The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-02-14
ADJUSTMENTS.
Whiteside's Hamlet Almost n Record
Breaker Mt the Grand


The rush of people to the theaters yester-
day indicates revival in business here or
else potent drawing power in the attrac-
tons presented. Probably the latter. At
the Grand Walker Whiteside's Hamlet
matinee came near breaking the record at
that house. For the first time in months
every reserved seat was sold before the
doors were opened. and beautifully dressed
women stood packed in the lobby waiting
to gain admittance to the galleries when
they found no plush-covered seats We're to
be had on the lower floor. This is eloquent
testimony to the high esteem in which the
young tragedan is held in this city. If, as
is claimed, the surest evidence of an actors
success is the Endorsement of the matinee
girls, then Mr. WhiteSide need not bother
his brain about the future. With an honest
man to count the receipts his fortune is as
sured. No actor in the legitimate, except
on holiday, has had such an audience in
years i'm Indianapolis as greeted Whiteside
yesterday. His Hamlet has become the talk
of the town. 1t is being discussed on the
street and in the hotels High and
continued praise i'm the papers could not
arouse such interest were there not some
thing in the mans impersonation to war
rant the attention.
Two years ago Mr.. Whiteside was an I'M
known quantity as far as this city is con-
cerned. His first appearance here had only
meager announcement, and the opera house
did not contain enough people TO prevent
the echo of his voice reverberating through
the auditorium with the hollow roar of a
shouting down a cistern. But this did
not deter the ambitious actor. He played
his roles with as much grace and intensity
if the house were packed, and before he
left town people were whispering about that
there was new actor at the Grand worth
going TO see. Public opinion was aroused
but hesitating. Last season when Mr..
Whiteside returned he had a good audience
each night, and a decidedly fat matinee.
Those who watch the growth of stage ia
voriteS were no longer In doubt. They
openly declared that this new tragedan was
accepted, and this verdict has been verified
the past week.
a question whether Whiteside is really an
actor to be crowned with greatness, but
his Hamlet cannot be refused. Ii is the
most satisfactory and sympathetic per-
Torrance given the role by any one who
has made il his special study In years. The
tears, laughter and applause of the audi
is more eloquent than words The
puZZling mysticism of the great character
finds in Whiteside personality suited TO it
as If he were the reincarnated Prince of
Denmark. Not alone in face, figure and
expression does he convey this impression,
but whenever his voice sounds there is a
thrill of realism that causes an involuntary
exclamation that here is an ideal Hamlet. He
of realism that causes an Involuntary ex-
clamation that here is an ideal Hamlet He
is not only credited with magnetism but 1t
Is a question If Whiteside do not possess a
subtle esmeric power that affects his
tire audience. His flights OF elocution are
no more to be praised than his simple read
ing of quiet soliloquy- He is thrilling
every moment his graceful and somber-
cloaked stature is before the eyes of the
people. If anything he is more impressive
in his even-tempered scenes than when i'm
pulse forces him TO rant. Sad TO say
Whteside does rant at times, yet In the old
days his rant would be tame compared with
some. In the players scene he is spectacu-
lar: in the nunnery scene he Is as romantic
as a Romeo. and in the famous duel with
Laertes he Is SO crafty and natural that the