The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-05-08
AMUSEMENTS.


Theatergoers are not accustomed to such
sensations as surged like mighty waves last
night from gallery to first floor of English's
Opera House, exciting almost to the point
Of unreason one OF the greatest audiences
which has thronged that theater during the
current season. The occasion was the first
presentation in Indianapolis of when We
Were Twenty-one,' a new play by Henry
". Esmond, in which Nat Goodwin Is star
ring this season. Goodwin has been coming
to Indianapolis year after year, steadily in
creasing his following Of faithful admirers,
until this latest visit, when the announce
ment Of his appearance in a new piece
brought together a concourse of people
such as might nave thrilled with pride the
heart of that veteran master of the his
trionic art, Joseph jefferson. After the out-
burst OF enthusiasm evoked by the climax
Of the second act--whic was the second
powerful situation In the act-it must have
been patent to the coolest critic that Mr..
Goodwin had scored the greatest triumph
Of his career. when We Were Twenty
one'' is designated a comedy, although 1t
might have been nearer the truth to write
after the title the phrase, "A Chapter from
Life" for that is just what 1t seems to
be. The piece contains comedy. and plenty
VI Us Dul ID Tic lld6CQl "
the story which produces the most positive
sensations of the moment and which Is
carried awy in the memory. Just as one
sees real life at lines flowing quietly along
In its channel and at others stirred to its
tnmcst depths, so In Mr.. Esmond's remark
able play. Who that enjoyed the delicious
domesticity of the first act Of the play, in
which 'the trinity were introduced under
the most charming circumstances, could
have even remotely anticipated the tragic
finale OF the second, when those same light
hearted, joyous bachelors were suddenly
brought face TO face with that horror of
horrors-young manhood ready to be sac
rifcsd on the altar of a debasing passion?
A noteworthy feature of Mr.. Esmond's dra-
matte achievement. aside from the manner
in which 1t deals with strong situations. Is
its striking fidelity to details, which,
though apparently trivial In character,
nevertheless unquestionably go to make up
a truly great play. These minor incidents
In last nights production might be reck-
oned TO the point OF WEAKNESS. Some of
the more prominent were the naturalness
of the doorman at the Corinthian Club. in
the third act, and in the last act the re-
quest made by Richard Carew of his ward
for the loan OF a couple of shillings with
which TO pay a messenger BOY.
Miss Elliott has less opportunity for the
display Of ability in this joint starring VEN
ture of herself and husband than in any of
their previous productions. The fact is
that when We Were Twenty-0ne" Is al
M Women AN who e5f asSre " n ma arse mere P incide nne
IL was. however, a delight to see the most
beautiful woman on the American stage.
even II she did not do more than bring
about an exquisitely pleasing finale TO a
story which at one stage seemed hopelessly
committed to tragedy.
In the advance notices of Mr.. Goodwin's
production the statement was made that
II gave TO a member of his company an OPP
portunity for distinction which few stars
would be m-agnanimous enough to allow.
This statement had reference TO the char
AaraE An
THE Imp fmpersonated by Harry Wood
run. BY his matchless delineation OF this
character Mr.. Woodruff brought about the
anomalous spectacle Of two almost equally
great transformations in the same play,
neither of which overshadowed or even so
much as trenched upon the other. No one
could ~wIthhould his admiration for Mr..
Woodruns acting, yet in doing so he did
not detract In the least from the profound
impression created by the star. The
Trinity" was composed Of Sir Horace
Graham Crank Gilmore) and Torrance Nc
Greth clarence Handyside), and e more
ioveable or entertaining group of men were
never depicted in story or transferred to
stage.
The company supporting Mr.. Goodwin
and Miss Elliot Is OF more than ordinary
size and excellence. Twenty-one people
are carried, most or whom appear for only
a single act-that which takes place in
the London clubhouse, and yet there Is
scarcely q poor actor among them Miss
Ysobel Haskfns. as Kora Glynesk. THE
Firefy." a notorious music hall dancer.
who causes the mischief, made an exceed
tngiy brief appearance. Yet in the short
time she was before the audience she
found opportunity TO demonstrate that
she has lost none OF her ability as an
actress and at the same time has grown
greatly In beauty OF face and elegance Of
form since her last appearance here.
There are only two scenes I'm when We
Were Twenty-one." Dick Carew's rooms
and the Corinthian Club. but these are
exceptionally rich and faithful 10 detail