The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-02-16
AT THE THEATERS.

d Well-C0HSJTuCteu hSlOul anna,
essentially English in its ingredients, with
plenty of red-eoats and top boots, certain
amount of social scandal, the usual intricate
network OF love affairs,E from the leading lady
10 the maid in waiting, and number OF
really new features, was put on last night
at the Grand, and the audience with It's ap-
petite ~hettod by the delay from Sunday
night, received it with the utmost vigor and
enthusiasm. The play is by Sutton Vane,
and In the hands of a competent company,
headed by Joseph Grismer and Phoebe Da-
vies' was given "a Thoroughly clever, con-
sistent presentation.
Few plays nowadays appeal alike to the
gallery and parquet Humanity does both.
The duel with sabers in the third act be-
tween Mr.. Grismer. as Lieut.. Bevis Gram
bourne, and Capt. John S. Swift, both
mounted on trained steeds, was thrilling in
the extreme, and was an exhibition of the
most skfllful work with the broadswords.
The explosion which ends another heart
breaking scene, is perhaps the most complete
and realistic which has been seen on the
boards at the Grand. The hunting scene in
the first act, where perhaps a dozen men
and women on hunters. and surrounded by
a pack OF hounds in charge of whipper-in,
make their appearance clad in the gay CO.'S
tune OF the chase. rounds out a trio of feat
OF the usual lines. and add to the pleasures
of the spectator.
1t is clean. well-told story of horses and
dogs, and hunting and war and love, all
lngenlously fntermingled. The scenes are
laid in England and South Africa. Bevis
Cranbourne, the hero, member of the
dragons, loves Alma Dunbar, English
girl who, though she lives in South Africa,
is visiting Cranbournes mother in England.
Maj. Dangertield, the villain, who is war
correspondent, also loves Alma, but has per-
suaded LesDia Penn, the daughter of a
Quaker, William Penn, to accompany him to
London. where he accomplishes her undong.
The first act finds the whole house party at
the Cranbourne manor, ready to start on
the hunt, when news comes of the uprising
of Beers, and the dragons are called to the
scene Of the trouble. Mennasses Marks, a
big-hearted Jew, refuses, at the instance Of
Dangerheld, to crowd Cranbourne, and thus
hurt him in the eyes of Alma.
The second act shows PENIS cottage,
where, by succession of adroitly managed
incidents, the suspicion of guilt falls on
CranbCurne, and is shared by Penn, and
Alma and even Cranbourne's mother. Lesbia
Penn VIII not speak, thereby preventing an
explanation which will set all right. The
father finally discovers the secret, and
d
and kills him. Cranbourne's mother,
who is blind. thinks it is her son
doing murder. The Jew is, however, a wit
ness, and turns UP with his tale at the right
time. ~ .r
In the thick of the fight with the Beers
Dangerfed is discovered to be a spy and is
literally driven away ,frem the fort by the
women. He then joins the Boer forces and by
means of knowledge gained while in the fort
plans for it's betrayal and the most exciting
scene ensueS. Cranbourne is captured and
sentenced to death, after having gotten word
to the English forces of the peril Of the fort
with It's few men and women. After killing
his adversary in the broadsword contest he is
seized by the enemy, but succeeds in hurting
a youngster on his trusty steed and giving
him papers which he himself meant to deliver.
he is bound and gagged and only saved
at the last terrible moment by his sweet
heart, who has with her several companions
been enabled to overcome as many men by
being allowed to reload their rifles. The ex-
citement is intense. The bomb is sizzling.
IL threatens to go every minute. In rushes
the girl, picks it up with difficulty and hurls
it through the easement just in time to hear
it burst in a thousand pieces, bringing de-
struction with it. The whole fort appears to
fall in and the effect is brilliant Dangerfield
is turned away in disgrace by the Beers, and,
being struck by a piece of the bomb, loses
his reason, finds his way back to the English
manor, only to be aDpFehended for the Penn
murder and put away.
The situations are strong and We'll worked
up.
The play is one CT lasting interest, and
every part is acceptably taken. Mr.. Grismer
is a natural, gallant, good-looking soldier with
a pretty sweetheart Miss Davies) and the
support is even ali the way through The
play will last the balance of the week.
R1ceS merry extravaganza, "Evangeline, 4"
at the Metropolitan opera house last night re-
peated its success of the previous evening
Tomorrow afternoon popular-priced matinee
will be given. 'tEvangeline' will remain
at the Metropolitan opera house the rest of
the week. the engagement closing Saturday
night.
Next Week
Observation-Disclosures of the Nile"
Grand-fWhen London Sleeps"