played "Fausr n
thousand times. everywhere with splendid
success, Chicago alone giving the play a
run Of four week.. The critics arc unani-
nous IN liz praisc and arc outspokcn in
the opinion that Mr.. Morrison has nothing |
TO fear and much 10 gain by comparison
with Irving.
Mr. Edwin Booth, with whom Mr.. Nor. |
rison was for long time associated, saw |
the play In san Francisco aud, after cor |
daily congraiulaling Mr.. Morrison, said, |
with the kindnr~ habitual 10 him: |
Lewis, my boy, you're fixed for life. |
You'll make fortune out Of this.
Mr.. Morrison plays here three nights |
and matinee aud the advance sale |
assures his succcss