The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-09-26
AT THE THEATERS.

Julia Marlowe-T aber and Robert Taber
presented Shakespeare's immortal love trag-
edy at the METROPOLITAN last might. 1t might
De surmised, because these artists have al
ways included Romeo and Juliet" in their
repertoire, that there is nothing new to be
said Of their achievement upon this occasion.
But there is. Their achievement has grown.
Fheir art is amplfeda,
Romeo and Juliet" was SO recently pre-
sehted on the same stage by Otis Skinner
ana MS company that comparison between
that performance Sahd the present LIS almost
inevitable And such comparison serves to
reveal with convincing dstinctness the
marked refinement and the high poetic quail
lty impaired by Mr.. and Mrs. Taber to the
interpretation of the ideal lovers. Mrs. Tab
ers Juliet was always a picture of innocent
girihood, an embodiment of gentleness. a
personificatfon Of poetic loving nature
but II lacked the fervency and the ardor
the intensity and the passion that are awak-
ehea py the Punishment of Romeo. But
with succeeding seasons Mrs. Taber elab-
Grated and strengthened the characterization
until today IT. stands forth symmetrical
adequate and thoroughly satisfying portrayal
MIS- Taber's advance in the impersonation
OF Juliet was most marked in the potion scene
III Whlen she exhibited unexpected power and
ihtehslty. IN the scene in which Juliet re-
ceFes the sleeping potion from the friar
MRS. Taber was likewise most effective Her
expressive features eloquently reflected the
despair, the Distress the heart-rending agony
ana anon, the wild and ecstatic hope inspired
py the frlars words. Her acting was nota-
Wy me ana expressive at the point where
the nurse advises Juliet to marry Paris and
forget Romeo 1t is here that Juliet realizes
tnat she must act her scene alone when her
counselor
/ eohy scene Mrs. Taber was radiant Maid
eniy and delicate as was her department, yet
ehe portrayal was suffused with the warmth
anu 1erVency OF the boundless love that Ju-
net can longer hide from her Romeo.
MI 1doers Romeo is intellectual and no.
cue. rather than passionate; not that Mr..
Taber fails to enoow the role with passion.
out because his temperament is of the In
teiiectuai rather than of the physical and
enouonal order. Mr.. Taber grows in the
character. He Is unquestionably superior In
.ne last act. beginning with Romee's first
knowledge OF Juliets death, following which
| Is ehe scene with the apothecary. Mr.. Taber
expressed with exceptional effect the utter
hopelessness and darkness of life to Romeo
arter receiving the fatal intelligence
| The tomb scene was beautifully set and
mere, TOO, Mr.. Taber's impersonation was
| sympathetic and impressive to degree.
/ VI the supporting company, Dodsen Mitch
el In the role of old Capulet. contributed an
excellent characterization. The Mercutio of
Bassett Roe was acceptable, but lacked spice.
Mr. Roe was not as distinct as could be
wished.
The tragedy was handsomely mounted
Julia Marlowe Taber and Robert Taber will
close their engagement at the Metropolitan
opera house with two performances TODAY.
At the matinee they will present their ad-
mirable production,of "Romola'' and tonight.
the farewell performance they will appear
in Shakespeare's brilliant comedy, Much Ado
About Nothing"
THE Midnight Belr' closes highly sue
eessful engagement at the Grand tonight.