The Indianapolis journal., 1888-12-22
ADJUSTMENTS.
sRANn-nowN,Na As spARr.ctrs

GRAND-DowNING AS sPARTACus
An audience much larger than might have
been reasonably expected, considering the near
approach of the holidays greeted the appear
ance OF Robert Downing as Spartacus at the
Grand Opera-house, last evening No young
tragedian before the public has made such rapid
strides in the line of his profession has Mr..
Downing He possesses all the attributes
requisite for success. An admirable conception
of the character he attempts to portray, q mag
nifcent physique and splendid voice, with an
utter absence of Downing and an intense real
ism. he deserves the high encomiums passed
upon him. and may be regarded as star in the
dramatic armament OF the first magnitude.
Downing has studied Roman history with re-
sult-he makes Of his Spartacus man, gen.
eral who was feared and hated by Rome az enc
of the greatest generals her leRions had ever en-
countered. His conception is, therefore, differ
ent from that of Forrest, whose Spartacus
was bloodthirsty gladiator. killing for the sake
of blood. 1t is nobler higher. and evidently
more true to the man.
The company with which Mr.. Mack hes sup
ported his star is one Of the strongest that ever
appeared at the opera-houss. Mr. Herman as
Phassrius gave fine rendition Of the crucifx-
ion of the gadiators. and Mr. Meredith Was ex-
cellent as Crassus. Miss Blair as Julia looked
handsome and pleasing. as did Miss Tracy
Sonona, the Thracians wife. Nothing but praise
can be given to all.
The scenery and stage mechanism employed
In the production is equal to the company and
the star. and, taken as a whole, no better pre-
sentation of tragedy has been recently wit
messed in Indianapolis. Particular attention
has been paid by Manager Mack to the acesso-
ries. and to all that goes to make up an excel
lent performance, and the efforts thus bestowed
have not been without effect for in every sense
the performance is most excellent
This afternoon Mr.. Downing will appear as
Virginius, in which he is said to excel: in fact
1t is prounced By many capable critics to be his
best character. He will be supported by the
full strength of his excellent company, Miss
Meredith as Appius, and Mr. Herman, Icilius.
Tonight, "Spartacus' will be repeated. The
company carries its own scenery, and the stage
Is under the direction of Beverly Turner. who
acted in the same capacity for Robson e. Crane
in the production of Tho Comedy Of Errors" "
Mr.. Mack, under whose management Mr.. Down
ing appears, is 10 be congratulated upon the ex-
cellence Of these productions.
NOTES.
The Kernell company will conclude its engagement
at the Park tonight. Next week a very strong
attraction, in English meodrama, ''The Ruling Pas
sion." with Miss Lottie Church and good cast and
Mr.. Sol Smith Russell, who is deservedly one of
the most popular comedians the stage. will play at
the Grand the first part of next week. three nights
his new comedy "A Poor Relation" in which he has
made decided hit. i is said to be the best piece he
has yet had. Seats now on sale for his engage
ment
Shadows of Great City" will be given a very
elaborate scenic and mechanical production at Eng
lish all next week. The cast, which includes Miss
Anna Ward Tiffany and other welknown people, il
years. 1t is drama of very great interest. Seats
now sale.