The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-08-10
AT THE THEATERs.

Cali the Comforts of Home" another of
William Gillette's amusing farces, delighted
large audience at the Metropolitan .ast
night The presentation of the farce by the
Giffen-Neill company was, in respect to the
chief characters. bright and breezy. The
minor roles were, for the most part. in ca
pab,e hands, with one conspicuous exception,
fortunately confined to Nct of the four.
Local theater-goers are so familiar with the
farce as to render extended comment upon
it superhuous Suffice it to say that it effer-
yesces with witty and pungent dialogue,
abounds in most laughable situations and
presents some irresistible character sketches,
notably those of Theodore Bender the retired
produce dealer with a penchant for actresses,
his jealous wife, Josephine, and Tom Nc
Dow. a boy from the streets, who has a half
interest in everything that is going on, and
keeps everybody moving.
Theodore Bender is the chief mirth-pro-
yoker This role was entrusted to a new
member of the company. ]. B. Everham and
most happily so entrusted. Mr.. Everham is
an excellent comedian. His methods are those
of the artist He is buoyant, not bosterous.
His laughter is contagious, his expression
genial his demeanor unassuming. The COM
pany is fortunate in securing pleasing
actor to fill the vacancy caused by the de-
parture of that admirable artist, Mr.. Owen.
Not any less effective and artistic was Kate
Biancke's representation of Mrs. Bender, the
suspicious, hen-packing spouse of the sus-
ceptibe Theodore. The o b e has already
had occasion to commend Miss Biancke for
her faithful portrayal of eccentric characters.
It is a pleasure to reiterate the praise that
this actress unquestionabiy merits. Her per-
formance last night was symmetrical, clean
md
touch Of theatrcism.
Anne BIancke played Tom Mellow a pro-
tege of Alfred Hastings. the nephew, who,
with the help of Tom, turns his uncle's resi-
dence into a lodging house. A clever, spon-
taneous little actress is Anne Blancke, who,
given an opportanitya enlivens every scene
in which she participates. She has the OPP
portunty in "Ai the Comforts of Home"
and she improves it vastly.
Miss Edythe Chapman looked pretty in the
role of Fiji Oritanski.- the gay opera singer,
who dons tightsSfor ATTRACTION of a second,
and acted with considerable spirit and vivac-
ity James Neiltl wasteasy and agreeable in
the character Oh Allied Hastings. Egbert
Pettibone, his uncle who is tormented by the
pangs of jealousy, though his wife is above
reproach, was impersonated by Herschel May
all in an entirely satisfactory manner. The
role Is not long one, but it possesses suffi-
cent individuality to Test the quality of an
actor. Jennie Daley contributed pleasing
representation of an ingenious maiden from
the provinces, and Arnold Days characterize
ton Of Augustus McSnath. the Scotchman,
had the genuine favor. Rosa Swain was ac-
ceptab!e in the minor role of Emily Pettibone.
The latitude Of farce is very broad, but it
is not so extensive as to excuse the I'M
bounded exaggeration exhibited by Edward
Tittmann, who sought to present a car.ca.u re
of nervous music teacher His absence
from the stage curing a major portion of the
play was q relief.