The Indianapolis journal., 1899-11-15
ADJUSTMENTS.
Engiish's-Mr. Jefferson ns Bob Acres
I'm ssThe Rivals"

Indianapolis rheatergoers who remember
the two renditions of The Rivals which
have been given in this city with an
entire "star cast" probably looked forward
with misgivilgs to the play as presented by
a company some of whose members are
less distinguished than were the famous
men and women who made those two per-
formances events to be remembered with
delight for a lifetime. They knew that
Jefferson would be-Jefferson, a representa-
tive OF perennial youth and gayety and OF
art go true that IT seemed nature itself.
and they went gladly because of him; but
they knew that the others would cause in
evitable comparisons and so sent regret
full memory after Mrs. Drew and Billy
Florence. and Crane. the Holland brothers.
Julia Marlowe and the rest some Of whom
have gone the long journey. Doubtless the
comparisons were made. but hardly TO the
disparagement Of the members OF this cast.
Mr.. jefferson must have reflected upon the
difficult task company following even three
years after that notable combination Of
stage folk would have and chose his support
with a view 10 disarming criticism He sue
ceeded we'll OF his own part there is moth
ing 10 say. The time has gone by for any
comment on Jefferson's bob Acres" To
the playkOcTS Oh lnlS pISSch-
tation will always be the one by which they
will measure all other attempts at it: his
ingenuousness. his infectious little laugh. his
look of surprise, his tremors in the face of
danger-all these will remain as mental
picture OF Acres as he might be. But. de-
lightful as he is. there was little room for
criticism of others IN the cast. Those who
came prepared for the sake of the star,
TO endure a mediocre support forgot their
enjoyment of the whole. The good old
comedy was well presented throughout.
Vernon Charges portrayed the choieric old
Sir Anthony Absolute In manner that left
applauded BOYD Putnams Captain Abso-
lutte was a satisfactory rendering of that
youth. The part of Sir Lucius O'Trigger was
taken by Joseph jefferson, jr., and was clev-
erly done. the Irish accent being properly of
the cultivated sort. George Denham, as
David. the cveriy-familiar family servant,
was admirable. Jefferson Winter. as Faulk-
land. and William Jefferson. Fay, were
satisfactory in their slight parts. Paget,
Mrs. MalaprOp. wisely refrained from
initiating Mrs Drew's methods, but had her
own ideas OF the ways and manners or
thai remarkable lady. If she had had the
courage TO add d few touches of age to her
pretty face she might have looked the part
more TO perfection, but her acting met all
requirements. Lydia Languish, as given by
Elsie Leslie, was decidedly better portray
al of that sentimental. willful maid than
Julia Marlowe's of three years ego. Lucy.
the pert servant. was also part we'll filed.
Altogether IL was an artistic and SatiSfac-
tory Performance and the audience fully tes-
titled its pleasure. There were few, IL any,
empty seats, and in view of local attrac-
tions which, Ii might have been expected.
would have kept many away. the attend
ance was an especially complimentary trib-
ute TO the veteran actors popularity. He
said II was. In response TO a call BE came
before the curtain and in graceful little
speech expressed the thanks of himself and
his company for their reception. Probably
every one in the audience took to himself
personal share in the actors kindly smile