St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1896-03-12
AT THE THEATERS.

performance of D'Enuerys sparkling
drama, don Caesar de Bazan," closed Alex
ander Salvini's engagement at the Metropoli-
tan opera house last night. The role of Don
Caesar Is admirably adapted to the exuberant
and spirited temperament of Mr.. Salvini.
That the character offers splendid opportunities
for the exercise of histrionic skill Is demon
strated by the fact that such players as Edwin
Booth and Charles Fechter included it IN
their Iepertoires While in the exhibition OF
daring and adventurous qualities Don Caesar
reminds one of D'Artagnon, the character, IN
Its entirety, is deeper and more absorbing than
that Of the young musketeeit for the notiyes
are stronger and nObler. Furthermore, the
play itself, while lacking in the first two acts
the swiftnessy Of action that distinguishes
1.-THE Three Gpardsmen," is superior to the
latter work In point of literary merit and
brilliancy Of dialogue. The last two acts are
fine specimens of dramatic writing, combined
with unique and intensely absorbing situa-
tions.
Salvini's delineation Of the rowing, penniless
young nobleman. whose heart Is as light as
his purpose, and whose sword ever leaps from
its scabbard to defend the weak and helpless,
is we'll nigh fautless. Admirable in the light
er scenes, so irresistible is this actor in the
delivery of keen and witty repartee, he is
truly satisfying and adequate in the situa-
tons calling for the expression of uncon-
trollable emotion and fiery impetuosity. Moth
ing could be finer than Salvinis action and
demeanor when he meets the disguised king
of Spain in the chateau, and in reply to the
kings. "And who may you be?" boldly de-
clares, eff you are Don Caesar de Bazan, then
/ am the king of Spain!' So effectively did
Salvini deliver these lines as to bring forth
a perfect storm Of applause. Mr.. Salvini's
prf- 0f hos xx,ffp Cca1
before in st. Paul, and extended comment
upon his impersonation is not necessary. 1t
will suffice to say that it is the embodiment
of picturesque grace vitality and spontaneity.
The supporting company appeared to better
advantage than in Hamlet" and "The Three
Guardsmen." j. M. Francoeur enacted the
role of the scheming prime minister, Don
Jose, with good discretion, and Albert Broun-
tngs portrayal of the hypocritical King
Charles II. Of Spain, who would dishonor his
queen, was commendable. AS much may be
said of the work of Miss Adelaide Fitz Allen,
whose impersonation of Mariana, the Coun-
tess de Bazan created favorable impression.
Praise is due to Miss Lulu Klein for the in
teiiigence and sympathy with which she in
vested the character of LazarilIo, the ap-
prentice, who saves Don Caesars life The
play, like the others in Mr.. Salvini's roper
toire, was effectively staged.
Tonight at the Metropolitan Francis Will
son will make his first appearance in st.
raul IN i've years. Additional interest at
taches to the event, inasmuch as this excel
lent comedian will present one of Sir Arthur
Sull1vans latest operas, 1.-THE Chieftain," the
hbretto Of which Is from the pen of F, G..
Burnand, the editor of London Punch. The
metropolitan critics pronounce the music of
The Chieftain," particularly that Of the Sec
ond act to be superior to any that Sir Ar
thur has composed in his preceding operas,
The management promises an elaborate stag
Ing OF the opera, as the scenery is the work of
Richard Marston. the famous scenic artist,
and the costumes are from the designs of Percy
Anderson, OF London. The company Is said to
be exceptionally strong.
Those wonderful elephants continue to draw
extremely large audiences at the Grand where
they are performing some remarkable tricks
under the direction of their trainer, Prof
Lockhart. Two very large audiences wit
messed the performance yesterday.
The 'new woman" craze Is said to be ad-
mirably satirized in "The Twentieth Century
Girl" Frederick Hallens big production
which will be seen at the Grand all next week,
commencing Sunday night.
The sale Of seats for the Paderewski piano
recital, to be given at the Metropolitan opera
house Wednesday evening, March IS, will
open at the box Office of that theater tomorrow
morning at 9 o'clock sharp.