The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-10-11
Grand-"The Charity Ball,

After tWenty-three years the doors of the
Grand Opera House were again thrown
open last night for an indianapolis stock
company. There was probably not score
in the audience who were patrons of the
theater in the old stock days, and most of
the new generation has yet to familiarize
itself with stock company productions The
new company opens under favorable aus
pieces. There is practically new theater
for its home, and the accommodations for
the audience if they had been there in the
old days, would have been regarded as
palatial. The new entrance to the theater
is a thing of beauty. The Grand has cast
off its store clothes, as it were and comes
out in evening dress. The tasteful decora-
lions and the brilliantly lighted lobby sug-
gest opera clOaks and dress suits the mo-
ment one enters. Old patrons of the house
will miss the benevolent face of Mr.. Eddy,
after almost continuous service for twenty
five years on the theater doors of this city,
and in his place stands young man in uni
form.
Once inside the audience found comfort
able arrangement of new opera chairs which
will add to the liking of patrons. The new
drop curtain does not seem a good rest for
the eyes nor does its artistic design appeal
for special commendation, but when it rose
on the new scenery of THE Charity Ball.
the audience had it's first view of one of
the most pretentiOus interior scenic effects
that has been displayed in this city. The
substantial nature of the stage settings will
undoubtedly go far toward assisting in max
ing the stock shows a success. Properties"
are provided in abundance, perhaps even
too extravagantly, for 1t seemed little
perilous for Miss Booth, who played the
blind mother, to wander about alone lest she
might knock over some costly bric-a-brac
or bump against lamp stand.
The hand of Stage Director Walter Clarke
Bellows is visible in every detail of 1.-THE
Charity Bali production and while in some
respects it promises to be strong adjunct
to the permanent success of the organiZa-
ton. there are other respects where Mr..
Bellows can add to the charm of the pro-
duction. Artstically the first performance
with the new company nervous and all I'M
used to one another's methods, was really
capable work. All realized the necessity of
impressing an audience of strangers, but
they received little sympathy until the play
was well under way. There was. of course
none of the hearty greeting that comes
when familiar faces of actors appear, and
this was disadvantaxa that must have
been very trying on the stage folk, who
have right to expect that they will be
accepted as future tOWnspeope.
During the first act it was the most cold
blooded audience one can remember having
observed in this city. but the very excel
lence of the actors later compelled recogni-
tion and before the long evenings enter
tainment was over a number had been
picked out as favorites. Little criticism can
exceptions the actors have that very desir-
able quality known as personality that will
win in the end. 1t was apparent that all
were acting under severe discipline of the
stage director, for the same consistent tone
maintained from beginning to end of
the pretty story related in the drama. If
anything, the company is too closely trained,
and the intensity of the heavy scenes will
not appear so trying when more rapid &C
quired nearly an hour, can certainly be put
into forty minutes.
Benjamin Horning is a capable man for
stock organization. and played the rector
In fine taste. Hardee Kirkland has happy
gift of making the villain not too offensive
for polite society, and Frederick Conger is
a breezy little fellow, who will be a favor
in anything in which she has ever APP
peared in this city and she is not bad
selection for leading woman. Lillian Daily
has fresh method that assists Harry
Gwynnette in no little degree in the comedy
scenes in which they take part. Marion
Berg will grow as a soubrette, but any
change in Katherine Fields work would
mar her role She hit the exact key for
Phyllis Lee.
Marie Booth is a distinguished member
with pleasure to her work during the sea-
son. The minor characters are better
played than ordinarily in stock organiza-
ton of the size of that at the Grand. and
will be found to be perfectly capable If Mr..
Bellows will simply loosen up a little on
the lines which he has apparently laid
down. Some of the speeches were read in
what might be considered old-school fash
ion while present-day audiences expect a
gliding over of strained sentimental effects
and more OF q tendency to develop the
comedy features.
Between the third and fourth acts
beautiful series of biograph views were
thrown on the canvas. This comes as an
added treat 20 the performance and will be
considered a pleasant and popular relief
during its stay at the Grand. Performances
will be given every night with matinees on
Wednesday and Saturday