St. Paul daily globe., 1896-04-07
AT THE THEATERS.

Sol Smith Russell and his company present
ed Sheridan's witty comedy, THE Rivals at
the Metropolitan last night The performance
as a whole, creditable and Mr.. Russell
is to be commended for including this comedy
of the classic category in his repertoire, so
long as he engages company capable of play
ing it. performance Of "The Rivals sur
passing that of Mr.. Russell's company used
to be given by Joseph jefferson, Mrs. John
Drew Viola Allen, Frederick Pauldng and the
lamented Billy Florence, but that does not
detract from the measure Of praise due to Mr..
Russell's company.
Mr. Russell and Mr.. Jefferson are open to the
same criticism for their individual portrayals
Of Bob Acres. Neither actor shows US Sheri-
dams Fighting Bob" Both caricature him.
Acres is a silly, sickening country BOBBY,
rank poltroon, but withal, sort of reservoir
of unconscious wit. Jefferson appreciated
this. and boldly retouched the character so as
to reveal its humorous side to prodgious ad-
vantage while he concealed the ugly brand of
cowardice behind the mask of eccentricity
The sunshine Of this actors personality so
warmed and illuminated this creation of his
own brain-not Sheridan's-that 1t charmed all
eyes and ears and hearts, and even as we
wept for the vagabond sot, Rip, even so we
hoped Bob Acres would not really be obliged
to fight that duel.
So much for an actors rare personality
conception Of his own creation. Mr.. Russell,
too, has a distinctive personality, but it is
not Of that exceedingly magnetic, one might
almost say. that spiritual quality, that will
permit the liberties that Mr.. Jefferson can
take. Mr.. Russell is a clever impersonator,
an excellent mimic Of what Is odd, eccentric,
humorous and pathetic in humanity, but he
is not such an accomplished actor that he
can conceal his personality in Bob Acres, and
that, too. in a Bob Acres no more Sheridan's
than that Of Mr.. Jefferson is. Mr.. Russell's
Bob Acres will entertain those who have
not seen Mr.. Jefferson's. but while you are
contemplating the character you are SEN
sible that Sol Smith RusselPs face, Sol Smith
Russell's wobbling legs, and above ALL Sol
Smith Russeils peculiar voice are occupying
your senses.
The company, as already intimated, ac-
quilted itself creditably considering the ex-
acting nature of the principal roles. Miss
Minnie Radcliffe gave a pleasing portrayal
Of Lydia Languish, in which she evidenced a
keen appreciation of the dramatist's satire on
romanticsm. Mrs. Fanny Addison Pitt was
acceptable in the difficult role of Mrs. NAL
aprop, an achievement that any actress Is
to be congratulated upon. Charles MacKey
was easy and natural in the character of
Capt. Absolute, though he lacked in spice and
snap. The Sir Anthony Absolute of Alfred
t1uuson was ueHclent III Vlgor ana grufTn ness
Tonight the bill will be an every Day
Man." preceded by curtain raiser entitled
"Mr. Valentines Christmas"
la Loie" Fuller invented the serpentine
dance, and she has elaborated and improved
1t till one would think its possibilities were
exhausted, but sho says not, and is always
at work seeking for some new effect or some
fresh beauty. For nearly month LA Loie"
has been "the thing to see" in New York
and before her return to Europe she Is
going to make a rapid tour of the principal
cities, devoting, however, only one night to
each. Manager L. N. Scott has secured her
for the Metropolitan opera house on Thurs
day, matinee and evening, April 0, when she
will introduce five of her most famous
dances. including the "Queen of Fire." and
the Lilly of the Nile" In the former she
seems to be enveloped In flames which shoot
from above, below and on every side turn
ing her into pillar of fire. In the Lilly
Of the Nile" her gauzy draperies are made
to rise and swirl until they gradually assume
the form of an enormous flower, extending to
q height of more than twelve feet above the
stage.
Charles A. Gardner played to another good
house at the Grand this week in Father
land" and the theater last night was very
well filled. There are many novel features
presented, among which may be mentioned
the troupe Of Tyrolean singers. Mr.. Gardner
has sufficiently recovered from the slight cold
he had on Sunday night, and his voice is now
in excellent condition. His songs are popu-
lar.