St. Paul daily globe., 1886-12-14
"MEG MERKaLaEs.o
JanaUscheck7s Splendid and Real
istic Interpretation of ScOtt's Un-
canny Creation.

JanGUSCheck7S Splendid and Real
istic Interpretation of ScOtt's Un.
canny Creation.
Walter Scotts uncanny creation. the
character of Meg Merrilies, gives scope
for one of the most thrilling and vivid of
all creations of dramatic art. It is weird,
intense and realistic part, demanding for
its effective Interpretation talents of the
highest order. Those who saw Charlotte
Cushman's portrayal of the part can never
forget it. And when Cushman died,
it was supposed that the play
would die with her. But Madame
Janauscheck has resurrectea it this season
with wonderful success. and it is no mean
ingless compliment to an actress whose
fame is so well established asJanauscheck's
to say that her rendition of Meg Mer-
rifles" at the Grand opera house last even-
ing was as fine a piece of tragedy acting as
has ever been seen In this city. 1t is widely
unlike any of the characters in which she
has appeared heretofore. but in fuller de-
gree than any other it gives play to the ver-
satility and power of those histrionic
qualities which have made her reputation
as an actress. From the time she first ap-
pears or the stage in the beginning Of the
third act, until the curtain drops ON the
memorable death scene in the last. she
holds the breatless attention of her audi.
ences. Her makeup is weird and striking.
The type OF character does not require
supposition of youthfulness; consequently
years are no disadvantage in this part.
She looks the old witch TO perfec-
ton. Her. action is all that any
one could conceive as necessary to
the character. Her voice is toned to
a shilI expression and the diabolical laugh
of the hag sends cold shudders through the
listening auditor Some of her exhibitions
of dramatic power in the most impassioned
scenes are electrical. Fierce and tender
alternately, impassioned at times and
then again subdued in tone and manner.
she was the complete incarnation of the old
witch that ruled the destinies of the house
of Elengowen. Janauschek possesses the
faculty of sinking herself completely in her
character, and her Meg Merilles" is not
Janauschek merely playing it,
it is Scott's original creation.
Mime. Janauschek's loyalty to the
eld-time tradition of the stage is manifested
in the most excellent support with which
she has provided herself. In these days of
dramatic degeneracy it is absolutely re-
freshing to see star who has respect
enough for the public to discard the modern
style of carrying ''Cheap John" class of
actors around the country. The Janau-
scheck company belongs to the old school
of trained and finished actors, each Of
whom gives an artistic touch tc
the role assumed. no matter how
small it may be. The Dominic
Sampson of Mr.. Eberle and the Daudie Din
mont of Mr.. Chaplin are particularly fine.
Miss Leigh as Julia Manning, and Miss
Shannon as Lucy Bertram gave most ac
ceptable interpretations OF their respective
characters. The music with which the play
was literally interspersed was fairly well
rendered. The play will be repeated to-
night and tomorrow night, and 'Mary
Stuart Wednesday matinee.