The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-04-01
THE THEATERS THIS WEEK
Denman Thompson's Latest Success, the
cold Homestead" To Be at the Grand.
The Dual Character of DR.. Jekyll and Mr..
Hyde, Portrayed by George NJ. Woods,
Will Be Seen at English's.

The most conspicuous and undoubted success
of recent stage productions has been Denman
Thompsons "Old Homestead" which Indian
apolis theater- goers will for the first time at
the Grand this week, the engagement beginning
tomorrow night for six nights and Saturday
matinee. Mr.. Thompson's homely and artistic
rendition of Joshua Whiteomb has delighted
theaaer- goers everyw where, and wherever he
played it he was greeted by large audiences.
Ordinarily any star would be amply satisfied
with such results as these, but Mr.. Thompson
was not, for he wanted better play, one that
could be picturesquely staged and would give
him and his company opportunities to do better
work. There is little doubt that he has found
this in ''The Old Homestead which Is the
joint production of him and Mr.. George
Reyer. When it was put on at
Niblos Garden. New York. it
made an instantaneous hit. and h&d
a ran of Ill performances. continuing nearly
thirty-two' weeks. Then it had to give way to
other engagements, but since then it has had an
otherrun of $50 nights L. New York. 1t is sequel
to Joshua Whitcomb" and like the latter is
characterized by that delightful flavor OF rural
life and simple affection which has made it so
popular. Then it is given a very careful stage
production, and Mr.. Thompson's company is one
of unusual excellence, including as IL does such
excellent people IS George Beaue, Walter Gale,
Chauncy Olcott, the tenor singer, j. Il. Morgan,
Frank Thompson, Mrs. Louisa Morse, Miss An
ME Thompson, Miss Lillian Stone and others.
An idea of the performance be obtained
from criticism in the Boston Herald. the best
dramatic authority in the East which says: 1T
is almost impossible to think of MIR.
Thompson In any other part than that of
the kindly old country man. Joshua Whtcomb,
SO completely in harmony with the character is
his every speech and action. As piece of
character acting this performance must rank
with the Rip Van Wrinkle of Mr.. Jefferson or
the Jesse Rural of Mr.. William Warren. So
perfectly natural, free from all apparent eff
fort, devoid of stage tricke is this impersona-
ton that one in the audience ever pauses to
consider that Mr.. Thompson is acting part
1t is delightful character, grand in its sim
picity and rugged honesty, and lovable in its
tenderness and truth. The play is homely, pure
in sentiment and tone. interesting in story and
rich in those elements which appeal directly to
the heart"
Three weeks ago Mr.. George n. Wood. an
English actor of fine reputation in that country.
but almost unknown here, came to Chicago and
began a fortnights' engagement, in his own
version of Robert Louis Stevenson's famous
story-"Dr Jekyll and Mr.. Hyde" On the
morning after the first performances. all the city
papers, for once. agreed that his impersonation
most remarkable one. dramatically con-
sidered. and that his version was by far the
best that had yet been produced. The result
was that he had immense audiences throughout
the engagement. and his work was in the high
est degree successful. Last week, in ST Louis,
he made great hit. and in view of this fact
Manager Talbot has secured him for three
nights engagement at Englsh's, beginning next
Thursday night. According to the criticisms,
Mr.. Woods version has not those horrible and
revolving features that characterized that given
by Mr. Mansfield. and his individual acting is
fully good. He brings out strongly the at
tractive side of DR.. JskylPs character, and
makes the transformation of Hyde without es-
pecial effort, or resorting to devices of makeup
and business. The Chicago Mail says that he
gives the story a much better treatment than
did Mansfield, and follows out the authors idea
more closely. while his presentation OF the dual
role is remarkably natural and effective. Miss
Marguerite ST. John, who plays Florence
Jekvli in the play. is an actress of fine reputa-
ton in England. and her work is also highly
commended. The advance sale for the engage
ment here viii begin on Tuesday, at the usual
prices.
'.Mam'zelle." which will be presented all this
week, at the Museum. is pleasantly remembered
here from Mile. Aimee's performances of it. II
is q very bright comedy, and has some of the
most strikingly original features ever put in
any play. It has been somewhat changed this
season, to permit the Introduction of music
and attractive specialties of various kinds. and
the Kimball Musical Comedy Company, which
will give it here, is spoken of as an unusually
strong organization. Miss Kate Foley. an excel
lent soubrette, has the title-roe. and the other
parts are capably cared for by Mile Ottalie,
John Marble. Henry Clark and eshers. There
topical songs, selections from popular ope-
ras and other features in lie, and fun of various
kinds The Primrose Quartet is with the
organization, which has been highly praised by
the papers elsewhere. 1t is said to be particu-
larly strong In musical features, and this ac-
counts largely for its success in the popular
priced theaters. It is likely to do very large
business at the Museum The engagement will
begin with matinee tomorrow afternoon.
The Mendelssohn Quintet Club, of Boston,
probably the best known concert company in the
country for it has had a continuous existence
before the public since 1S49, will give popular
concert at Tomlinson Hall next Saturday even
ing fact that will be of particular interest to
lovers of fine music. The organization. as usual,
il headed by its founder, Mr. Thomas Ryan.
and is composed of the following well-known
people Herr Gustave Hille. solo violin; Herr
Paul Mense, solo violin; Herr Philip Rodelber-
ger. solo flute aud viola; Mr. Louis Blumen berg,
Thomas Ryan, solo claronetts and viola, and Miss
Anna Carpenter. soprano. All these people.
with the exception or Herr Hiie and Miss Car
penter. well known here. She Is one Of the
few American singers who has achieved sucs.ess
in private musical circles in Paris. She
is lady of personal beauty, charming
manners, and has highly trained voice of gym
pathetic quality and fne dramatic powers. She
has received the most favorable criticisms
wherever the company has appeared. and doubt
less will reneAt her general success here. In
deed, if these criticisms be just. Miss Carpenter
may be expected TO make something of a'sensa
ton IN m usical circles in indianapolis. A very
attractive programme has been arranged for the
concert, and as IL is to be at popular prices.
% cents, general admission and 10 cents
may be expected. Seats will be placed on sale
at the music parlors of D. Il. Baldwin s. Co. on
Wednesday next.
Gossip of the stage.
tender ballad Just published by Western com.
poser. is entitled, why Did They Crenate the Old