The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-01-25
ADJUSTMENTS.


Once more large number of patrons of
Epgiish's Opera House have sighted a
great play and great company. That
James A Herne and his group Of talented
associates should present a play like Sag
Harbor'' to such an inadequate audience as
assembled In English's Opera House last
night would not have been forecasted by
even the most pessimistic observer OF the
manner in which the tickle theater- going
public OF this city usually treats brilliant
productions. James A Herne is veteran
actor Of established reputation. Sag Har-
bor." as anybody might have known full
well. who keeps abreast of the times. is and
has been one OF the most pronounced dra-
matte successes in recent years To those
who thoroughly enjoy lfelike plays that
are brimful of the purest gems of humor
and pathos. Sag Harbor" is thoroughly
satisfying The scenes of the drama all
take place In the little town of Sag Harbor,
Me-. which has an actual existence-a place
that is prolific of interesting and curious
people A number of these people appear
on the stage. and. so far the closest OBJ
server can detect they are real Further
than this. the production has been staged
In manner to keep up the illusion 10 the
very last moment. The curtain rising on
the first act discloses one OF the
most beautiful marine views that has
been placed on the local stage in
many seasons Captain Dan Marbles
'scolloping'' vessel is in plain view on the
docks. drawn up high and dry for repairs
In the background the sea stretches out I'm
the dim distance, placid and beautiful be-
meath Mayday sun Here Captain Dan
finds courage To tell the old yet ever new
story 10 Elizabeth Ana Turner. a oomely
and attractive spinster. Here also is given
the opening chapter Of one OF the mos- dra-
matte entanglements OF hearts ever de-
ecribed In a play. Just as message of Joy
sorrow can better be borne by friend
than by a stranger. so the story OF Sag
Harbor" can best be told by the people TO
whom AZ Is most familiar.
Mr.. Herne has never produced a play
quite equal 70 this latest effort. nor has he
provided himself with a more delightful
character than that OF Capt. Dan Marble,
the Jolly old sea dog" who Is always try
ing 10 make people happy, but who acca-
sfonaIly reads his compass awry. The fic-
ttious narrative he reels OF I'm the last act
I'm order TO straighten out the heart COM
plication involving the Turner boys and
Martha Is happy conception and is deliv-
cred with rare power and feeling By the
veteran author-actor A half-dozen or more
characters stand out with the same cameo
sharpness that marks that of Captain Dan.
The part OF Ben Turner, interpreted with
faultless discretion by Forrest Robinson is
one Of these Another is the brother Frank,
admirably portrayed by j. Wooster Dean
Frank Monroe, as William Turner, agent
for the slow going steamer Antelope por-
trays an old resident of the village
whose presence makes the picture COM
plete and causes many hearty laugh
A characterization that is absolutely
UNIQUE and splendily portrayed by w. t..
Hodge, Is that OF Freeman Whitmarsh.
house sign and ornamental painter, glazier.
leader OF the church choir and purveyor of
gossip 10 the village. AS an illustration
of the pains that have been taken to secure
a strong company. IL may be stated that
Mrs Sol Smith, the delightful old cfarac-
ter actress has Deen engaged 10 play the
minor role OF Mrs John Russell. Mrs.
Smiths talent is of that high order which
simply cannot be held in repression and
II burst It's bonds several times last night.
winning for her as hearty applause as
marked the work OF the principals. Chrys-
til Herne. a daughter of the veteran actor
II vests the lesser part of Jane eau. dwell
with a grace and power that show her to
be an heir apparent TO her fathers his
trionic ability. She shares her inherit lance
equally, however. with her sister Julia,
whose delineation OF the fascinating char
acfer OF Martha Reese, the orphan who
was the innocent cause OF the tragic COM
plcation. stamps her as an actress OF ex-
ceptionaI talent. Mollie Revel has the
character bit OF Frances Towd, Freeman
Whitmarsh's associate In the painting
business. and although she makes but one
appearance, contrives TO leave a distinct
impression. One Of the most attractive
members OF the company and one OF the
most talented Is Marion Abbott. whose
deiineation OF the spinster Elizabeth Ann
Turner Is only kept from perfection by her
great beauty or face and form Her read
Ine OF the lines In which she, Mrs. Mar
BE. conveys 10 CAPTAIN Dan news OF the