The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-09-21
AT THE THEATERS.


writer who recently reviewed the perform
ance IN Milwaukee happily said that Digby
Bell Laura Joyce Bell and IA Midnight Bell
constituted a chime, as 1t WERE He might
have added the rest Of the company for,
while the two stars and the play itself sounded
the fundamental notes, the other players sup
piled the tones that completed the harmoni-
GUS picture OF New England life. For such
is "A Midnight Bell" creation of which
Mr.. Hoyt may justly feel proud. Unlike his
other works, In which the real human inter-
est is subordinated to the purposes OF satire
and fun. "A Midnight Bell is a straight
comedy, which faithfully reflects the sayings
and doings of rustic New England people,
viewed under conditions calculated to reveal
their quaint mannerisms and amusing express
s1ons rather than the deep and vital emotions
which are exhibited in much the same way in
California they are in New HAMPSHIRE
The comedy does not however, lack serious
interest. An innocent man is suspected CT
robbing bank His nephew, who is likewise
innocent, confesses to the crime to save his
uncle from disgrace The district school
teacher-in reality the sister of the young
man-enables him to escape. For this she is
compelled to resign her position. Homeless
and without means, the village preacher a
single man, gives the unfortunate woman the
shelter of his home, which he shares with
his sister.
The members of his flock shake their heads,
: and finally request him to turn the poor girl
outdoors or resign his charge He takes the
stand of man and resigns. At this stage the
real thief is discovered, the school teacher is
exonerated and there are reasons to believe
that she isn't obliged to teach school there
after, and that the parson ceases to be
bachelor.
hut
true and wholesome But if. these serious
characters were unrelieved they might be-
come monotonous. They are relieved, how
ever, in Hoyt's inimitable fashion. In Deacon
l1do, MI. Hoyt has given to the stage a
character every bit as human as Joshua
Whitcomb. The interest in him may not be
as serious, but his character is drawn with
as true strokes and shaded with greater va
riety of color. The cute yet homely wit OF
this important and practical rustic is ire
sistibie; as the sheriff and selectman of the
town expresses, or thinks he does, the SEN
tIment of the community every time he opens
ms mouth. This role is entrusted to Digby
Bell His portrayal of it is more than good.
1t is artistic to degree. Mr.. Bells down East
dialect is well nigh perfect and his action is
in complete harmony with it, Those telling,
touching and peculiar mannerisms that give
the deacon his individuality were skillfully.
not oDtruslyely, applied by the actor and the
result was an admirable Characterization un-
marred by a suspicion of exaggeration or
theatric trick
Laura Joyce Bell realized the natural con-
ception of gossipy old maid, founded on
universal observation. Aside from the merit
OF her impersonation, she also contributed
several contraito solos, her rich and vibrant
voice delighting the audience
A. 81,
to be commended. Ed Redway fairly outshone
the famous "Pecks Bad Boy His song and
dance at the sewing circle were repeatedly
encored. Miss Anna Ward, in the role Of
Dot, the parsons sister, was as sprightly
and saucy as girl ever was and Frank
Monroe contributed a manly and dignifed
impersonation of the clergyman. William P.
Sheldon was commercially natural in the
role of Squire Olcott, the bank president
Praise Is also due the mixed quartette, con-
sisting Of Mrs. Bell, Miss Olive Bender, So
prano; H. S. Parks, tenor, and Herman
Hirschberg. baritone. The latter gentleman
is likewise entitled to credit for his breezy
and unaffected representation Of Lawyer
Keene.
Such large audience has rarely been seen
in the Grand opera house. The theater was
packed from pit to dome, and the people were
as enthusiastic they were numerous.
-rfIJJ3s
Julia Marl6we Taber and Robert Taber, who
are to begin a weeks engagement at the
Metropolitan opera house tonight, arrived in
the city last evening.
Peculiar interest attaches to the visit Of
these admirable artists this season, mas
much as they will present for the first time
a dramatization of George Eliot's grand story,
tRomola,' the only novel of the famous
author that has ever been transferred to the
stage. The dramatization is the work of
Elwyn A. Barron, the former dramatic editor
of the Chicago Inter Ocean. Referring to the
preparations they have made for the produc-
ton. Mrs. Taber said, when seen at the Ryan
hotel last evening:
while in Europe during the summer
months, Mr.. Taber and myself visited Flor
ence. the scene Of the story. We spent con-
siderable time there studying 'Romola and
familiarizing ourselves with the scenery so
closely associated with the incidents of the
novel, breathing its atmosphere, as it were.
I am more than pleased with the result of our
sojourn In Florence. 1t not only brought us
into closer touch with the story, but also
enabled US to produce the dramatization with
historically accurate accomplishments and
properties. This was especially desirable In
the case of the ecclesiastical properties such
as the crucifXes, etc., which are all repro
duced in the exact form and style then in
vogue"
Asked whether she found the role Of Romola
as congenial as some of her favorite Shake
spearean characters, Mrs. Taber replied, she
had never assumed a character which enlist
er her sympathy to so great an extent.
Mr.. and Mr~ Taber also visited Verona,
the scene of the immortal love tragedy,
Romeo and Juliet" and, as a result of that
visit, some notable changes in the scenery will
mark their presentation of Romeo and
Juliet" next Friday night.
1--WE spent two weeks In London" said
Mr.. Taber, where we witnessed Beerbohm
Treas production. of Henry w., in which
we naturally were much interested and
revival of The School for Scandal and like
wise Mr.. ssld Mrs. Kendall in play entitled
The Greatest of These in other words Char
ity.' We remained in Paris few days be-
fore sailing for home, but nothing Of any
note in dramatic way then to be seen
there"
''Ronola is in four acts and an epilogue, and
the story is one Of extraordinary interest and
power; it deals with life in Florence, when
the city, the history of which is the most
fascinating OF all the Italian capitals, was in
the height of It's glory. The play is most
deliberately staged the utmost care being
taken to give faithful reproduction of Flor
entine life in the latter part Of the fifteenth
century. "Romola'' will be produced tonight,
tomorrow and Wednesday nights. and at the
Saturday matinee. Thursday evening the
Marlowe-Taber company will appear in GAS
You Like It." Friday evening in Romeo and
Juliet" and Saturday evening much Ado
About Nothing
LIND, PRO AND CON.