The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-01-07

VIII BE Seen at the Grand All Of This
Week.

In 1893 John Stetsons company, headed
by Elita Proctor Otis and containing also
Lydia Thompson, the once famous bur-
lesque actress. presented 1.-THE Crust of
Society in this city for the first time. Not
long before it had had it's initial produc-
ton in Boston and within month a half
dozen companies were playing it on the
road, such was its marvellous success. The
Grand stock company will put on this
dramatization of Dumas "Demi Monde"
tomorrow night, which will be its second
appearance in this city. In it certain So
cial conditions are treated in a bold, but
not offensive manner, and in a way that
is both original and dramatically effective.
The story, naturally enough, is thoroughly
French. Mrs. Eastlake Chapel, an adven-
turess, who has been the inamorata of
two of the principals in the drama and de-
serted by almost her last admirer, decides
to establish herself in good social standing.
To bring about this result she plots to
marry Captain Randall Northcote, a gen.
tleman of family and fortune. Captain
Northcote is ignorant of her character and
really feels for her an honest affection. The
rescue of this gentleman from the clutches
of the adventures forms the basis of this
plot. The person who accomplishes this re-
suit is Oliver ST Aubyn, thorough man OF
the world, and former lover Of Mrs. Chapel
who proceeds on the idea that ut is the
unwritten social law that good man shall
marry none but a good woman" The play
is one of profound interest, and has given
rise to much spirited comment wherever
produced. During the development of the
incidents several unusually strong situa-
lions are revealed. In his friendly efforts
TO save Captain Northcote from the wiles
Of Mrs. Chapel St. Aubyn incurs the ILL
r.
The Fly" is so firmly enmeshed within
the spiders net that his salvation is
accomplished with the greatest difficulty.
By clever ruse, however, St. Aubyn
shows Northcote just the kind of woman
he was about to introduce into his family
his wife. AT this point occurs battle
of wits between st. Aubyn and Mrs.
Chapel-who are exceedingly well matched
but in the end the mans cleverness in
taking advantage OF certain known facts
cverthrows the womans ambition TO en-
ter society the wife OF a rich and hon.
ored gentleman.
.sThe Crust of Society" affords unusual
opportunities for brilliant costumes, and
the ladies of the stock company will be
seen TO have taken full advantage of these
Some gowns of the kind that set female
tongues to wagging vigorously will be dis
played this week.
Scenic Artist Livingstone has become
noted for his wonderful interiors, and he
has provided three OF his best for this
weeks production. The first act at the
studio OF st. Aubyn will be highly artistic
while the second. which takes place in
Lady Downe's drawing room, and the third
and fourth, at the home OF Mrs. Eastlake
Chapel. Will be shining examples of what
may be accomplished by master of scene
painting. assisted by an efficient property
man.
The burden of the play viii rest upon
Miss Shannon as the adventures and Mr..
j. III. Kolker as Oliver st. Aubyn. Miss
Shannon is always pleasing in sprightl,