The Indianapolis journal., 1890-10-03
AMUSEMENT MATTERS.

GRAND NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. DOWNING.
Robert Downing is growing favorite
with Indianapolis theater-goers. This
time he gave as the opening play of his en-
gagement Saumet's fve-act tragedy of 1.-The
Gladiator" and found an audience respons-
i've to his art. The title of the tragedy is
misleading. as it leads one to infer that it is
the same as that in which Forrest, McCul-
Tough and Mr.. Downing himself achieved
reputation in the character of Spartacus.
The leading role in Saumet's tragedy is
that of the gladiator Nero, and the plot
has much less historic data to rest upon
than that of Spartacus. MIR. Downing is
even firmer in his art than at his last ap-
are perfectly adapted to the line of
characters in which he Is now the sole
representative on the American stage. The
action of the tragedy deals in prosecutions
of Christians. and the heroine, Neodamia,
admirably portrayed by Miss Eugene
Blair. belongs to that prosecuted sect, while
in her bosom struggle the two strong pas
sions, love and the desire for q martyrs
crown. The character of sFlavian, her
lover. was delineated by Clarence Holt
with much Gelicacy and force. Mr.. Holt
has greatly improved, and gives promise of
yet higher excellence Faustina, the cruel
and Jealous Empress, was given by Miss
Estella Davis with acceptable finish. The
climax of dramatic interest is apparently
reached In the fourth act. the scene in the
arena, in which Mr.. Downing shows his full
power. The applause at the close of this
act was long and enthusiastic. Miss Blair
fairly dividing the honor of the call before
the curtain. In the concluding act the
Gladiator kills his daughter, after the style
of Virginius, and then with the same dag
the tragedy. lacks largely of the merit of
originality, but that is the fault of the au-
thor, not of the actor Those who have
seen see, nIaf.r ME Downing Dow ths. as spartacus
Nevertheless the play I Of The Gladiator s'Hs is
q strong one, and gives full play to the
genius of the actor. 1t will be repeated to-
night. Tomorrow, at the matinee. there
will be double bill, the performance be.
'The French Marriage; or. Delicate
Ground" and concluding with Miravale's
romantic drama of THE White Pilgrim
Tomorrow night the play of Damon and
Pythias" will conclude the engagement.
PARK THEATER-"GUILTY WITHOUT CRIME"
There was a change of bill at the Park
Theater yesterday afternoon. Dore David
son and Ramie Austen. surrounded by an
evenly balanced company. began an en-
gagement to fill out the remainder of the
week. Guilty Without Crime" one of
the ultra-sensational dramas, was pre-
sented, and the manner of it's reception
left no reason to doubt that it was heartily
enjoyed by the audience. A repetition of
the play last night brought out enough
people to fill the theater, and there was no
lack of enthusiasm. Mr.. Davidson has
played the part of Tom Rawson here be-
fore, and it can be said that he has lost
none of his force as a character actor. Miss
Austen is woman OF good stage appear
ance, and presents the character of Stella
Douglass quite satisfactorily. Guilty
changed since it was last seen here: and is
somewhat improved. 1t is full of sensa-
tional incidents, and is we'll staged.
NOTES.
"Braving the World - sensational drama,
is booked to appear at the Park next week.
Blind Tom. who Is to give piano recitals
at English's Sunday, Monday and Tues
day evenings. has not been in indianapolis
for many years.
men, in Dayton this evening. and will ar
rive here by special train tomorrow morn
ing The stage carpenters are already at
work getting things in shape to receive the
company,s properly, OF Wnlcn IL carries
four carloads. THE Hnguenots" will be
given O superb presentation at Engllsh's
tomorrow night.
Miss Elaine Ellison. the actress and elo-
cutIonist, who made the most pronounced
success in the New York production of
Dixey's "Seven Ages" appears as The God
dess of Liberty in THE Worlds Fair at
the Grand next Monday. Mr.. JOS. w. Her
bert appearing as Christopher Columbus,
Mr.. Geo. w. Fortescue As Galatea. Mr.. Geo.
Lyding. . tenor of exceptional excellence,
as John Alden. Miss Virginia Earl as Pris-