The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-09-27
viola Allen n Hit in "The Christian,

Viola Allen n Hit I'm '.The Christian"
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26.-Miss Viola AL
len made her first metropolitan appearance
in Hall Gaines adaptation of his novel,
THE Christian at the National Theater
here tonight, before a very large and fash
ionable audience. AS Glory Quayle Miss
Allen displayed remarkable versatility in a
most exacting characterization. THE Chris
tian'' is presented in a prologue and four
acts. The great scene of the play occurs
in the third act. where John Storm, infuri-
ated by jealousy and mad6ened by religious
frenzy, attempts to kill Glory. There were
many curtain calls. and. at the end of the
third act, in response to the demands of the
audience. Mr.. Game made a brief speech,
in which he expressed his qualification at
the reception given this first play written
entirely by himself. his previous efforts as
dramatist having been in collaboration.
The play was given a flattering reception.
ana Miss Aliens excellent rendition of the
ditn Th character won generous applause
. ihe Christian might be called
roundings that John Storm edward ].
Morgan) comes upon Glory Quayle Viola
Allen and lectures her in severest Ian
guage Of the dangers of her life. Glory,
1t must be understood had already been
launched in music-hall career when the
curtain went up for the first act. Storm
is SUM missionary, and is in Soho square
at his favorite task of lecturing all the
poor creatures in sight on the error of their
ways. The play differs materially from the
novel in certain respects. For instance,
the social and religious problems which
surround the steps of the two principal
characters in the novel are not dwelt upon
in the play, which is entirely a story of
love. Han Game entered the theater to-
night long before the curtain went up. The
audience readily recognized the quaint-ook-
ing little man when he made his way to
the box which had been reserved for him
enthusiast ha
continued until the distinguished author
was compelled to rise and bow repeatedly
toward all directions in the pretty theater.
1t is remarkable company which has been
gathered to support Viola Allen in this
remarkable play Aside from Morgan there
are these names of popular men and women
of the stage to conjure with: r. j. Dillon,
George Woodward. Mervyn Dallas, John
Mason, Jamison Lee Finney Myron Calico,
Frank j. Keenan, Edgar Norton, Guy Mich
OILS, Mrs Georgia Dickson, Ethel Marlowe,
Carrie and Edith Merrilees, Bessie Dunn
and Perdita Hudspeth.
Viola Allen reached the highest point in
her theatrical career in the act in which
John Storm comes to her apartment at
midnight with intention of making her pray
before killing her. In his fanatical zeal he
considered this to be the only way in which
he could save her soul. 1t was risky
scene this, in which a beautiful creature,
In the full flush of healthy womanhood,
played her abundant physical charms
against her lovers purpose of murder.
First she loosened her full crop of auburn
hair, while the impetuous young missionary
stared with constantly widening eyes. Then
she barred her beautiful white throat, cried
out her love for him. and murderous
thoughts went out of his mind quicker than
a woman can say scat to strange feline.
IF John Storm had not succumbed to love,
and had killed the pretty Glory of the music
hall, another act would not have been neces-
sary. AS it is, there is another act in the
sums, which satisfactorily rounds out the
play. Jonn and Glory are left to be happy
forever after" and four real villains are
as much discounted as those in the "blood
and thunder dramas.