St. Paul daily globe., 1896-01-06
AT THE THEATERs.

dt tHe metropolitan opera mouse. MIR.
Hoyt calls it "A Runaway Colt" That
is as appropriate as any of Mr.. Hoyt's
titles. But nobody has ever quarreled
with the author over the christening of
MS eccentric dramatic offspring. Like
Juilets rose, Hoyt's plays would mean
as much "by any other name"
MI Hoyt has brought forth during
MS career as a playwright some un-
oouotedly clever conceits. He is rec
ognlzed by all appreciative theater-
goers as the author of distinctively
American farces and the purveyor of
genuine American wit True, some of
Mr.. Hoyts earlier productions were
as trivial as absurd, though always
oetraying distinctive wit and humor
above the grade of the ordinary farce
comedy, as it is termed Each sue
ceeding effort manifested a marked
Improvement over its predecessor.
though it is said that Mr.. Hoyt's most
pronounced successes were achieved
with plays originally mapped out in
the beginning of his career
"A Runaway Colt is not what might
be expected of Mr.. Hoyt He himself
has set the standard, and if his latest
creatlon suffers by comparison with
ms former achievements, he is respon-
sible. "A Runaway Colt" it should be
understood. is not without the pleas
ing features, the original notions and
witty speeches that characterize all
or the Hoytian plays to q greater or
less degree. But nearly all of these
virtues are compressed into the last
Two acts which constitute only half
the play, and by far the better half
In brief, "a Runaway Colt is a trifie
too thin and too light to belong to the
thoroughbred collection that Mr.. Hoyt
has exhibited during previous sea-
sons.
But it is a great success if it's sole
aim is to pay tribute to our inspiring
national game. and incidentally to ex-
plot and eulogiZe its greatest expo
nent, Adrian c. Arson. Mr.. Anson
appeared on the Metropolitan stage
last night as large as life, and almost
as natural. We can scarcely say,
twice as natural" because Mr.. An
son was acting, and not playing real
ball. He acquitted himself creditably
True, his bearing was not distinguish
ed by the grace and freedom that char
acterizes the actor of experience and
ability, but in refraining from any at
tempt to "act," Mr.. Arson compared
favorably with many aspirants for
histrionic honOrs. He stood still while
he talked, and made no superhuous
gestures.
The feature of "a Runaway Colt" is
the grand stand scene in the last
SCeHe VI dll. me enIlTe IOuIIn act, Tor
that matter is worth all the rest 1t
is all realistic and effectively so.
The cast was acceptable, but not as
we'll adapted to the piece as is usually
noticeable in Mr.. Hoyt's productions
Logan Paul contributed two excellent
character sketches, as did Madison
Corey, but the most effective and
laughable bit was that furnished by
Harry Moulton, who irnpersonated the
Ti1I boc l,Il 50.
pronounced type.
Another feature was the gymnasium
scene, in which Alburtus and Bartram
gave a phenomenal exhibition of club
Juggling, and Robinson and Baker did
some wonderful jumping.
The sale of seats for single operas of the
Damrosch Opera company season at the Met
ropolitan opera house the latter half of this
week begins at the box-offlce this morning
The season sale closed last Saturday night
and no more tickets will be sold at a discount
although any parties can secure seats now for
all the operas or any one of them, as they
may choose. The repertoire is: Thursday
Jan. g., "Fidelio;" Friday Jan. 10, Die
Meistersinger;" Saturday matinee, Jan. II,
"Tannhauser;'' Saturday night, Jan. IL
die Walkure."
Ever-popular "Dlack Crook" was put on
last night at the Grand in the presence of
du duuitICe 6tHeTOuS DUN DIS 10 nunDGTS anu
applause.
The play, interest in which seems never to
wane, has been brought up to date, con-
tains wealth of pretty scenery and electric
effects, big ballet and number of exceed
ingly clever specialties.
The story of the play was closely followed.
from the dread tyranny of Zamiel the arch
fend, to the kindly intervention at the critical
moment of Stalacta, the shapely queen Of the
golden realm, when she foils the unholy pur-
pose of the fire god and gives the fond lovers
into each others keeping
There are a number of clever people in the
cast, and what most pleased the audience was
the unusually good specialties.
Sherman Wade in the guise of Greppo, a
drudge retained by Hertzog, easily won first
honors, and, with Madeline Marshall, who
played Carline, went through some excellent
dancing and much funny business. Wade
gave a burlesque with Miss Marshall of
"Trilby' which made a distinct hit with the
house, and later executed u dance with the
pretty Young sisters, which was redemanded.
The Crook was played by Jerome Mills, who
gave a faithful impersonation OF the repul-
sive alchemist and presented a number OF
quick changes as to dress and makeup which
were little short of wonderful. He made the
transition from an elderly maiden lady tc
Richelieu in an instant in plain view of the
audience, and was vigorously applauded The
Rixfords in athletic speciality certainly
won for themselves full share OF the credit
for the evenings fun and stood on each 9th
er's heads while they changed their clothes
playing musical instruments, and did other
supposedly impossible things.
There was a full ballet, with Mile. Kraske
and Mile. Mayeroffer as premiers, and the
Amazon march contained number of new
and intricate maneuvers. A unique specially
was given by eight damsels, who came out
with common sleigh bells concealed about
their persons and played number of popular
airs.
E. K. Stanton played Zamiel, the arch
the balance of the characters were acceptably
taken.
The performance terminated with a trans
formation scene similar to those given in bis
spectacular plays, and with the yaricoloret
lights innumerable pretty effects were pro
duced.