The Indianapolis journal., 1896-12-25
ADJUSTMENTS.
Grand-"A Social Highwayman.''

Gfan0-"A Social
SIS putting it with considerable con-
servatism to say that the audience at the
Grand last night was charmed with the
beautifully finished dramatic performance
of the Hollands and their excellent COM
pany in "A Social Highwayman." 1t was
one of those rare entertainments to which
theater-goers will delight to look back and
discuss over their tea and waters coffee
and .'sinkers,'' just as you like. Cholly
Knickerbocker prefers the waters. while
Chimmie Fadden, equally popular in met
ropolitan society. rather leans to "sinkers."
1t has been intimated that the Hollands
were not at all confident that they would
be- able to favorably impress this city on
their first visit, but there Is no reason to
believe indianapolis play-goers are less
quick to understand real artistic worth
than even larger cities. The Hollands.
with all their greater New York popularity.
can find no fault with their reception here.
1t Ia no fault of theirs that they have only
begun TO cultivate the cities of the in
terror. They have ever been in such de-
mand by the opulent producers in New
York that not until last season were they
able to get away and strike out on a
starring tour. following in the wake of
many who would cause the stage no irrep-
arabic loss il they should fall back hence
forth on thinking parts only. There is a
wealth of reminiscenees about the Hol-
lands that would interest indianapolis peo-
pie. but just now it is their work in "A
Social Highwayman" only that is under
consideration. Few have more than dim
recollection OF their roles in the all-star
cast of the Rivals here last spring, and
SO they come now practically as strangers
and artistic actors out of an old family
OF actors, have long since ripened into de-
serving favorites. Neither is top lofty on
the subject of dramatic art. Success does
not cause their hat bands to crack using
one OF Whitcomb Rileys pat expressions
They are adopts in dramatic art, neverthe-
less A finished product in character draw
ing may always be expected when T.. NJ.
Holland is given the job. His handsome
brother is built for heroic or romantic roles
and in his line an equally finished imper-
sonation Is always forthcoming 1t is for
this reason that the two well-known char
acters of Courtice Jeffrey and Jenkins
Handy Of Elizabeth Phipps Trains popular
and well-read story became such interest
ing personalities on the stage. The man
servant Handy in stock play would have
been whitfield down and consigned to some
hummer who had grown old in the busi-
ness without attracting attention. Little
would have been expected from him and
less received. but in the hands of that
fine old character actor. 4. NJ. Holland. the
part Is vitalized into a leading figure of
the drama. Handy is interesting from the
moment moment irs ne appears PEI s on the stage f. NJ
cunning nature and cleverly directs his
movements toward line of action that
ence. His uninyiting exterior is used to
conceal nature that becomes both an
amusement ann and a study. until finally his
blame of crime and save his master is
worked up TO so sincerely that the audi
ence honors the actor with a curtain call
Yet after all there is nothing i'm the man
that indicates he is reformed or that he
will not return 10 his graft at the first
opportunity. The honor among thieves
idea is the only cue the impersonator has
for chance TO work on the sympathy of
critical audience and f.. NJ Holland does
1t Is by entirely different methods that
Joseph Holland presents the part of JEFF
acter to the audience but one
even lovable. jeffrey is an ap-
who makes his income from % the il jeweis seSie5s 6s
Is able to nip" from the clothing of the
swell circle i'm which he moves. To this
the audience ready 10 extend the most
hearty sympathy. Even before he has won
the affection of his ex-convict servant and
gins TO hope that he will come TO no bad
end. The impersonation makes him a fa-
VORTEX, vorite with the audience. which knows his
rascality even as he Is with the un Suspect
ing society Pbout him. Joseph Holland's :
physical beauty and deep. surging voice is
perhaps largely responsible for this. IL is
stirring 10 hear him speak the word love
In a girls ear. The so oIten nauseating
love scenes on the stage become delightful
entertainment when Joseph Holland plays
the lover.
The company supporting the Holland
bfOtutIc II aEliSllCdiiy excellent. II SuC-
gests the finished acting OF those English
companies where even the smallest parts
must be taken by performers who can be
depended on to act well. Minnie Radclifre
Is favorably remembered here as Sol Smith
Russells leading woman and Miss Olive
oliver. as the Sonora. is one OF the best
adVenturesses on the stage. Lack of space
prevents all IN the cast receiving the mem
tion they deserve.
Enslish's-"A Temperance Town"
Playwright Hoyt has more moods than a
Latin verb and he must have been rumi-
mating In the past tense. after some persis-