The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-11-17
MORRISON IN "FAusT."
1t Was Magnificent and Brilliant Per
Torrance.

! 1t Was Magnificent and Brilliant Per
Torrance.
How like the Devil appeared Lewis
Morrison as Mephisto in Faust! was
the universal expression Of everyone at
| the Academy of Music last night. This
| opinion ISIS perhaps the highest compli-
lment that could be paid to this talented
factor.
Truly. Mr.. Morrison, as he moved
upon the stage seemed to be the very
incarnation OF the master of the internal
regions. Every movement, every look,
every impulse. seemed to breathe forth
the character he portrayed. The diabolieal
look. was ever present even when in
softer moods a smile played over his coun-
Itenance His eyes seemed TO burn with
a hidden fire fed by deceit, hatred and
hell. He was devil In all his hideous-
mess as he is painted to mankind. The
suave and seductive manner when en-
ticing his victim, and then the horrible
chnckle and gloat when the victim was
fast caught in his artful web. His ac-
tons were the poetry of motion.
Miss Mabel Morrison was an ideal
Marguerite. Her pretty face aeas the
picture of innocence. Her actiIg was,
indeed. splendid. both as happy, limo
cent girl and ms a maiden bowed down in
sorrow and shame.
The character of DIR. Faust was adj
mirably sustained by Mr.. Paul Gerson.
The acting of Mrs. Silly Tapaield was
also very good. The support throughout
was good.
The play was handsomely staged with
special scenery and beautiful electric
light effects.
The play commences with Doctor
Faustus in his laboratory, "a dark Sc
questerpd cell, where he has ostracized
himself from the world. to perfect his
philosophical and scientific studies and
commune with the mysterious.
Stung by disappointment in his search
for knowledge. by failure to lay hold Of
the superhuman. In moment OF mental
anguish he invokes the presence Of his
satanic Majesty "AIephistopheles," who
appears and taunts him with his isolat-
ed and decrepit condition, concluding
his trade by making one Of his char
aeteristic, subtle propositions. to renew
his youth, provided he gives MephistO
possession ut his soul after death.
Faustus demurs until Mephisto con-.
iures I'M the apparition Of lovely
maiden, in whom Faustus sees his ideal.
Fired by carnal motives he aequiesees to
Mephisto's proposition, signs the COM
tract. in a bond of fire. is restored to
youth. and begins the pilgrimage That
gives the romance to tile story.
The second scene presents the Cattle
dral square Of Wurtemhurg, where Mar
guerite, maiden Of nrimeval simnlic-
ity, returning from her religious duties,
Is accosted by "Fanst." who recognizes
her as the original of the apparition
'Mephisto' revealed to him. She re-
nels him and hastens homeward. Faust,
aided BIZ the machination Of Mephisto,
lays scheme to win her. with jewels
as his weapons, which subsequently
prove victorious.
She listened. was tempted and fell.
Through the Vaccinations of the devil,
Faust gives Marguerite preparation
to administer to her mother TO keep her
asleep. 1T was poison and resulted in
death.
The next scene il the market place in
Wurtemburg, with the classical statue
Of the virgin mother. Marguerite comes
to make atonement. by prayer, for her
sinfulness, and departs for her home,
broken-hearted.
from war aud seeks vengeance on his
sisters betrayer. A duel with Dr
Faust ensues. resulting IN the death of
Valentine.
The succeeding scene represented the
internal regions II was magni6cently
staged. the electric effects grand
The last act is the prison scene where
Marguerite is incarcerated for the MUIR
der Of her mother
She presents a most pathetic sight.
whom Faust, who Is inlpelled there by
some irresistible fate finds her 4 meil-
tai and physical wreck. In fit of de-
lirium she dies IN bis arms.
The play closes with Marguerite
standing on a pedestal. with Faust
clnging to her. and scene in the back
ground representing a host of angels
ready 10 bear her 10 paradise, leaving
the devil baffled and chaerined. And
Or. Faust pays his awful debt /