St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1894-05-12
IN THE THEATERs.

The heroine of Prosper Merimee's
fiery Spanish olnanc was the central
figure of the opera presented at the
Metropolitan last evening. The charac.
ter OF Carmen as it is scored by Bizet
is perhaps the most lurid in opera writ
ings. 1t has varied vastly in interpre-
tation, from those who give it an incon-
gruous spirit element to the
wanton Gypsy whom Calve has
shown to immense American audi
ences. while across the water our
own Zelie de Lussan has been awarded
first place by the critics. Be that as it
may, the Carmen OF Helen Won Doen-
hoff is a conception complete in every
detail. 1t may not be that of the Gypsy,
but there Is a Bohemian element in
the whole, and a perfect abandon
ment. She has no touches that re-
mind II OF a better Carmen, but
the thoroughuess Of a witch in
all her witchery. Miss Won Doenhoff
vocaiiZsd superbly, and take it all in
all. there has not been a character
deiineated more truthfully Or with
better balance during the whole engage
ment.
William Mer!ens sang and acted the
part of EScamlllo excellently. and his
Toreador song divided the honors with
Garments when Love on Fancy's
Wings"
Payne Clark sang the role of Don
Jose with a virile power, although it
differed in nothing from the accepted
standard.
Charlotte Maconda possesses a sweet
voice of sometime brilliant quality. and
sang the part of Micnaelo acceptably
aud with sweet simplicity.
Today will be the opera company's
last appearan ces IN this city. At the
matinee the double bill .Rigoletton and
"Cavalleria Rus.icana," with Natal,
Payne Clarke and Mertens, will be
sung: and tonight Lucia" with Char
lotte Maconda, Barron Berthold nd
Mertens. with the brilliant sextette,
will be given.
The famous comedian, Roland Reed.
and a strong company of players will
be the interesting comedy event at the
Metropolitan tomorrow evening.
MIR. Reed will present his new play,
"Innocent as a Lamb" 1t Is an ex-
ceedingly bright, lively and entertain
ing comedy, full of amusing situations
and witty lines. The part assumed by
Mr.. Reed is that of a gay old Benedict,
who gets away from home occasionally
on false pretenses for the purpose of
having al innocent lark.
A conspicuous character is that of a
young newspaper man, who is drawn
as a bright. enterprising, lnquisitive
and imaginative fellow. but a gentle
man and an agreeable individual, who
is accepted as a lover by the handsomest
and finest girl in the piece.
Mr.. Reeds company is run to great
advantage, and the ladies have the op-
portunity and display some magnificent
gowns.
"lnnocent as a Lamb" will be given
Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings
and at the matinee Wednesday. We'd
nesday night Dakota will be the bill.
80
Lillian Lewis terminates her engage
ment at the Grand with a matinee of
Credit Lorraine" this afternoon, and
a final performance of the same play
tonight.
Tomorrow night the Grand enters
upon the last week of its season with
Rider Haggard's "Shen as the atrrac-
ton that will be seen. This story is
too we'll known to need lengthy COM
mendation for its many interesting
scenes. 1t is wierd, yet effective as
dramatized, and has lost none of its
qualities OF absorbing interest that made
1t so popular when first it was published
and made its author famous throuphont
the world. The acting company is
well spoken of. and the scenery is said
to be appropriate and elaborate.