The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-03-29
AT THE THEATERS.

An attempt to tell why ''My Friend From
India" which was presented at the Metro.
politan last night, is the funniest conceit wit
messed upon the local stage in many moons.
would probably fail to give the reader a
realizing sense Of the amusing qualities of the
performance. Unlike drama of powerful eli
makes or comedy of exquisite finish, whose
virtues permit of graphic description, the fun
producing characteristics of this farce cannot
be expressed in words. To enumerate the
succession Of ludicrous situations would not
begin to do justice to the farce and its au-
thor, H. A. Du Souchet.
The creation is sui generis. AS there Is
nothing new under the sun, the mainstay OF
all farces, mistaken identity confusion of in
dtviduals and resulting complications, is en-
ployed, but employed with exceptional and
admirable ingenuity The amusing perplexi-
ties and predicaments are unexpected and in
consequence all the more effective as antici-
patton does not dull the enjoyment of the
actual scene. The author has not sacrificed
action in an obvious effort to write witty
lines. The wit and repartee of a purely
spontaneous character, arising naturally from
the situation, allowing, of course. for the
license of farce.
The original provocation for the merriment
is supposed theosophist from India, who is
In reality an ordinary barber, whom the sporty
son of a retired pork-packer has fallen in
with after nights hurrah and taken home
with him. In the morning the son realizes his
predicament, his father having previously
warned him that his next escapade will re-
suit in his being compelled to take care Of
himself. But knowing the old man determi-
nation to get his two daughters into "sassi-
ETY., the son introduces his friend, the barber
as Rev. Mr.. Tweedle, Of Boston, famous
tl6OSODliSt n
India. Mr.. Underholt's business sense tells
him that here is the golden opportunity to
bring 'sassiety'' to his feet, for is not theos-
ophy fad? So he cultivates his sons friend
from India" Subsequently the genuine Mr..
Tweedle arrives and the complications
thicken.
To further increase the provocation for
laughter, the author introduces the char
acter Of Tflly, Il German maid. lilly IS a
brilliant success from this standpoint. She
is as original as she is comical. The sight
of her disturbs the gravity of the sourest
dyspeptic. But when she teaches old Mr..
Underholt to dance what she conceives to
be 1.-The german" the theater is in an uproar
Of laughter.
The farce is in three acts the first of
which is comparatively slow. The second
begins rather tamely, when suddenly the
situations begin to come, and the laughter
never ceases thereafter.
The company gives entire satisfaction. Fred
eric Bonds impersonation of old Underholt,
the pork packer, is extremely good, and con-
tributes much to the enjoyment Of the per-
Torrance. Edward S. Abeles, in the role Of
Charles Underholt, the son, is an undeniably
clever performer. In the last act, Mr. Abeles
gave an excellent imitation of Richard Mans
field as Baron Chevrial in the final banquet
scene of GA Partisan Romance" Walter Per-
kins was sufficiently amusing in the char
acter Of A. Keene Shaver, the tonsorial the
osophist. May Vokes was irresistibly comical
as the German maid Marion Giroux as Miss
Hayste, Charley's fiancee and Miss Helen
Reimer the widow were entirely salts
factory. So were Miss Louise Galloway and
Miss Kenyon Bishop as the daughters of
Mr.. Underholt.
''The Shadows of a Great City" that pic
turesque melodrama with its moving seem
cry, hair-breadth scapes and thrilling eli
makes, delighted a large audience at the
Grand last night. The gallery went into
ecstasies over the exciting episodes that ter
minated the second and fourth acts while
the less demonstrative spectators expressed
their approval with the heartiest applause.
For the scenery is elaborate and effective
and the company above the average engaged
in presenting dramatic material of this or
der. The performance was smooth and
brisk, considering the heavy nature of the
scenery and the serious character of some
of the situations, while the comedy features,
with which this play is plentiful1y supplied,
were capably presented, and provided pleas
ing contrast The revolving scene at the
close OF the second act, representing the in
terror and exterior of the penitentiary on
B.ackwell's Island, and the East river flow
ing by, was picturesque to a degree. The
scene representing the boat house on the
river was also effective.
The leading male role--that of Tom Cooper
was ably impersonated by William Beach.
Julia Stewart appeared in the dual role of
Annie Standish and Helen Standish, mother
and daughter, and gave entire satisfaction
in both. Ed Andersons impersonatfon of
Abe Nathans the convict who attempts to
drown the child Of Annie Standish, was
creditabie piece of work.
The sale of seats opens this morning for
the engagement of James O'NeiI at the Met
ropoiitan opera house, which begins Thurs
Gay evening. Mr.. O'Neills repertory will be
as follows: Thursday and Saturday even
ings Monte Cristo;" Friday evening" Ham
let;" Saturday matinee, "Virginius"
handsome souvenir will be presented to each
/ lady holding reserved seat coupon for the
lower floor for the opening performance on
Thursday evening.