The record-union., 1897-09-07
NAME.
ADJUSTMENTS.

Shaw's dramatic company opened at
the Metropolitan Theater last night to
an unexpectedly large audience for a
two weeks engagement. For Monday
night here is considered a bad night in
theatricals ShaW's company is an all
round good one. We have had many q
troupe of less ability and merit, playing
here at top notch prices. 1t lacks Of
course the finish and symmetry and
leadership of the great stock companies
but its members leave nothing wanting
in endeavor and in earnestness. There
is, judging from lastnight's cast in The
Nesterner," no weak timber in the or
ganization, while there is a good deal
of special and strong merit. Mr.. Shaw
was satisfactory as the hero of the
play THE Westerner." little too I'M
conventional and original, perhaps, but
frank, sincere and natural. Mrs. Shaw
made an especially good impression,
playing a matronly part with an as
sumption of age and a droll humor
that was very creditable. Miss Howe,
the heroine mad but very limited oppor-
tunity to prove her mettle. She is of
attractive presence. good voice and
reads with distinctnesS and feeling.
Birdie De Vault was especially success
full in a law comedy role and is alto
gether a pleasing sOubrette. Mr.. De
Vault, who has been seen here before,
was satisfactory in a. leading senti-
mental role. touched by a shade of
humor Mr. Watson we estimate as
far more than clever. His assumption
of the rough-riding and merry Western
Sheriff and miner, was a bit of char
aeter acting of the better order, and one
much to his credit Mr. HoOlev, as
the elderly deacon with secret gambling
proclivities, had the low comedy role
and left nothing wanting in it. 1t was
artistic and thoroughly good work.
Iewellyn and Gilbert acceptably filled
essential parts in a very practical sort
of play. Mr.. Hallett, an old favorite
here. was warmly received. He was
the villain of the romance and carried
1t with his old time sang froid and ease.
He has lost nothing but has rather
gained in his art since he was last seen
here. Between acts Birdie De Vault
gave a very pretty fancy dance with
song and later with Mr.. De Vault ap-
peared as a tough girl to his clever Tar
Flat boy, in a new double act that was
capital. She is more than a clever
dancer and is besides sometime of an
acrobat, 1.-THE as a willow and as grace
full Miss Kelton gave a fancz dance
and on recall a difficult ii=. Mr.. Lew
ellyn appeared as tramp in character
istic songs. and won hearty favor. This
olio testified to the broad versatility Of
the people Of the company. 1t is ad-
mittedly odd TO see leading characters
in q drama come on between acts in a
vaudeville performance. but it must be
granted that their work was good on
both sides The troupe Will become
popular here. 1t has the elements that
will commend il to its audiences It's
performances, We venture TO predict.
will long before the close of the engage
ment fill the Metropolitan beyond its
seating capacity. There IS a spirit of
determination, an air of confidence and
an atmosphere of attractiveness about
the entire organization. that we predict
Will make it popular. The orchestra
of the company, by the way. is good
one and very satisfactorily entertained
between acts. Tonight the rafting
comedy a Kentucky Girl It viii be
put upon the stage with special scenery
and number Of sensational mechanical
effects.