St. Paul daily globe., 1896-04-25
AT THE THEATERS.

hnea appeared at the Metropolitan opera
mouse last night in the role of Josephine in
ALBERT HaVen's Napoleonic play, "Josephine
Empress of the French" Rhea's imnerso.
nation OF this much-abused heroine Of Frencb
history is SO familiar to the theater- going
public as not to require extended comment.
IL sufnceth to say that her portrayal retains
the same conscientious quality, sincerity and
earnestness That have always characterized
IL IL interesting as Josephine always will be to
tnose who read the sad story of her divorce
from Napoleon, the character as REVEALED IN
Mr. Haven's play is too somber for a n1avor
or Rhea's temperament to assume to the best
advantage. Rhea is essentially comedienne
ana as such Is happier in delineating char
acters actuated by less serious and mora
olVersined motives. Mr.. Haven's play deals
entirely with that distressing period IN
Josephine's life, when the blackest clouds
hang over her, and so her picture is alwavs
enVeioped in gloomy shadow, and the char
acterization is necessarily monotonous.
Nothing short of the deep insight and lofty
poetry OF a Shakespeare could impart the
glow of palpitating life to such a picture.
The character Of Napoleon, though in the
foreground during the first three acts. is
subsequently lost sight Of but while before
the eye the portrait is noticeable for certain
vital strokes, indicating the individuality of
the man, If not producing a vivid and lasting
impression. Necessarily much depends upon
the personality and physique of the actor
who essays to interpret the foremost figure
in the history of the modern world. Lyon
L. Adams the player to whom this task is
allotted, lacks complete physical adaptability
to the role, and Is deficient in power at
critical moments, yet, notwithstanding these
shortcomings, his delineation Is marked by
sympathetic strokes, that reveal the better
nature of the man most effectively. His
soliloquy in the chamber scene before his
farewell to Josephine, was delivered with fine
feeling and poetic expression. Mr. Adams
voice is not strong, but 1t possesses the
quality of sympathy. to an unusual degree
1t was, all in all. an interesting portrayal Of
most trying role that Mr.. Adams contrib
uteG. The support was acceptable.
Mile Rhea will appear at the matinee to-
day at the Metropolitan opera house In 80
sephine, Empress of the French" Popular
prices viii prevail Previous to the play the
distinguished actress will deliver her essay
on Napoleon" This lecture is interesting,
especially when given in connection with the
play, based on the life of the great emperor,
and the audience is requested to be seated
by o'clock. Mile. Rhea will close her en-
gagement in this city with the farewell per-
formance of "Nen Gwynne" tonight.
Gus Hill and his clever company of high
class vaudeville performers will close a very
good weeks engagement with two perform
ances today at the Grand.
The Grand will go back to farcical comedy
for the week beginning tomorrow night The
attraction will be sThe Doctor" new and
successful musical absurdity in three acts,
constructed purely for laughing purposes.
and introducing new star in the clever
comedian, John J. Burke.
The popular tragedian. Frederick Warde
win begin encouragement of four nights and
Wednesday rnatinee at the Metropolitan
orera house tomorrow night. presenting for
the evenings. performance King Lear" and
for the Wednesday, matinee Julius Caesar"