The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-11-03
ADJUSTMENTS.
Grand-HenIey in "Deacon Brod,e

Actor f. J. Henley is back in the harness after
a serious illness that caused him to lay off one
entire season. He makes his opening as a star
in this city, appearing last night at the Grand
in a revival of Deacon Brodie." Mr. Henley
comes to indianapolis practically stranger 1t
may surprise Mr.. Henley to learn this, and one
can imagine him elevating his Henry Irving
eyebrows and running to Manager Rudy with
a demand for an instant explanation. 1t is GER
tainly absurd that Mr.. Henley, of the clever
est leading men who ever caught the matinee
girls in New York and Chicago, should be COM
paratively unknown anywhere in the United
States. His triumphs at times under the cele-
brated management of Augustin Daily and A. NJ
Palmer give him license to expect that his name
and fame are broadly American by this time
But facts are facts, and stage reputation is as
career has been identified mostly With companies
shat played long engagements only in the larger
cities. The art or dramatic expression has
reached a finished stage with Mr.. Henley. He
has a choice assortment of graceful poses, Del
sartean gestures. voice modulations and facial
motions that mt him for excellent work in char
acter acting. Whether he will be able to win
fortune with Deacon Brodie is a question. He
is good TO look at from a students standpoint
and the character of Deacon Brodie is handled
support. But Deacon Brodie'' is not what is
smells of the old stock theatrical productions
which have been sent to the garnet by the new
w
could be made strong production, but the i'm
preston lastn light was marred by the stock
in this city well acquainted as they are
with the homely aspect of their various back
characters apparently proper and Il the esG Ian
MacClarren fad is really in vogue the dialect
should help the play at this time. 1t would not
be generous to harshly criticise the production
last night; as the company came here direct
from the Garrick, in New York, and played with
out rehearsal with the scenery Aside from
Mr.; Henley none of the company can be said
to have MADE any distinct hit. The audience was
small. but at times very appreciative. indulging
in several curtain calls. Matinees will be given
to-day and tomorrow in addition to the regular
night performances.
English's-Geo. ". MOnroe's New PLAY.
In "A Happy Little Home" which opened at
Englishs last night. George w. Monroe has a
play entirely consistent with the well-defned plot
that is strictly adhered to through the first two
acts. 1t contains that great element to the sue
cess of a farce-comedy, plenty of action and
good situation. The dialogue is bright and witty
and the interest is always sustained There are
plenty of specialties in the piece. all in the third
act. and are not dragged in as often the case in
farce-comedies. "A Happy Little Home" was
not constructed with the sole idea of fitting the
talents of Mr.. Monroe. On the contrary Monroe
has adapted himself TO the requirements of the
piece, and by carrying out the motive of the
author has demonstrated once more his versa
tility. The story OF "A Happy Little Home
hinges on the gullibility of a theosophical lady
metaphysical mysticism TO vulgar fortune telling.
Monroe impers0nates the fortune-teller Lulu In
his inimitable style. 1t is. of course the
central character in the piece and comedy char
acter creation unlike anything before seen on the
stage. Monroes trance scene in the second act
is but one of the many funny things in a play
which abounds in amusing complications. Al
though Monroe is the big card of the show he Il;
the whole of it. His company is one of the
largest and best that he has ever employed and
includes John IL. Byrne, Henry Stanley. Herbert
Flalsburgh. Ben Hammond. Charles and Minerva
Burroughs. Ward Bechtel. Eva Randolph, Jenny
Lind Lewis. Annie Lloyd. Dorothy Drew Sadie
Handy and others of lesser note. The costuming
of the female contingent is handsome. Those OF
Miss Eva Randolph and Dorothy Drew are es-
pecialy fetching. There will be matinee to-
day and another one tomorrow might cleo
tion returns will be read. The engagement closes
tomorrow night.