Telegram-herald., 1889-09-10
AMISE1lENTS

Robert Down ng attracted q numer-
ous gathering Of local theater-goers TO
Powers Grand last evening TAe at
tendance was indeed mplmentary t0
the Young tragedian, as il WAS evident
that he secured las spectators entirely
On his merits, not as u result Of amy ad-
vance "hoom," which might have
awakened the attention Of the curious
and vulgar Heretofore Mr.. Downing
has been billed not unlike a champion
of the hsuc arena, rather than an in-
telLgent and worthy histri0nlc capable
Of acquiring respect and attention on
the merit OF his talent and ability. We
congratulate Mr.. Downing or ms mod
est return to Grand Rapids, aud the re-
ception which attended his appearance
last evening must certainly encourage
the actor IN hls plan oil trying mper-
s0ual management Mr.. Downing has,
IA many features, TccOusldeTed the
'Nirginius hc offered here during hls
engagement last January. He
has given the text deeper
significance and has better
ueiincd the quiet force and the delicate
subtlt.ies of the character. IL IS ia
decd a work which demands a touch
upon nearly every key of the actors
versatile powers. PathOs, frenzy, grief
and despair must he brought out, IN
1oid and dcstlnct colOrs. Downing was
won't to make some mistakes ia cx-
preston and would bedaub a sentiment
with earsh cultural. Happily ho has
abandoned rant and now we see a
"Nirginius' which Is dlgnihed, con-
servative and more magnetic where
intensity is demanded. Clamor and
force are not melOdiOus and jar the
ears and senses As unmeanlng noise.
Force Is more potent where It IS
accomplished with the evidence
OF. or attempt at, sub
lection and repression. Mr..
Downing mas mellowed his person
alton, 80 that the lighter and softer
.shades are as pleasing and effective as
the climaXes, where stirring passion and
spirited exclamation are required.
Time improves the fermentation of the
spirit rs experience seems To advance
and ripen this very promising actor,
the only one we can look to, at prese mt,
III this country 10 perpetuate She heroic
school. Miss Eugcnla Blair lntuses
Nrgnia with a gay spirit, lending to
the character IN the more serious
scenes pathetic fidelity and gantlCDess
The innocence and uncomprOmising
virtue of Virginia was displayed with
impressive light. Miss BLAIR has come
from her summer outing much ,
improved and onthused in her art.
GILES Shine WIS an earnest and
eloquent Dcntatus, and was cOntrastcd
by the cOld-bloOdod and cherries Ap-
pius of Howard Gould. Edward IIol-
land, rs lcllus. lacked warmth and
ferycncy. In fact, his whole persona
ton was devoid of color and ms inficc-
ton and accentuatlOn had the chill of
the elOcutiOniSt, who plays with bis
voice merely 10 hear IL sound, utterly
disrcgarding sentiment or feeling. Mrs
Bates commanded recognition IN the
small part Of Servla, presenting 10 with
earncstness and significant expression.
There were others IN the cast OF whom
1t can be SAID that this Is their second
appearance ntheir respective roles and
are therefore, entitled to leniency coup
led with hopes sforimprOvement Tonight
Mr.. Downing viii offer Count Clau-
do" which was so much respected in
Detroit last week, and in which his
company are said 10 appear to excel
lent advantage.
Seats are now on sale for the engage |
ment of the Ferguson q Mack company
at Powers Friday and Saturday IN the |
hilarious comedy "McCarthy's Ms
haps."
Miss Eugenie Blair is in private life |
Mrs. Robert Downing.