St. Paul daily globe., 1895-11-19
AT THE THEATERs.

y
Morris appeared at the Metropolitan
opera house last night in new role
that of Raymonde in an adaptation
from Dumas Monster Alphonse." The
name of Clara Morris is as a household
word. For a score of years this ac-
tress has justly been rated the most
powerful emotional artistic upon the
American stage No native born actress
in her time has approached Clara Nor
ris in the power to simulate mental
agony, deep distress, heart-rending
grief, with such overwhelming effect.
The celebrated William Winter once
said that In her manifestations Of an
agopized soul, she fairly transcended
Nature itself.
Such an extreme tribute to the powers
Of Miss Morris would net be justified
now, for her acting quite naturally
lacks somewhat of the fervor, the soul.
the inspiration that swayed human
hearts those days when the actress
yielded her whole being to her art.
Still 1t must not be Inferred that Clara
Morris has lost her art, or that she
lags superf1uous on the stage. No d.
ninution Of strength or physical vigor
is noticeable, indeed Miss Morris is
more robust than we ever remember
to have seen her. The role of Ray
monde in Dumas play does not afford
her as great scope as might be de-
sired. 1t Is a thankless character at
the best, though 1t improves during the
last act.
Raymonde is the wife of Commander
Montoglin, gentleman many years
her senior, noble, true, big-hearted.
generous to fault. Some ten years or
more prior to her marriage Raymonde
had been trapped into a mock marriage
by one Monsieur Octave or Alphonse.
A little girl was born to the couple,
whereupon the father deserted the
young mother, who found to her dis,
may that she had not been legally
married to M. Octave. The latter after
wards took possession of the child,
keeping her until she reached the age of
nine years. The play opens at this
period. Raymonde, after years of pen
ury and suffering, has become the con-
tented wife of the naval commander
M. Octave knowing this, and being
about to marry a wealthy woman,
takes the child to the home of Com
mander Montoglin, who is a friend Of
his. and begs him to do HMM. Oc-
tave-the favor Of adopting the child,
in order that his fiancee may never
know that the little girl is his own
daughter. The commander consents.
little dreaming that he Is receiving into
his home the illegitimate daughter of
his own wife. The mother-Raymonde
is Mortified at the deception she Is
forced to practice upon her noble hus,
band, but she is powerless and yields,
Eventually, however, the commander
discovers all, and not only forgives his
wife, but legally acknowledges the
child to be his own and thus circum-
vents the miserable wretch, who Is
subsequently trying to regain the child.
The story Of the play is told In crisp,
terse dialogue, with plentiful sprink-
ling OF wit, not unmixed with philos,
ophy. 1t is greatly enhanced by the
character of Nine. Guichard, the rich.
but loud and ill-bred widow. who de-
splses yet loves the miserable Octave,
but turns him when she discovers the
real depth Of his perffdy.
That Clara Norris portrays Raw
monde effectively Is undeniable. There
are no great moments for Raymonde
however. save perhaps the scene In
which her husband divines her secret
and she confesses all. Miss Norris has
methods Of her own, that none dare
initiate. She is sui generis. No other
actress could employ such broad pro-
ifunciation, or address herself so direct
ly to an audience and be forgiven,
much less make such an impression as
Clara Morris certainly does. Clara
Morris Is a phenomenal woman
The supporting company merits the
highest praise. Miss Lavinia Shan
non is to be warmly commended for her
portrayal Of Madame Gutchard, the
noisy and jealous widow, who finally
exposes M. Octave. Miss Shannon is
favored with pretty piquant face,
and a becoming stage presence to which
is added unmistakable talent It Is a
question whether her performance
would be more effective If a shade
less boisterous. Perhaps it would,
though possibly the contrast is rem
dered more striking as 1t is.
J. M. Colvflle's impersonation Of
Commander Montoglin was an ad-
mirable piece Of work. It was the en-
bodiment of the true and gentle dig
nifty and was characterized throughout
by exquisite taste. Howard Coveny
gave an excellent portrayal of Mon
sieur Octave. His work was artistic
to q degree. Walter Walker was en-
tirely satisfactory as the old sailor.