The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-12-17

One OF most deservedly popular actors
who comes to Indianapolis, Mr.. E. II.
Sothern, viii play at the Grand Opera
House Tuesday and Wednesday evenings
and Wednesday matinee of this week. This
IS Mr.. Sothern's seventh annual visit to
this city, and upon each occasion he has
presented a new play and always the one
which had recently finished it's New York
run at the Lyceum Theater. This time the
play Will be Sheridan, or the Maid of
Bath" written for Mr.. Sothern by Paul Nj.
PotteEs.a prominent New York journalist,
who has done considerable dramatic work
during the past three years. The character
assumed by Mr. Sothern is the title role.
that Of Richard Brinsley Sheridan, the IA
nous writer OF comedies, whose works,
''The Rivals and 1.-The School for Scan
dali" remain TO this day as unequaled mod
els of comedy writing. In writing this play
1ir. Potter has taken only those incidents
which are well known as being part of the
life of Sheridan, and has used authors Ii
cense only so far as the transposition OF
those incidents might become necessary to
make a perfect dramatic whole. The Incl
dents themselves are all authentic, the
characters of the play, without exception,
are known as friends and associates of
Sheridan. and with the perfect attention to
detail which is always seen in Mr.. Soth-
ern's productions, 1t is not difficult in the
watching of this play for one to imagine
he is really Witnessing those scenes Of
which he has read in the lives of Sheridan.
Even the language to a great extent is that
which is recorded as being uttered upon
the occasions which this play depicts. Many
OF the bright sayings and witty reparteeS
which are recorded utterances of Sheridan
H - nflll ~
this play in such a skillful manner that
they seem 10 be natural happenings In
AsIead OF historical records. In the stage
setting and cOstuming OF the play, Mr..
Sothern has still further enhanced his rep
utation for careful stage productions, every
particle OF scenery and stage appointments
being absolutely correct as TO the time OF
action of the drama, 1775. The costumes are
precise copies of those worn in that day,
and the manners and customs or the time
are also carefully depicted. While the ma
ture OF the play may be somewhat of sur
prise To those who have admired Mr.. Soth-
ern in his other performances, 1t will be adj
tration OF his versatility and has offered
play which is a fitting companion picture
20 those OF his previous visits The original
New York cast appears here
Scott Marbles sensational play, THE Dia-
mond Breaker" which Is fun OF various
kinds OF thrill" will be the attraction at
English's the last three nights OF this week.
II has been produced throughout the East,
and, according 10 the press, Is a success,
and startling mechanical devices. Nearly
two carloads OF scenery are used and In one
act several tons or machinery with "A steam
boiler and engine are I'm actual opera ton.
The most thrilling scene i'm the play is
where the hero Is knocked insensible by the
villain and thrown head first into coal
chute, rapidly descending TO the great iron
Jaws OF TWO immense coal crushers, from
which he Is rescued by the heroine. who
comes down sliding pole from the flies
tEst as he seems about TO lose his lie.