Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1882-02-19
AMUSEMENT NOTES.

The dramatic event of the past week,
and it might be said for the season al
most, was the appearance at the Opera
house of the Union Square rheater in the
play of "Felicia," or ''Woman's Love-"
an adaptation from the French in four
acts. In these days when it is customary
Tor certain super sensitive souls to cry
out against the retrograde tendency of
the drama, and particularly that branch
of the art that derives its sentiment from
the French school of dramatists, it is re-
freshing to see as pleasing and presuma-
bly, Subdued play as ''Felicia."
But even here the tints are not neutral
enough to satisfy the fastidious tastes of
the aforesaid critics, whose mission on
earth consists in the exercise of the Ques-
tionable faculty to carp at everything
which fails to adjust itself to their equlvo-
cal standard Leaving this class of in
dividuals to themselves it is pleasure to
contemplate the beauties of this striking
play, and to observe the admirable man.
ner in which they were pictured.
The chief charm of this drama is that
while it seems to deceive it approaches
all the nearer to the ideal standard of
true art. Perhaps this quality is due to
the manner in which 1t is interpreted. If
art is idealized in proportion to its near
ness or approach to nature, then tn quiet
but magnetic powers that endear this
play to the people is susceptible of an
easv solution. The sentiment is not so
much s'Frenchy'' as it is human nature.
The sentiment that animates "Felicia"
has its source in the strongest and most
natural passion that sways the human
heart. The emotion is natural, strong and
intense. 1t is derived from mothers
strong and abiding devotion for the only
object she loves on earth. In the charac-
ter of Nine. Dumont, Rose Eytinge dis
plays a finished culture and sympathy
with her art that is III marked contrast to
the representations of many actresses who
have essayed roles of similar nature.
There is an absence Of that suggestive
ness so common of late, that forces the
spectator to the conclusion that the ac-
tress, clever enough in her way, has been
secured on account of her amiable and
"drawing'' qualities in general, and
Coached" for the particular part she is
called upon by the enterprising manager
to enact. The result is a school OF sur
face or artificial actors.
Those who witnessed the performance
Of ''Felicia," will concede that Rose Ey-
tinge is not product of the latter sys-
tenn. On the contrary it will be seen
that the art of this lady was acquired and
nourishcd under for better auspices, viz:
the capability and desire for excellence
to be attained only by long years of faith
full and conscientious effort and devotion.
1t is years of crystalized effort that makes
her acting so apparently easy and
natural
The performances On yesterday, at the
matinee and last night, were both well
attended, and on each occasion they were
equally enjoyable. The support was all
that could be desired; a more excellent
in fact, has not been accorded st. Paul
audience this wintef.
Aside from 'sFellcia," the amusement
patrons Of the city have, during the
week, been treated to the performances
of the Furnished Rooms combination.
The amusing farce drew large audiences
and was highly enjoyed.