The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-06-15
AT THE THEATERS.

Jim the Penman," one of the strongest
VI hooern society dramas, and certainly I'M
excelled IN that class was presented a. the
metropolitan opera house last night nv tho
GlfIen-Neiu stock company. AS the NAV iS
superior to any heretofore produced during
the engagement CT this company, so the ner
AorHlahce OF 1t surpassed the company's nra
ceolng achievements. The reason therefor is
plain. Mary Hampton, Charles Kent and
James E. Wilson, three of the leading mem
bers of the Organization, are better oualifad
to portray roles lof more serious character
ana OF greater dramatic intensity than thosa
OF THE Grey Mare and the Amazops -
me Giffen-Neill company is not an aggre
eatlon OF farceurS. It is rather an Creaniza-
tlon OF artistic players, we'll equipped with
experience and talent to present dramas of
substance and purpose, dramas that yibrate
with feeling, andiarouse the deeper synnpathtes
and emotions. In plays of such a. character
this company finds its true scope The
comedians with whom it is amply sunnIied
shine the more brilliantly by contrast with
the serious dramatis personae, and so the en-
tire strength of the company is called into
play, and the result is an admirable COM
poslte achievement. "Seneca cannot be too
heavy nor Plautus too light"
For the first time during the engagement
Miss Mary Hampton has had an opportunitv
to do herself justice. Miss Hampton is es
sentially emotional actress" Her ner
sonality and voice adapt her to the portrayal
OF roles requiring the exhibition of dramatic
Intensity. Her impersonation of Mrs Rail
ston, the wife of the forger was highly
satisfying. 1t was especially vital and eff
fective in the crucial scene in the third act
where Mrs. Ralston discovers that her bus
VIZ Oft hot
from her first love. and so won her for him
self. Her scorn for the man and adherence
OF the deed were splenddly simulated
James e. Wilson assumed the title role
AS the successful forger, man in middle
life, who has amasSed a fortune James
Ralston is a far more interesting and an IN
hnltely stronger character than the hero of
ga Social Highwayman," who robs ladies'
of quality of their diamond necklaces while
helping them on with their wraps If is
but justice to Mr.. Wilson to commend his
impersonetion of Jim the Penman' as a
Well-conceived, consistent and artistically ex-
ecuted performance Mr.. Wilson invested the
role with the proper dignity. maintained an
effective repose and exercised the restraint
and repression that suggest strength rather
than boisterousE proclaim it.
Charles Kent's portrayal of that cunning
u
likewise admirable piece of work.
While opinions might vary as to the correct
ness of Mr.. Keats German accent, there is
room for dispute as to the quality of mis-
acting. His Variety of facial expression
suggestiveness Of gesture and movement
short, his entire depneanor and bearing
stamped the character with a distinct and
striking individualityyl
Words of praise must likewise be bestowed
to John B. Malter forIhis admirable assump-
ton of the role Of Capt. Redwood. the de-
tectiye much given TO falling asleep-with
one eye open. The role is what is regarded
in theatrical parlancet as a fiat one." but
it might easily Be overacted
The remaining characters were we'll played.
Robert Drouet was all that could be de-
sired in the role of Louis Percival, the Amer
lean, and Robert Morris was refreshingly
natural and unaffected as Lord Drelincourt.
William F. Owen impaired a breezy, brusque
air to the physician, DR.. Pettywise, suffi-
Gent to give the role decided color William
Sampson was capital in "bit," calling for
the representation Of an excitable but good
natured M. p, and Arnold DAILY contributed
a meritorious impersonation of Jack Ralston.
Kate Blancke, Eleanor Carey and Blanche
Johnson were entirely satisfactory. Same bill
all the week.