The record-union., 1892-09-20
ADJUSTMENTS

The farce-comedy Little Tippett,"
from the French of Alex Bison, author of
''Wilkinsons Widows, !" 1.-THE Nominee"
etc., was enacted at the Metropolitan
Theater last night to good audience by
Harrison and Belps comedians. The
plot of Little Tippett" deals with deli
cate subject, none other than that of the
parentage of an infant, which is for long
time very leading question and the
occasion for many startling episodes
Many of the incidents Of the plot would
be more heartily laughed at than they are
were they not Of character to hold the
audience in suspense and breathless
solicitation until almost too late for
laughter. Some Of the queries developed
are, to say the least, Of racy flavor, but so
skillfully turned as not to verge on coarse
ness or improperly. The fun of the play
is in the ut first almost insane attempts
OF two law partners TO each repudiate
The parentage OF child, and SUISSE
quently TO claim it, and even
kidnap it one from the other.
The plot is one which chickens" until
the finale, when the child is found to be
related to neither OF the principals.
There is ground for considerable dra-
matte acting in all the characters repre-
sented, and for many ludicrous and witty
sayings. The dialogues in some instances
are rather long, but are filled with pointed
and plthy phrases, and never drag.
Taken altogether, Little Tippett'' is ad-
mirably arranged for holding the atten-
ton of an audience TO the end, and never
either reaching an anti-climaX nor losing
in effect. All the characters are well suS-
tanned, the acting being so natural and
easy in general that there is something
lost in the lack of contrast. The comedy
is one that should not have its plot un-
raveled TO those who wish to enjoy seeing
IL developed on the stage, as the little
surprises consequent in its rendition go
TO add 10 its attractiveness. 1t is to be re-
produced this evening, and will doubt
less call out another good audience.
''The Ensign" the new naval play
which is to be given on Friday evening
at the Metropolitan Theater, was first
tried in Minneapolis by Lift and Davis
last summer. 1t was cast with some of
the best actors and scored a gratifying
success. The intention was to put 1t on
the road If II stood the test, which it did
The formal production of The Ensign'
occurred in Washington, where there are
more naval critics than in any other
American city. 1t met with instant sue
cess. Since then it has been presented in
Chicago, Boston. San Francisco and
other cities, and everywhere has been re-
ceived with enthusiasm. In the navy
Mr.. Haworth, the author, has invaded a
new field, and one that is full of excellent
material for the industrious dramatist
We have many war dramas, but for some
reason the navy has, until this time, es-
capped the dramatist. The characters in
s''lhe Ensign are said to be clearly and
distinctly drawn, the humor rich, and
the general tone sound and healthy.
Perhaps, speaking periodically, the his
torical diplomatic incident of Mason and
Slidell could not have been turned to
better account than in play for the en-
tertainment of the old and the instruction
of the Young. Surely that which adds to
the public respect for the blue uniform of
The American soldier or sailor is patri-
otto thing. That which fires the Ameri-
can heart with fresh admiration Tor the
navy of the United States and with re-
neWed love for the Union is worthy. For
these reasons 1.-The Ensign" may, if it is
all that is represented, be accepted as q
break in the monotony OF meaningless
plavs, But 1.-The Ensign" appeals to the
public favor not alone on patriotic
grounds we are told. Lit is SAID to be
powerful drama. and the company that
will produce it is a strong one.
The scenery, says the press, is novel,
striking and beautiful. There are five
chief scenes. Each scene deals with an
original subject, and treats that subject in
a mastery manner. The grand harbor OF
Havana, the Cuban villa, the sectional
internal view of a man-ot-war, the Presl-
dents private library, the spar-decz OF
the battle-ship are splendid subjects for
1hescene-painter. The details of man Of
war are presented with fidelity. In fact,
we are assured that they are actually re-
produced from photographs and color