St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1895-04-29
AT THE THEATERS.
The Wandering Jew-MetropOIi-
tan.

The Wandering Jew-MetrOpOIi-
The dramatization of Eugene Sues
remarkable story, 1.-The Wandering
jew" which William Morris and his
company presented at the MetropoI-
itan opera house last night, is cred
liable achievement, considering the
extreme length of the novel and the
countless incidents, plots and counter
plots which fill it's pages. Chief merits
of the dramatization are it's concise
ness, simplicity and it's swift action.
Lengthy speeches and involved ex-
plantations of intricate schemes are
happily omitted Only one theme of
the great story is the subject of the
drama, and no characters or episodes
are introduced that are not absolute
ly essential to the exploitation of that
theme. The speeches, as before in
timated, are short, and are at the out
set so joined as to completely reveal
the plot of the story even to those who
have never read the elaborate and
everlasting novel. Were it not an
nounced that An actor was the dra-
matist anybody familiar with the
theater would suspect that the play
was the work of one experienced in
stagecraft. And so it is, for the
programme announces that the dra-
matization is the product of Nelson
Wheatcroft, the well-known actor,
formerly of the Lyceum Theater
Stock company, and George Backus,
also an actor of recognized merit.
The production is worthy of patron
age, if only to witness Eugene Sues
story, or portion of it, upon the
state. 1t was well cast. Mr.. Morris.
contributed a vital, forcible imperson-r
alton of Dagobert, the soldier, whose
indefatigable efforts and supreme
courage bring the heirs to the great
torture to the appointed place in
zine to foil the villains who are
scheming to rob them of their inherit
ance.
The supporting company rendered
efficient service, with the exception of
Frank Opperman, whose portrayal of
the arch rascal Rodin was altogether
objectionable, in that he made the
villiny of the wretch so transparent.
failure of the merest child to see it
at all times would be a reflection upon
that childs powers of perception. Mr..
Opperman should at once abandon
that self-convicting, drawing infec-
ton that labels every utterance with
suspicion. He should remember that
a. villain entitled to the name deceives
his victims and bear in mind the
subtle lagos remark that "Knavery's
plain face is never seen till used"
This exception to Mr.. Opperman's
performance is made in all kindness.
for the gentleman undoubtedly pos
sesses talent. After Rodin throws
off the mask of servility and assumes
the tone of authority, Mr.. Opperman
improves noticably in speech and
action. His makeup was excellent
though a trifie exaggerated.
Miss Frances Gauntfs Immersion
alton Of Adrienne CardovilIe was adj
mirable. Miss Gaunt possesses strong
powers of expression directed by an
intelligent purpose, qualities which
denote promising actress. Miss
Eta Hawkins and Miss Adab Haw-
kins We're entirely satisfactory in tho
light roles allotted to them. Miss
Mary Meers must be enphaticaIJv
commended for her graphic charac-
terization of the haggish matron of the
insane asylum.
fhe Wandering Jew will be plaved
all the week. ~