St. Paul daily globe., 1895-11-29
AT THE THEATERS.

Joseph Jefferson appeared at the
Metropolitan opera house, yesterday
afternoon and evening, before two of
the largest audiences of the season,
in the role OF Rip Van Wrinkle
What more can be said? The actor
and the character have become so
united and SO famous that today the
story of rip Van Winkle'' calls to
mind Joseph Jefferson, the actor, as
readily as it does Washington Irving,
the author. 1t is an interesting CO.
incidence that one Of the stories of
the NEST finished writer's of English
prose that America has produced is
presented in dramatic form by the
most exquisite and accomplished actor
that America now possesses.
1t has been denied by some that Mr..
Jefferson Is a great actor. Why? Sim
ply because he has seen fit to alter
one character-that of Bob Acres-to
suit his own personality. While the
actor must be held responsible for
such a change, the end in the case of
''The Rivals justifies the means.
To sound the virtues of Mr.. Jeffer-
sons personification of Rip Van Win
kle, his complete absorption by the
character would be only to ring famil-
lar chimes. 1t is a. consummate work
of art. this portrayal of a mythical
man. Mr. Jefferson is a consummate
artist. That is why people flock to
see him in a role that no contempo-
raneous actor has ever found it prof
liable to play. But supreme as Mr.
Jefferson'S art is, still more remark
able is his personality 1t is rare and
oil iOh II iy,bb -,
no other-is a sot, but our tears fall
for him when his suffering wife turns
him out of doors. Jefferson, like Dick
ems, can draw tears with the same
touch that provokes laughter. His
humor and pathoS are twins. Spon-
taneity is the secret of his success in
delineating characters. Nobody ever
saw Mr.. Jefferson make studied
move or heard him deliver a stilled
syllable, or voice an unnatural Tone
The mechanism of his art is never ex-
posed to spoil the illusion. He holds
the mirror UP to nature, but so holds
it that the truths Of nature are not
distorted nor it's beauties deformed.
Mr.. Jefferson's support was satis-
factory. This evening and tomorrow
afternoon he will again present rip
Van Wrinkle" Tomorrow night Mr..
Jefferson will close his engagement
with his double bill, Cricket on the
Hearth" and Lend Me Five Shillings."
His impersonation of Caleb Plummer
in the former play is one of the gems
of the stage.
"The Twelve Temptations" with all
It's attractive features, was seen at the
Grand yesterday by two of the largest
audiences of the season. The bright
ballets, funny comedians, beautiful eff
fects, ETC., were richly enjoyed and
made a pleasing impression with all
present. This attraction Is one of the
best that the Grand has offered. There
will be the usual matinee tomorrow,
which will be the only one in the city
tomorrow.
Darkest Russia" which comes to
the Grand next week, commencing
workings of the czar's empire. The
Russian character is seen in every
phase, from the noble to the exile in
the Siberian mines. H. Grafton Don
esting story and has followed lines new
in stage craft. There is plenty of good
comedy interspersed through the play
Manager Ellis has employed a clever
acting company and has elaborately
staged the production.
=
Frederick Bancroft, the magician,
will give the patrons of the Metropoli-
tan opera house Sunday evening, and
for three nights thereafter, a perform
ance in conjunction with his new and
original feats of legerdemain that has
never before been attempted. None of
tn theater scenery, furniture or pro-
perties are used in his production of
magic.