St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1894-04-04
AT THE THEATERS.
Mansffefd's Presentation of "The
Scarlet Letter"

Scarlet Letter"
An appreciative audience witnessed
the first production in this city of Haw-
thorne'S The Scarlet Letter" by Rich
ard Mansfield at the Metropolitan opera
house last night. The dramatic adapta-
ton of Hawthorne's impressive novel
sits deeply upon the mind OF the wit
ness of Mr.. Mansfeld's finished and
artistic intensitieS. MIR. Mansfield has
attained place where his jurisdiction
is indeed wide. One does not see him
act MIR. Mansfield, Of New York; rather
Is one profoundly imbued with the
character of Rev. Arthur Dimnesdale.
Baron Chevrial. Karl van Arhmien. OF
Beau Brummell.
In The Scarlet Letter" there is a
simplicity of scope in which portrayal
must be instinct with humane reality,
or it falls with the rattle and ciaptrap Of
artiticIality. The embellishments of
stage trick. the enhancing effects of
timber and tin5ei is not there; nor is
thrilling previous plot i'll which to in
cept an epidermic OF nervous interest or
a loud-claShing denouement. Whatever
emotion is inspired is due to that den,-
onStratiOn on the part Of Mr.. Mansfield
which displays. by unmistakable signs
and dramatic ATTITUDE, the essence of
of the life around uS-the Utmost motive
which his genius wrought art reveals.
To sustain the plot of so bald a lesson
as ''Ihe Scarlet Letter." without the
groSser features obtrudiug themselves,
is only within the power and sensitive
Interpretation of such all actor as the
Rev. Arthur DimmeSdale we relished
last night.
As to Miss Beatrice Cameron much
might be said of her which would lead
an additional charm 10 her sterling
worth as Mr.. Manstield's leading sup
port. AS Hester Prynne. she was the
subdued, forbearing heroine upon
whom Hawthorne has SO ably hung the
laurel of immortality. A sweeter. more
sensible or dignified characterization of
that historic tomb to maidenhood. no
one could exact than that which Miss
Cameron embodied last night.
+ Throughout the plot is characterful.
1t is quantity SO: in that Quakerdom
and New England manneriSm. speech
and custom prevail with historic eX-
actness. even to refreshing nicely.
1.-The Scarlet Letter. is not a great
performance by Mr.. Mansfield and his
able company may we'll be termed the
Charm of any public event.
The bill at the Metropolitan matinee
this afternoon is "Beaa,Brummelf'
The sale of seats for Miss Marie
Wainwrights engagement at the Met
ropolitan will be opened tomorrow
morning. Miss Wainwright will remain
all next week, and will offer four plays.
none of which has she before presented
here. On Monday, Tuesday, "Wednesday
and Thursday evenings, and at the
Saturday matinee Miss Wainwright
will offer Tom Taylor's brilliant CON-
edy, San Unequal Match" At the
popular-priced matinee Wednesday Miss
Wainwright will give the only perform
ance OF Camille" character III which
she has been most warmly received in
all the largest Eastern cities. Friday
will be devoted to "Frou Frou." and
Saturday night to "Man and Wife," by
Augustin DAILY and WiIkie Collins.
The stirring naval drama, "The En-
sign" returns to st. Paul next Sunday
tor week, and if prior successes here
may be taken as a criterion, the well
come extended will be cordial one
indeed.
Thomas E. Murray is certainly fun
nier i'll his personality than that merry
cOnceit 1.-The Voodoc," in which he is
playing the part of Mcmahon this week
at the Grand, and incidentally creating
a liberal supply of fun for those who
seek their amusement at that theater.