The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-03-10
ADJUSTMENTS.
EnEIish's-.'Dr. BelgrafH."


After several days of water-bound hard
ships, during which time Wilton Lackaye
and his company of well-known players
had an unsought but rare opportunity to
mediate on the vicissitudes of travel over
the country districts of Indiana and Incl
dentally to inspect the wilderness in the
vicinity of Patoka Mr.. Lackaye opened his
Indianapolis engagement at Englishs last
night. The star was a stranger to theater-
goers here and the comfortable size of the
audience was distinct recognition of the
fame which had preceded him. The audi
ence was very much bent on displaying its
good will and lost no opportunity to APP
plaud the efforts of the actors, among
whom was none who did not at some time
during the portrayal of the novel and some
times gruesome story of DIR. Belgraff
come in for applause. The play with
into a bowling melodrama, one that the
old Park Theater audiences would delight
to witness. 1t is lifted above spectacular
dramatic thrills by the pronounced merits
of the cast. In this Mr.. Lackaye is only
one of dozen excellent performers who
give tone to the production. His role is
distinct character creation, n well-fed Ger
man chemist who speaks with the quickly
recognized Svengaii dialect. This is now
recognized legitimate form of speech on
the stage that has opened up new oppor-
tunties to the buresquers. Mr.. Lackaye is
solely responsible for it because his was the
first Svengali. Like the shiver-producing
main figure in "Trilby," DR.. Belgraff is a
hypnotizer, but he does not make as much
fuss about ii as the cunning and criminal
Svengali did. He lacks the finesse IN a
number of places, but, like SvengaH DIR.
Belgraff is a criminal. He resorts TO muir
der in one instance and then duplicates
several innocent people in the crime. DR.:
her past without the lady giving him The
date of her birth and he can do other
peculiar things which make one
sibilities of this wonderful influence.
The stage has fairly outstripped science in
the advancement of the mesmeric power,
and Lackaye as Dr. Belgraff might give
instructions to the learned doctors OF Paris
who are priding themselves on their ex-
periments His power is so great that She
can die standing up and remain in that po-
sition until a Scotland Yard detective comes
to adjust the bracelets
The supporting company Is happy col
lection of artists. Marie Wainwright. with
her voice that is music itself, still presents
a Madonna-like face to the audience, but
her shape has become matronly and her
waist entirely too ''girthsome' for amorous
lovers TO reach around. As a stage widow
Wainwright would be a great attraction.
Then there is that almost sainted veteran.
C. w. Couldock, as polished an actor as
any man walking the American stage to-
day, a man venerated and loved by both
actors and public. He has an entertaining
part as a country squire and was hardly less
popular with last nights audience than the
handsome star. Alice Evans. good in any
thing, made an artistic speciality out of a
simple housekeeping act. Forrest Robin
son was a refreshingly Unaffected lover, and
Byron Douglass in the little part he had
before he died at the hand of DR.. Bel
graft was one of the very best old-time
villains that have been seen here recently.
DIR. Belgraf'' will be here for only two
more performances, including to-day S
matinee.
Half a King" 1t will be presented By
Francis Wilson and his excellent company al
English's tomorrow night and the rest of the
week. is a comic opera in every sense. The sit
uatons dialogue and music bubble with
merriment and some sentiment. while the mis-
en-scene is almost up TO grand opera standard.
The gowns OF the particularly ef-
fective and harmonious in color. well as
historically correct; in fact, Paris in the
eighteenth century seems to have been carefully
represented in every Getail throughout the opera.
Mr.. Englander has never given the public better
OF Pierette. sung by Miss Lulu Chaser. and sew
eral love songs and duets. Some Of the concerted
music is much above the average. septet and
chorus without accompaniment being exceedingly
pretty and original, and the waltz movements
very catchy" and attractive.
Seats will he placed on sale this morning at
the Pembroke for Robert G. Ingersolrs lecture
at the Grand next Sunday night. How TO Re
form Mankind" is the subject of this lecture
by the great agnostic-orator. II is pronounced
quent discourse that has emanated from Colonel
IngersOll on the subject suggested by the title.
Not only does il touch in no uncertain terms
upon t.c religious question. but many social
problems are taken up and discussed with rare
judgment.
The Byrons having a big week at the
Grand. The soubrette Of the company Louise
Valentine. is clever little dancer. vocalist and
banjo player. She will appear at the Press Club
matinee Friday. The plays to-day at the Grand
are 'l-ns and Downs of Life" for the matinee
performance and The Turn of the Tide for
evening.
This afternoon and evenings performance will
conclude the three days engagement OF Bruins
and,Ninas vaudevilles at the Empire. The show
is clean. bright and entertaining. For the re-
fnainder Of the week comes the city Club, open
ing tomorrow matinee. This is the City Club )
second appearance here this season.
Mrs. Leslie Carter Laid Up.
WASHINGTON. March Mrs. Leslie Carter
the well-known actress. Is seriously III at the
wit larry ffs