St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1895-04-25
AT THE THEATERS.

Ed.
AT THE THEATERS.
If the librettos of all comic operas
were as clever as that Clay M. Green
has written for THE Maid Of Plym-
outh,' which the Bostonians presented
last night, the public would be spared
the infection of much feeble wit and
deplorable English. Aside from dram
attic and musical considerations, 1.-THE
Maid of Plymouth is distinguished
from other productions in the comic
opera line-save, Of course, the Gill
bert and Sullivan creations-by
witty libretto, couched in acceptable,
and sometimes polished English. Its
wit is not of that blunt, obvious char
acter necessary to tickle the obtuse
individuals to be found in every au-
dience, but rather is it suggestive and
refined, requiring at least some de-
gree of intelligence to appreciate it
perhaps a faint exercise of thought a
very slight acquaintance with the
early history of our own country. To
be sure these requirements are a trif1e
severe upon vacant minds sensitive
only to the impact of sledge hammer
between the eyes, accompanied by the
ejaculation, This is funny re-
mark, laugh at itv' "The Maid of
Plymouth would not please such peo-
pie.
1t is unique opera. 1t brings the
pilgrim fathers and daughters of 1923
into association with fin-de-siecle Ia
dies and gentlemen who come over to
Plymouth on the second voyage of the
Mayf1ower. The characters are well
drawn, and distinctive. The elder,
(Mr. Barnabee) is a natural and en-
tirely consistent old gentleman; Capt.
Miles Standish (Mr. Cowles) has a
personality all his own, and Mascon-
oma, 'Uessie Bartlett Davis the In
dian maiden, is a burleSque creation
contributing much to the amusing
features of the opera. The other char
acters are equally well conceived by
the librettist
The score of the opera is the work of
Thomas P. Thorne. 1t is unuuestion-
ably meritorious, though it could
scarcely be termed brilliant If COM
PARSONS may be permitted, it might
be said that the music of 1.-THE Maid
of Plymouth" does not attain the
richness and strength of that of
prince Ananias," while on the other
hand, 1t is sweeter, more harmonious
and characteristic upon first hearing.
The Maid of Plymouth" excels in it's
solos, some of which are beautiful,
notably those allotted to Masconoma,
the Indian maiden. Jessie Bartlett
Davis sang these beautiful numbers
splendidly. Especially her last solo in
the last act. The makeup, costume
and gait which Mrs Davis was
obliged to assume in impersonating
this character caused a general sense
OF regret, for they almost hid her per-
sonal charms. The solo by Can't.
Standish in the last act, accompanied
by the chorus, was another effective
number. So was the sextette, ooh,
Happy Dream of Love-" The duet in
the first act between Primrose Caro-
line Hamilton and the Elder (Mr.
Barnabee), and the ensemble, "Twas
Written &c." are extremely pretty
numbers.
Mr. Barnabee contributed a highly
amusing characterization of an old
Puritan elder and preacher, who final
ly succumbs to the charms of Prim-
rose, the worldly young woman. This
role was Vivaciously impersonated by
Miss Caroline Hamilton. Miss Ham
ilton sang with her accustomed spirit.
and acted with commendabIe spon-
taneity. Mrs. d. Eloise Morgan tho
dainty little soprano, made sweet
Priscilla, and sang the music of the
role charmingly. Eugene Cowles gave
an admirable impersonation of Miles
Standish, and George rockingham
Hobomok, the Poor Indian" was
very funny. Josephine Bartlett made
an excellent Dame Prudence, and
Mena Cleary was a picturesque Sir
Lovesby. Joseph Sheehan, who played
John Alden, sang very well.
=
William Morris. who was last seen
in this city as Reuben Warner in "The
Lost Paradise" will open an engage
ment next Sunday evening at the Met
ropolitan opera house in his new meIo-
drama, ''The Wandering Jew" Mr..
Morris has had the piece in his pos
session for nearly two years, but until
last month, in Kansas City, has had
no opportunity of producing it in the
manner in which he thought it de-
served. A good piece of theatrical
property can easily be spoiled by a
bad production, and Mr. Morris was
not willing to risk his play by an in
fertor presentation. The Kansas CITY
performance was a success, so it is
said, and there is no doubt but that
Mr.. Morris and Gustave Frohman, I'M
der whose direction the piece was pro-
duced. will reap larger harvest with
The Wandering Jew" than they did
with 1.-THE Lost Paradise" One of the
new members of Mr.. Morris company
is Miss Adah Hawkins, of this CITY.
who has been engaged to play the role
of Blanche de Ligny.
ga Bowery Girl" will be the attrac-
ton at the Grand opera house Sunday.
The idea conveyed during the action
OF the play is thoroughly up to date,
and the scenes are said to be realistic.
Tonight will be the last opportunity
the local theater-goers will have to see
Augustin Days laughable comedy.
Nancy & Company" as presented by
the G1ffen and Neill company at the
Grand. Tomorrow night Little Lord
Fauntleroy" will be put on to run the
remainder of the week. The stock
company's Interpretation of Mrs Bur-
netts fascinating story will be nota-
Die one. Anne Blancke will play the
title role and her rendition of the part
is said to be the most interesting it
has yet received.