The Saint Paul globe., 1896-11-30
AT THE THEATERS.

COMEDY, not startling in it's originality;
music, some OF It borrowed. dramatic situa-
tons, as old as the art OF p1ay-writing-all
entrusted in the hands Of capable singers and
players-such Is 'Dorcas." With the addi-
ton OF a few more singers the piece might
be called on opera 1t Is well that the extra
singers are not added, for the comedy is pro-
longed to its limit. asnitlnow stands but that
is not saying that ii is. too long, or that it
could be shortened without injury to the
story. II
'Dorcas," the play bill says, is based on an
old German romance. It is wicked enough
to have been written by a Frenchman of
the time OF the empire. The story relates
how Lord Lambourpe desires to marry his
sister to his friend, Lord Beauregard, but the
latter, wishing to acquaint himself with
the merits Of Lady Hpnoria. accompanies Lord
Lambourne to his home incognito, under the
title OF Master Roland. Lady Honoria is
also anxious to learn something of the man
she Is to marry and to- consummate this dis
guises herself as a boy-a peddier. She is
successful in concealing her identity, even
from her brother. Lord Lambourne has a
covetous eye for Dorcas, the wife OF an inn
keeper, who Is commanded to appear at the
home of Lord Lambourne with his wife. The
fortunate appearance of the pseudo peddler
enables the innkeeper to connive with Lady
Honoria, who goes to the home OF Lord
Lambourne ostensibly as the wife Of the inn
keeper. The situations that are woven about
this tangle are SUFFICIENT to keep the audi
ence in hot water for fear some of the
threatened denouements will actually occur.
Harry and Edward Paulton, who wrote "Er
minie" and ''Niobe"- stand as sponsors for
'Dorcas." The best thing they have done
is to write some clever lines for modern
Mrs. Malaprop. The best comedian that has
appeared in this city in many long day is
Miss Eva Davenport, who had the part Of
Griselda, nurse, chaperone and general safety
valve for the rest Of the characters. When
ever the situation seems to need a risque
remark Griselda comes to the front with
phrase the wickedness of which is partially
concealed
In general way it may be said that the
company is strong. Some Of the singers are
old friends. William Broderick is as tuneful
and debonair as ever; Mr.. Bassett as pleas
Ing in his lyrics and as ungraceful in stage
presence as in days gone by. OF Miss Daven-
port too much cannot be said in her praise,
and the warmest commendation should also
be made concerning Miss Millard, who is
the artist the advance agent has heralded.
She has beautiful voice and perfect meth
cd. Miss Donaldson also, while amateurish,
gave grace and life to difficult part All
ShS OAioi nStOAS WCIS fWSn ldhSu' UOlu
be given to the physical endurance displayed
by Mr.. Frear. If Broderick has a grudge
against this gentleman he has ample oppor-
tunity and uses that opportunity to the best
advantage to ''get even. AS lord of the hall
he gives most vigorous kicks to the humble
landlord, whose wife he is trying to lead
astray.
The music of the operetta is bright, not all
of it original, but tuneful and splendidly pre-
sented. The orchestra has been enlarged for
the occasion, and for a first night performance
both performers and singers acquitted them
selves well. There's brilliant drinking
song in the first act, and a minuet move
ment in the second that are better than
usual, and a madrigal in the first act also
that is tuneful and. enticing. The "Cup Of
Tea song in the last act, written for Miss
Davenport by Frederick Solomon, Is one Of
the gems of the performance, and sung with a
grace and abandon that is delightful. 1t won
double recall last night.
The performance is one that should make
Manager Scott's heart glad. 1t is beyond
the usual merit of opera and far superior in
comedy to the usual farce. If there is a flavor
of wickedness there is sufficient artistic
merit in the text and the presentation to
take off the curse. Miss Davenport is like
Katisha's elbow-worth going miles to see.
When you add to the elbow a beautiful voice.
then Miss Davenport becomes an attraction
that should not be missed.