The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-09-01
A DARING WIRE WALKER.
Prof. Weitzman's Act a Feature at the
Pompeiian Show.

All the arrangements are now practically
complete for the first production at Lin
coin Park, next Monday night, OF Pains
great historical spectacle. The Last Days
of Pompeii." All the buildings. including
the amphitheater, are finished, and by to-
night all the scenery will be in place. The
work of preparation has been a very heavy
one. and during the present week large
forces of men have been engaged day and
night in completing the various structures
and arranging for the dramatic production
Of the representation. The scenic accesso-
ries are most elaborate. The great picture.
which gives a general view Of the city OF
Pompeii, covers nearly ten thousand yards
Of canvas, and was especially painted for
the production here. In addition to this
there are various set pieces representing
temples. palaces and other buildings.
The rehearsal, last night, went very
smoothly, and by tomorrow night it is ex-
pected that the actors will be approx
mately perfect in what is allotted them. In
all $50 people will be engaged in the repre-
sentation, fifty Of whom are professionals,
who have been employed by Pain Sc Son
in these productions for several years. Ad-
ditional interest is given to the represen-
tation of life in Pompeii by the introduc-
ton of chariot races and acrobatic sports
of various kinds. One of the principal
specialties introduced will be that of Prof.
Weitzman. who is probably the most noted
and daring high wire walker in the coun-
try. History, perhaps, does not record the
fact that wire walking was the favorite
pastime of the Pompeiians, but the trifling
departure in the historical accuracy made
in the introduction OF Prof. Weitzman's
act may be overlooked in considering the
marvellous performances he gives. He
walks on a wire fifty feet above the ground,
a strong light being constantly on him in
such a way as to obscure the view of his
support During tie past two weeks he
has been appearing at the geological Car
dens at Cincinnati, and the papers of that
city say that he does almost everything on
a wire that an ordinary man can do on the
ground.
especially. desiro& that there be a great
attendance at the opening performance next
Monday night, for they believe that the
gorgeousness and elaboration of THE Last
tisement they can possibly secure for 1t
when 1t is commended by thousands of
people who may see 1t for the first time.
it was not we'll advertised, and in conse-
quence the first performance was not well
attended But the attendance grew from
night to night, until during the last week
1T more than exhausted the seating capac-
iy Of the great amphitheater. The expense
Of the production here is very large. in ex-
ii In charge are only anxious that the re-
ceipts may be sufficiently large so that it
will not be necessary to assess the sub
scribers to the guaranty fund. The un-
usual interest manifested in it Is an indi-
cation that they will not be disappointed in
this respect. The advance sale of seats at
the Big -Four ticket Office Is progressing
satisfactorily, and prospective patrons can
save much trouble and annoyance by re-
serving their seats down town. There will
be another rehearsal tonight, and the last
one, complete in every detail, Tomorrow
night.