The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-03-16
APPROPRIATIONS NEEDED.
AT THE THEATERS.

stuart Robson's unique personality which
includes his much initiated but nevertheless
lnlmltable eccentricities of speech, and Opie
heao vital character sketching transferred
TO the stage, combine to make 1.-The Juck-
Inns an entertaining drama of more than
ordinary interest. Author and actor are both
artists Opie Reads creations speak for his
genius Stuart Robson has demonstrated in
the course Of an extensive career his WORTH
ness OF the position he has attained for
Whlle his personal idiosyncrasies of manner
ana speech are OF pleasing and happy char
acter, Mr.. Robson is an actor of eenuina
merit, whose stage artifce is never apparent
VINO Is never guilty Of theatricism whose
methods are invariably simple, true and
natural.
The Jucklins" unquestionably pleased tho
large ana keenly appreciative audience that
assembled at the Metropolitan last night The
characters were not strangers to the majority
tor Mr.. Reads story has had an extensive
cnentele OF readers. The most enjoyable mo-
ments were those devoted to the exhibition
OF Mr. Reads character sketching In the
unfolding of the story, or plot the drama
tzatlon is not satisfying. It halts In ac
ton. The consciousness that something Is
lacking Is always present. A situation Is
about to occur. 1t assumes form, begins 70
grow, and arouses eager anticipation. when
suddenly the substance vanishes, the climax
that seems inevitable disappears The story
becomes a secondary motive, and dramatic
possibilities are sacrificed
Lemuel Jucklin's penchant. or more correct
~ passion, for the exciting diversion afford
ed by two game cocks when left to them
serves few moments, is an amusing IL not
the most amiable trait of this odd character
ana most amusingly does Mr.. Robson exhibit
this popularity, though perhaps peculiar
lty is not exactly the word, in view of the
most generous applause not to saw enthu
siasm, which greeted set-to between the
two birds which takes place at the close Of
the second act The spectators seemed to
nave caught the fever, judging by the eager
ness with which they half rose from their
seats and applauded the brief contest But
however addicted to the cooking main a man
may be, one cannot help feeling that Lem
uel's love of the innocent sport-innocent for
him, for he never let's the birds fight to a
hnlsh-is obtrusivey if not sacrilegiously in
troduced in that deeply pathetic scene that
closes the third act. The father and mother
have received the fatal tidings that their he
loved boy has been convicted of murder in
the first degree. 1t is night, and all have
lett the room save the poor, heart-broken
mother-the most beautiful, faithful and hu-
man character in the story. In an agony of
ton. this noble woman who comes from the
stock that stood at the stake" But her great
grief overwhelms her The tears blind her
eyes and her head falls forward uDon her
hands. Upon this scene, muteIv. and tbere-
lore, all the more eloquenty expressive of
the mothers agony, stalks the husband and
father with two dead game cocks, one under
each arm. In his own despair over the fate
Oh MS son, upon the theory that the ruling
passion is strong even in death. LemueI has
armed his game cocks with spurs and 1e+
them fight to a finish! This may have been
zone IN a reverent and sacriicial spirit on
the part OF Lemuel, but it is submitted that
this mode Of expressing a great grief is IN
striking and shocking contrast with that os
the mother, and ought not, therefore to be
intruded into the scene.
The presentation of the play was in tbe main
satisfactory Mr.. Robson was. of course en-
tlrely, extremely amusing in the lighter
scenes and notably effective when a serious
demeanOr was demanded Mrs Samuel
Charles is entitled to unstinted praise for her
gentle, sympathetic portrayal of the good Old
fashioned wife and mother. 1t is a cheractar
lzatlon much to be commended. Another
character possessing marked individuality IL
that of Sheriff Jim Sharp, who was admirably
unprecedented by Newton ChisneH The others
were acceptable.
Under Martial Law" is an unuuestionahle
hit at the Grand. The house was again mack
ed last night by a very enthusiastic audi
ence.
Another new play called "ShaII We Forgive
Herr" will be brought out at the Grand next
week. 1t is the property Of Jacob Lift and
will be given under his personal direction. II
Is an English play, and this will be its first
American presentation. Mr. Lift has en-
gagged fine cast. Among the Leading mem
bers are Fanny Mcintyre, Thomas H. Wise.
George w. Deyo and others.
Stuart Robson will present "The JuckIins''
at the Metropolitan opera house for three
more performances, tonight, tomorrow night.
and popular price matinee tomorrow after
noon.
1t is not often that an American play is
brought here with record of over 400 coz
tinuous performances, but that has been won
by For Fair Virginia. in which Mr. anG
Mrs. Russ Whytal will appear at the Metro
politan during the latter half of this week
The favorable impression made here by this
play last season will be generally recalled. II
is one of the prettiest, purest and sweetest
OF modern Dramas with just enough OF the
war to bring about some stirring and thrilling
situations. There Is handsome and complete
scenic production, and an excellent company.
headed by Mabel Bert The Saturday matinee
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