The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-22

Sis p. m.
PARK.-"Happy Hooligan," 2 and D. m.
EMPIRE.-Burlesque and p. m.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES, and p. m.
"a Japanese Nightingale"
A beautifully picturesque environment,
in which is set a group of Orientals and
Credentials; an old, old story in brand
new dress; melodrama with operate
trimmings; theatrical eXpedients that have
long ago become familiar, intermingled
with moments of genuine lyrical fantasy
and charm; play with the brisk action of
Soldiers of Fortune and the atmospheric
quality of a drama by Augustus Thomas
such is "A Japanese Nightingale" pre-
scented at English's last night for the first
time In Indianapolis before a large audi
ence that seemed thoroughly in tune with
the entertainment. AS a spectacle this
stage version by William Young of the
Onoto Watanna novel proves to be one OF
the most satisfying attractions ever placed
on view in Indianapolis; the physical ad-
juncts of scenery, properties and costumes
have nothing TO be desired; admirable skill
has been shown in the groupings, marches
and ballets, and the production, as a whole,
presents a brilliant and interesting study
of Japan of the present day, from the
SensuOuS point OF view.
| Japanese Nightingale, as SHOWN at
Englishs last night, is the same magnifi-
cent production that was offered in New
| York recently as rival attraction of David
| BelascOs beautiful Darling of the Gods"
and comparisons between the two produc-
| tions were inevitable. Local theaIer-goers
] who have been fortunate enough to witness
| the BelascO drama in New York will won
| der, with good reason, why these two the
/ atrical offerings could not have continued
! their respective runs in the metropolis with
| out exciting considerable bitterness be-
W. he ma ms WIN frnl no
| The fact is, they are not TO be compared
at all. THE Darling of the Gods is
mysterious, poetic creation, telling
idyllic story of old Japan, and breathing Of
| weird OrientaliSm from curtain to. curtain,
| while "A japanese Nightingale" If stripped
of its luXur. JUS scenery and it's fascinating
color scheme, would become what they call
in the popular-price theaters "a rafting
melodrama."
And the majority of playgoers are fond
of rafting meodrama-there's no getting
around that fact. They like to have their
pulses quickened while they are gazing
upon stage pictures that provide feasts for
the eye The dramatic version of Onoto
Watanna's story is not artistic, so far as
the construction of the piece itself is con-
cerned; it's plot is conventional and it's
climax is forced, but it will appeal TO the
average audience everywhere just as it did
tel Frohman, in purchasing the produc-
ton outright from Klaw & Erlanger last
week. did not commit an error of Judg-
ment. On the contrary, Mr.. Frohman, in
backing up his convictions, will probably
| reap a rich harvest.
AS to the story. it borders upon an indel-
| icate subject, having to do with the pro-
verbal frailty of women and the shallow
ness of men. The Japanese Nightingale is
a sweet little creature named Yuki, who
| greatly disappoints her brother, Taro Jo-
kich by failing to fall in with his views
| of life. Upon returning to his native land
| from trip to Amerca he discovers that
| his sister is living as the wife of the young
American whom he had considered one of
| his best friends. contemplate scoundrel
| had suppressed whatever existed of a mar
| riage record, and affairs are complicated
by the suspicious murder of the American
consulate at Toxic, who believed to
| have had possession of the precious record.
| y breezy Californian named Harker and
| Bobby Newcome, of the United States navy
succeed in the end in setting matters right,
| after several strenuous melOdramatic sit
| uations.
! While all of the stage settings are ex-
ceedingly handsome and rich, the one show
ing the Temple of Shiba, in which the CHI
max of the play occurs, is of especial mag
nifcence. There is a continuous musical
| accompaniment throughout the perform
| ance, composed by N Clifford Page, and,
| while IL is sweet and in keeping with the
play, it becomes, before the end of the per-
| Torrance, somewhat monotonous by reason
of the constant repetition of certain strains.
|
The company is excellent in almost every
particular. Various types of the land of the
! chrysanthemum are pictured with convinc-
ing earnestness and effectiveness, and the
several American parts are splendidly por-
trayed. Margaret Ellington, who recently
became the bride of Daniel Frohman. the
new manager of the production, gives a
charming Interpretation of the suffering
little Japanese wife and shows more dra-
matte ability than she has ever evinced
before in previous roles which she has
played in this city. Her performance Is
well nigh perfect in every detail and even
in the midst of the most melodramatic
| passages her emotions ring true while In
the comedy scenes she is captivating. An
| excellent bit of acting is done by May
Buckley, who seems at her best in Orien-
tai parts. This fair young actress. it will
be remembered scored her first great sue
cess as the Chinese slave girl in 1.-The First
Born" She was disappointing last sea-
son in 1.-THE Manxman," for the very rea-
son that she not in her proper sphere.
In the role of the faithful, dog-ike Japa-
nese maid. she is admirable, and she won
deserved applause last evening. Olive May
makes a bright, attractive California girl
and lends considerable interest to the
| lighter scenes.
THAT fine young heroic actor. Orrin John
son, makes a handsome and manly Jack
Bigelow, the young American who is I'M
consciously the cause of all the trouble.
There are few better stage lovers than this
player from Indiana, who goes about his
| iove-making as he delivers a heroic out
burst-as If he meant it. Eugene Jepson is
| amusing as the unctuous Californian,
Harker and aids greatly in making some of
| the stronger scenes effective with his au-
thoritative style. Vincent Serrano whose
work as the soldier hero of Arizona is
| pleasantly remembered, looks and acts
| the role OF the vindictive brother of the
Nightingale" in most creditable manner.
Thomas IL. Ince is good the young
American naval officer, and capital sketches
| of Japanese character are contributed by
| Robert McWade, jr., and Frederick Perry
The small part of the American consul is
| well sustained by Frank Gilmore and the
| minor characters are I'm capable hands.
4 "a Iananese Nightingale' will hava AZ.