St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-12-30
ADJUSTMENTS.

/ "Sordecl' as Performed bD Frank Mayo
Frank Mayo appeared al the Grand last
I night in bis new play of '.Nordeck" Itwa:
the first presentation Of the drama in this
city and natural curiosity aud interest ex-
listed 10 see 4 drama about which so much
good had been said and written by the public
and press OF the east. II Is to be regretted
that so admirable a play so finely acted was
not given large first night audience; no;
that il was particularly slim attendance, but
for the reason stated every seat in the house
should have been taken. However, those
who stayed away missed fine entertainment
aud those present were delighted and duly
appreciated
The action Of the drama is laid in Pruss.an
Poland, on the Baltic sea, time, century
ago, the play being an adaptation from
Werner's romantic aud interesting story OF
''Vineta." The play was adapted by Mr.. j.
G. Wilson, OF Chicago, and Mr.. Mayo, and
they have succeeded admirably in construct
ing strong. coherent and powerful drama,
aud one which is entitled to rank foremost
among the productions OF American play
rights. The plot Of "Nordeck, has already
appeared in the GLOBE; a noble family of
Poland are forced to part with their estate,
which is purchased by Nordeck, a Pleblan,
who courts an alliance with the naughty
Moryuski, former ownej Of the estate; an
alliance is arranged between a daughter OF
the latter and NordeeK, which results
disastrously as the wife eoncieves
violent hatred for her husband
She abandoned her husband after the birth
of their son Waldemar, and Norieck dies,
leaving his estate - the latter. The widow
is united to a Polish prince, Zulieski, the
result OF the union being son, Leo. The
mother again becomes a widow and after
wards seeks 10 control Waldemar aud his
estate, her ambition being to convert it to
the use OF her favorite son Leo, who Is
aliianeed to Wanda, the daughter of the
brother Of Zulieski. The result Is that Wal
demar himself falls in love with Wanda, and
terrible scene takes place, during which
his mother eOnfesses her aversion to him.
WaldemAr seeks the seclusion of q univer-
sity, but returns in time TO thwart scheme
of treachery planned by his mother aud the
Poles. Leo seeks his death but falls victim
to his own dupheiiy, whereupon the mother
realizes the great wrong done her elder sou
and reconciliation is effected, after which
Wanda and Nordeck marry.
The play Is strong in dramatic interest
and incident, with several powerful situa-
tons, terse, compact and Ineligible dia-
logue, and while its very essence savOrs OF
political chicanery and intrigue, there is not
a vulgar or unclean thing, even by way OF
implication, in II. Mr.. Mayo has manly,
write part in the role Of Nordeck, and
/ plays il with fire and vigor, in spite Of the
fact that his voice was husky with cold. This
pardon able fault seemed epidemic with the
company, several Of whom were laboring
under the same disadvantage. The role OF
Leo was well taken by Mr.. Thompson, and
the Witold of Mr.. TAYLOR was
superb, bis bustlirg manner, pompOus con-
Germ and fierce outbursts Of rage -affording q
fine fol- to the serious character OF the main
plot. He is a sterling actor and cannot re-
ceive too much praise for the fine manner in
which he does his work.
AS the Countess, Miss McAuley, the fin
ished lady and aristocrat, not permitting her
high rank 10 oveTshadow her sense Of Justice
| The character OF the Princess was taken ad-
/ lnirably by Miss Henrietta Yaders: she is an
accomplished actress, and her impersonatiou
Of the determined patriot With the
welfare OF her country rising para
mount 10 all other considera,
tons was grand and dramatic
Miss Williams was arch IN the love making
scenes with the tutor, Mr.. Edwin Mayo, and
Mr.. Page made capital Count. The casi
was strong throughout aud the thrillin 2
scenes were warmly spplauded, especially ID,
scene between Norieck and the COUNTIES, and
also the fiery sceue- with his mother. The
/ same play tonight.