The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-03-19
AT THE THEATERS.

For Fair Virginia" with Russ Whytal.
the author Of the drama, and Mrs. Russ Why
tai in the principal roles, deserved a much
larger audience than that assembled at the
Metropolitan opera house last night That
the patronage was not of the same liberia!
character noticeable at the Metropolitan dur
ing the past few weeks can be accounted for
only upon the supposition that the play and
these two admirable artists are comparative
strangers to St. Paul theater-goers. But in
this instance, strangers they should be
welcomed. Nearly eighteen months ago, 1t
is true, Mr.. and Mrs. Whytal and their com
pany presented this play in St Paul at an
other theater, upon which occasion it's merits
were instantly recognized by all who wit
messed the production, but the engagement
was brief, and a comparatively slight &C
quaintance with the st. Paul public was the
result.
For Fair Virginia" is a war play, in
which the scene OF action is confined 10 Viz
ginia. The Virginia" of its attractive title,
however is not the famous old common
wealth, but rather daughter of that state.
She has married the man she loved, who
happens to be Yankee. When the war
breaks out he joins the Union army but
Virginia Esmond, his wife refuses to leave
their Virginia home, for her heart is with
her country. During the three years alb
sence of her husband she is prosecuted and
insulted by a Confederate army officer, who
had failed to win her love before marriage
and who strives to make her disloyal after
ward. His advances are repHlsed with scorn.
If this were the sole theme of the play, it
would be hopelessly conventional. There are
two other roles that give the drama its dis
tinctive charm and character. They are Nell
husband and Stephen Dunbar, a Southerner
by birth, a warm7s friend to Esmond, and
something more than that to his sister Nell.
1t is the mission of these two to protect Mrs
Esmond and her child. and to fall in love with
each other while doing the brave work With
out detailing the plot Of the story. 1t is
enough to say that the author handles 1t in
a skilful and absorbing manner. The situa-
lions are notably strong, and the dialogue
is characterized by good taste and refined
sentiment. A pretty story gracefully told is
For Fair Virginia"
AS for its presentation the cast is entirely
adequate, save in one respect. Mr.. and Mrs.
Russ WhytaI are ideal in their impersona-
tions of Stephen Dunbar and Nell Esmond
the Yankee girl. Mrs. Whytars rich voice
possesses a potent charm. and there is a
witchery in her smile that renders her per
sonality singularly captivating. To these nat
ural qualities are added the accomplishments
of superior actress. The combination is
as effective as it is rare. Mr.. WhytaIs act
ing Is marked by the same good taste, re-
flnement and earnestness. It Is also vigorous
and virile to the point of intensity when the
occasion demands the display of these quail
ties.
Miss Mabel Bert must likewise be COM
mended for her admirable portrayal of Vir-
ginia Esmond, the prosecuted wife, The i'm
PRESERVATION was marked by the dignity and
sympathy which beiengbto the character. Not
the slightest traceuof affectation or theatric
artif1ce marred 1t. x u ?
The role of John Baughlin the dishonorable
Confederate officer! need not be made as
odious TO the eye as he Is to the moral sense.
but Alex Kearney'tmakes him so by reason
of the contortionsSef his neck and chest in
the scenes with Mrs. Esmond.
John Woodward contributes an excellent
Characterization ofiiUncle Zeb, the old negro
servant.
Louis N. Scott manager OF the MetropolI-
tan opera house. Is in New York. He will
secure several Of the latest attractions for
spring dates. II
Under Martial Law will remain through
the week at the Grand. 1t IS not often a
cast of such excellent strength is seen here.
Frank Ha-Yey's riay. "shau We Forgive
Herr" follows Under Martial Law at the
Grand. Rehearsals have 6een going on I'M
der the personal direction o: Manager Jacob
Lift. Having seen the piece played liz Eng
land. Mr.. Ltt feels confident it will repeat
Its London success here.
''For Fair Virginia Will be presented at
the Metropolitan opera house for three more
performances. tonight, tomorrow night, and
at po2ular-rrics matinee tomorrow after
noon.