St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-03-13
ADJUSTMENTS


posing Rendition of "Queen Elizabeth"
What spell attaches to the magic power
of genius, and what wonderful reverence is
paid its possessors by common humanity?
been inscribed so high as that of Nine. Ade-
laide Ristori, the mention and associations OF
On the role of histrionic honor few names have
which seem like recalling the fables of
the Arabian Nights, so supreme was her
sway and so enthralling her genius. The
same fascination attaches to her name and
history as to that of the matchless Rachael.
Both were contemporaries and both brought
the world to their feet by the manifestation
of gifts which have been accorded to but
few members of the human family.
The muse of history has already set her seal
of appreciation on each, and to peruse the
record of their triumphs is like reading the
pages of romance. Modern Italy has given
to the world three great Interpreters of the
DRAMA Ristori, Rossi and Salvini
Of the two latter the American public is
capable of judging, having seen them in the
height Of their power and the prime of man
hood. OF Ristori, unfortunately, the theater-
going public of this generation have little
power of Judging, having been deprived of
beholding her matchless genius when in its
prime.
Of this actress Jules Janin wrote: ''Ris-
tori! She is tragedy itself. She is comedy
itself. She is the drama. What Shakespeare
is among dramatists Ristori is among
actors"
Nineteen years ago she appeared in
America in her grand impersonation of the
title role of Giocometd's play of "Queen
Elizabeth" To see her then was great
artistic treat; to see her now is an event
never to be forgotten.
She appeared at the Grand in this role last
night to an audience that quite filed all parts
of the honse and that was unit in its man
ifestations of approval and appreciation.
She was alike the mimic and the tragedy
queen as in other days, and while the
representation was lacking somewhat in the
old fire and electric force which thrilled her
audience of yore, it was still given with that
harmonious perfection, finish and repose
that are the indispensable attributes of all
gifted artists, which like the spark
of genius itself never expire.
The drama opens rather tamely but as the
action progresses the character gradually un
folds until it stands out in sharply-defned,
magnetic and colossal proportions, dwarfing
the surroundings of time and circumstance,
as did the genius and ambition of the woman
whose bloody and brilliant reign the story of
the play narrates.
Ristori was especially grand and imposing
last night in the scenes with Essex and her
wonderful versatility, mobility of expression
and power of gesture were shown first in the
scene where she almost yields to his bland
ishments as the lover; and later on
in the stormy scene when he
returns victorious from the wars only to find
that he has incurred the displeasure of his
jealous, ambitious, deceitful and coquettish
queen. The glazing fault in the impersona-
ton was the lack of stalwart
vigor in her voice, her pleasing
emphasis and enumeration being perfect.
The scene where she signs the death warrant
of Essex, her courtier lover, was marked by
great grandeur. She hesitates, drops the
pen, takes it up again and yet fears to write,
hoping the time that the proud Essex will
only ask the life which she is so 10th to take.
The scene following where she repents of
her act is at once touching and terrible, and
nothing could be more pathetic than the
spectacle presented of the last hours of the
once dauntless and naughty queen. She was
recalled in the fourth act and the applause
was very sincere.
The support is excellent. Mr.. Edmund
Tearle appeared as Essex, and he impaired
manly force, fire and vigor to the
part, winning some of the
heartiest applause of the. evening
Mrs. Foster appeared as Lady Sarah Howard,
a role which was enacted with her accus-
toned grace, spirit and earnestness. Miss
Clifton as Lady Anna and Miss Clinton as
Margaret Lanbrun were both admirable, and
the roles taken by Messrs. Shirley, Langdon,
John and Charles Lane, Mr.. Little and Mr..
Leonard were all well acted.
This evening marie Antoinette" will be
given with special scenery prepared for this
company and n strong cast.
OTHER ADJUSTMENTS.
The sale of seats for the engagement of
"The Wages of Sin" company opens at the
Grand this morning. The company will
present the above play Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday and Saturday evenings of next
week. On Thursday and Friday evenings
"Woman against Woman" will be pre-
scented.
The Exposition Roller rink contained the
largest turnout of the season last night,
ninety couples participating in the grand
march. 1t was souvenir night, each lady
being the recipient of handsome gift and a
delightful evening was enjoyed.