St. Paul daily globe., 1896-03-30
AT THE THEATERS.

The story of Faust, with its elements of
universal tragedy, Is hardly adapted to the
uses OF comedy drama, yet tradition, and
the best tradition, has invested the role Of
Mephisto with grim cynicism that approx
imates humor. But the point at which the
comedy shall cease is sharply defined, and
the general criticism to be passed upon the
production of Faust" by the Griffith COM
pany at the Metropolitan last evening is
that at times 1t found itself on the wrong
side of the line. To be more specific, in
the case Of John Griffith who takes the
leading role, he verges occasionally too
closely upon the buffoon in his lighter scenes
and comes dangerously near to ranting in
his passions. Then. too, he runs very large
ly, as Francis Wilson would say, to "ab-
dominal laugh Mr.. Grifith's Mephisto.
however, is too serious an effort to be
passed with a sweeping or fippant criticism.
Its faults are Of degree rather than Of kind.
His ideal Of the character is evidently cor
rect, and at times, more often than not,
probably, his Interpretation approaches his
ideal. II one were compelled to sum up
Mr.. Grif1th's Mephisto as good or bad the
verdict would be not bad, but opportunity
should be given to qualify the statement.
The average Of the supporting company
there is temptation to use the word chorus
lis not high. Miss Marie Curtis, as Mar
wants in other directions, though she is not
notably inadequate. Miss Gertrude Lodge,
who is known for some rather clever work
in character comedy, is not specially suited
to the role of Martha, and betrays the fact.
y. b. Thayer Is an acceptable Valentine.
The role of Faust, according to the pro-
gramme, is filled by Frank Lyman.
The production in many ways is pretentious
one. and its mounting and accessories are
otto hon oh %N1 30
fireworks is little high. The. musical
features were heartily received, and, all
things considered, deservedly so. The au-
dience last evening was not large, but was
appreciative. Faust will be repeated at
the Metropolitan during the week.
Amy Lee and Frank Doane began a weeks
engagement at the Grand opera house last
night in a combination of melodrama and
fun. entitled Miss Harum Scarum.' AS
rule, the most distressing feature of the
average melodrama is it's alleged comedy.
This melodrama is the exception that proves
the rule, for its comedy is really good.
Miss Amy Lee is so magnetic and clever
soubrette that nobody can ask her to dance.
A soubrette who does not dance must pos
pess entertaining abilities of more than
ordinary character. Amy Lee possesses them.
She is refreshing to a degree. Without ap-
pealing in the slightest degree to the coarser
sensibilities, this young woman wins the
people. Nature seems to have been her
watchword. Notwithstanding the. license of
modern melodrama which permits the widest
outrages upon common sense, Miss Lee never
"o'ersteps the modesty of nature" She Is
spontaneous, vivacious and spirited. She
acts with constant animation, but always
keeps within bounds. She sings several clever
ditties with irresistible effect. Encores were
showered upon her. Her voice is musical and
her personality winning. So entirely salts
flying is Miss Amy Lee. that the theatergoer
may we'll regret that the stage has not more
soubrettes of her school.
Frank Doane, who is likewise starred. is q
clever performer, not so much an actor as
he Is an entertainer. He is breezy and
swift In action, and his ''make-ups" are de-
ceiving. His impersonation of the Italian
was excellent.
The supporting company is efficient, but
TO dismiss 1t with this brief comment would
be an injustice to Miss Marion P Clifton.
VINO contributed an admirable characteriza-
ton OF Molly Mari. the old woman who tries
to foist her daughter upon the good old
Judge, as his long lost grandchild Miss
Ciifton's performance is a vigorous piece of
work; little too loud at times perhans.
but nevertheless strong, earnest and effective.
Tor she is never STACEY. H. La Frochard. in
Inc Two Orphans" she would excel,