The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-05-16
ADJUSTMENTS.


'Rosedale'' was presented last night at
the Grand Opera House by the students of
Mrs. Harriet Augusta Prunk's School of
Dramatic Art before an audience of ex-
traordinary. size So many sought admis-
sion that the second tier OF boxes was
pressed into services most unusual event
at the Grand. The play was not produced
without bitches. and some of these were
very painful. but such things happen even
with professional stock actors. and should
certainly be cheerfulIy pardoned in anna
teur performers. Making due allowance for
unavoidable accidents IL Is not stretching
the truth to say that the production was a
fine one. The scenery, which was, OF
course, furnished by the management of
the theater, was very appropriate and
beautiful. The costumes were quite in
harmony with the scenic environment. The
young women portraying the principal
feminine roles wore exceptionally dainty
and tasteful gowns in the first three acts,
while in;the fourth, which took place amid
the surroundings of gypsy camp. de-
Eghtfully picturesque change was made TO
the flowing, gaily colored garb peculiar to
"Romany Rye" 1t might be said in pass
Ing that the fourth act was by far the best
dreamy, sensuous gypsy dance, and the en-
ticing OF little Arthur from his hiding place
by singing his favorite nursery song were
all exceptionally done, and drew forth
hearty applause. The dance, which was
executed by Miss Beisenherz to a catchy
accompaniment of orchestra and castanets,
was distinctly the hit Of the piece. The
sensational rescue of Elliot Grey and the
little boy by company of soldiers at the
end Of the act almost set the audience in
an uproar and evoked two or three curtain
calls.
To Mr. Samuel Messing fell the honors
among the impersonators of male charac-
ters in the play. His delineation OF Elliot
Grey was remarkable piece Of work to be
10 suit Mr.. Messings inclinations he will
probably not remain in the amateur class
long During much of the action of the
play ne was associated with Miss Helen
Spr.ngsteen: who carried off the feminine
laurels In the role OF Rosa Leigh. Miss
6prfEgsteen looked exceptionally fresh and
pretty, and acted with surprising natural
ness and vivacity- She and Mr.. Messing
We're frequently interrupted in their work
by applause. Mr.. Earl w. Pritchard, as
Matthew Leigh. created a favorable i'm
preston, which might have been deepened
had he not been trifle too stilted in his
manner. Carl Ellsworth Shaffer made an
excellent Miles McKenna, the gypsy who
stole the child. Mr. Everett Lyman Weir
showed considerable ability as a character
actor in the part of Burberry Kobb. Mr.
John ]. Quill was deplorable misft In
the villain role OF Col. Cavendish May be-
Ing unsuited to the part both in looks and
voice. Miss Ethel May Phelps. who has
been before the local footlights on at least
one previous occasion. was cordially greet
ed last night in the character of Florence
May 10 which she brought a great deal of
grace and beauty. Miss Jane Kenyon's i'm
personation of Tabitha Stork was one of
the most inteligently conceived and best
executed pieces of work shown in the pro-
duction- A clever and laughable character
creation was that of the sis Hopkins
servant Primrose by Miss Martha Critten-
den Lawrence.