The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-04-06
AT THE THEATERS.

company
ed Shakespeare's "Cymbeline" at the Met
ropolitan opera house last night, Miss Mather
appearing in the role Of Imogen. 1t was
superb production. No setting can be too
rich for the jewels Of Shakespeare and surely
! this poetic drama shines with gems "of pur-
est ray serene" A nature endowed with
the faintest spark Of Imagination must con-
template the beauties OF this creation with a
delight akin to rapture. It's picturesque en-
vironment, its simplicity, its divine poetry
and exalted sentiment inspire a reverent ad-
miration
While the appreciative reader of the play
is deeply impressed with its surprising beauty,
1t does not follow that a presentation of it
upon the stage even by competent players
will inspire equal sympathy among the spec
tators. Much of the truly poetic and sub
lime is lost-sacrif1ced in the transferring Of
the great dramausts thought to the stage.
The mechanism of the theater obtrudes itself
upon the distracted thought and the eyes are
gazing upon a cleverly painted piece of seen
cry while the ears idly listening to the
expression of a noble thought But happily
this production is singularly harmonious. The
scene in Wales before the cave inhabited
by old Belarus and the two princes is d
rare specimen of scenic art 1t adds vastly
to the exceeding charm that pervades all
the scenes in which the princes and their
| foster father participate One is almost in
clined to believe that the scenery affords the
players an inspiration, thoroughly i'm
bued with the atmosphere and spirit of the
play do they seem. z
In the role of Imogen, Margaret Mather
never looked prettier in her life. The few
years that Miss Mather has remained in re-
tirement have apparently dealt we'll with her.
Much that is comnaendatory may be justly
said of her delineation Of this most lovable
Of Shakespeares women. What her imper-
sonation seemed to lack at times in point Of
refined delieacy and dignity of manner in the
earlier scenes was atoned for in the broad and
responsive humanity which characterized
her performance as a whole. If she did not
depict in the most vivid rcolors in facial ex-
preston, voice and demeanor the poignant
agony of Imogen's soul when she reads her
husbands awful message to Pisanio her act
ing nevertheless quite satisfying and ap-
propriate. In her assumption of male at
tire Miss Mather appeared to admirable ad-
vantage Her Fidele was graceful and cap
tivating and her scenes with the young
princes charming exhibitions of youthful sim
phcity and sincerity Miss Mather must also
be commended for. the distinctness Of her
enunciation, which rendered all of her
speeches easily Ineligible.
Specially selected for the presentation of
this play as the company undoubtedly was.
II rendered exceptionally good service. Space
forbids detailed comment, further than to
specially mention the Posthumous Leonatus Of
William Courtleigh the Pisanio of William
Redmund, the Belarius of H. A. Weaver
true conception of that fine eharacter-and
the effective characterization of Cloten by
Albert Bruning. Mrs. Thomas Barry's i'm
personation of the queen was likewise credit
! able.
The second presentation of Manager Lifts
latest production was given at the Grand last
/ night before another la ge and decidedly en-
thusiastic audience There were two changes
! in the cast last night. Miss Mcintyre, who
/ originally played the part of Rose Thorne,
changed to that Of Cynthia Wayne, the ad-
venturess and Frances Whitehouse assumed
/ the character of Rose Thorne. The scenic
and electric effects worked more smoothly
! than at Sundays performance and the entire
cast were easy in their Irrespective roles The
usual mid-week matinee viii be given tomor-
| row. ia
| Next week at the Grand farce comedy win
have an inning, and 1.-THE Prodigal Father a
new vehicle Of thisaoFder, will be seen here.
The skft is from the pen of Glen MacDon-
| ough, a well known writer of farcical plays.
A good company is promised in the skit The
various artists are all vaudeville performers
| of excellent merit. ~
ts*ff*
The DAM symphony orchestra will give one
! grand concert at the Metropolitan opera house
next Monday evening. A carefully selected
| programme has been arranged for this occa-
sion, and an evening of rare enjoyment is
promised the music lovers of this city. The
recent appearances Of this organization in ST.
Paul, and the success achieved by the Danz
orchestra in all of the concerts in which they
have been engaged in this city, are a suf1-
cent guarantee of the excellence Of the en-
tertainment offered next Monday. The sale
of seats is now open at the box office of the
] metropolitan. a