The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-11-24
ADJUSTMENTS.


indianapolis theatergoers are so chary of
new productions that they very frequently
miss great treats, and last night was
instance OF this. That Maclyn Arbuckle
and his superb company in THE Sprightly
Romance OF Marsac." at English's last
night, were not greeted by better house
Is distinctly the loss OF those who re-
manned away, as they will certainly learn
to-day from their more fortunate friends
who braved the downpour Of rain. Luckily
the piece is to be repeated this afternoon
and tonight, when the opportunity to wit
ness a production that is destined to have
great future will scarcely be lost.
1.-THE Sprightly Romance of Marsac" is
truly appropriately named. for a mora
lively. entertaining farce-comedy. without
the help of boisterous horseplay. has not
come this way during the present season.
Small wonder that Mr.. Arbuckle abandoned
."The Gentleman from Texas" for William
Ycung's deliciously funny adaptation of
Molly Ellicott Seawelrs charming story.
The plot of the play is unconventional in
the extreme, yet there is not, from begin
ming TO end. a trace OF suggestiveness. Mr..
Arbuckle can hardly be said to be starring
iTl this new production, with such capital
comedians as w. j. Ferguson, Edward s.
Abeles and Horace Lewis in his support. to
say nothing OF Miss Sandol Milliken and
Miss Margaret Fuller, two rarely beautiful
young women and gifted with exceptional
ability as actresses. Mr.. Arbuckle's i'm
personation of Marsac is bit of work
that so far outshines his Smith in why
Smith Left Home" as TO cause wonder
ment that he should show such improve
ment I'm the brief space of few months.
He has not done this, but simply happened
onto part eminertly suited TO his unctu-
Gus style of acting. Polished and laughable
Ia the extreme as the Arbuckle portrayal
o. Marsac is. the unbiased observer cannot
fail TO note that W. j. Ferguson, In the
character of Monsieur Duval. the wealthy
and eccentric brewer, is equally as de-
1iehtful. Nor is 1t seen wherein Mr.
Abeles the artist Eontaine and Mr.
Lewis as Uncle Maurice fall very far be-
low the standard set by Messrs. Arbuckle
and Ferguson. When the quartet is on
the stage at the same time then truly lit is
to laugt." 1t would be difficult TO imagine
better bits of comedy than the readings
from Plato by Delphine Miss Fuller) TO
Fontaine (Mr. Abeles). Claire Miss Milli-
sieur Duval (Mr. Ferguson), the incident
i'm which Uncle Maurice is taken into the
plot to deceive NJ Duval and the creditors
or Fontaine and Marsac, NJ Duvals dis
Covery OF the great American drink, the
cocktail the latter's love-making to
Nine. Fleury (well played by Miss Kate
Lester.) The ability of the company ex-
tends into the most unimportant charac-
ters, Becasse being admirably played by
Henry Bergman, as also Adolphe by Claude
BROOKE IdnudlS, tdllOr, Dy CnafleS Cnar-
tras, Isidore. waiter. by John f. Denton.
NJ. Pompignol, notary, by George Foster.
and Madame Schmid. a laundress. by
Laura Clement.
There is not dull moment in the play,
from the speaking of the first line up to
and including the very last word. The dia-
logue is remarkably bright and witty, often
convulsively so. Curtain calls were the
order OF the evening. the number exceeding
ten. Mr.. Arbuckle was requested in the
usual forcible style to make q speech. but
the presence in of the boxes of his
mother and young woman friend appar-
emily gave him real stage fright. 1t was
Mrs. Arbuckle Of her talented sons tri-
umph
The statement I'm the advance notices that
the gowns worn by the women I'm Mr.. Ar
buckles company would be of SURPRISING
richness proved to be not exaggerated in
the least. The dresses not merely hand
some, but their profusion affords oppor-
tunities for some remarkably effective
changes. The play is also very attractively
mounted. and tho smoothness OF the pro-
duction in general reflects great credit upon
Stage Director Brooke The incidental
music and that played i'm the delightful res
taurant scene Is the composition of William
Furst and would furnish proof of his abiI-
fly IN any court OF justice.
n prominent feature OF the production
e. the appearance for only a few minutes
In the second act OF six very pretty youns
women. wearing the most modish of gowns
who take part in a highly enjoyable chorus
They are the Misses Annabel Whitford
Marie Blanchard. Viola Carlstedt, Sally
Berg. Madelon Temple and Leoni Norbury.
playing. respectively. Seraphine. Georgi-
cite. Jolly, Adele, Violette and HortenSe
bright particular stars from the Theater
Foiies Dramatiques. Paris.