The Saint Paul globe., 1897-02-08
AT THE THEATERS.

Shaft No e. was well received at the
Grand last evening, actors. play and audi
enee being thoroughly en- rapport. Not only
is the play the product of the pen OF st.
Paul man. Frank L. Bixby, at one time resi-
dent manager OF the Grand, but two old st.
Paul fayorites, Frank Losee and Marian El-
more. head the cast. The plot OF SHAT No.
is drawn upon the strongest of meio-
dramatic lines and fairly reeks with heart
thrilling elimaxes and situations which are
calculated to make the spine Of the average
deyotee Of the drama experience cold chiils
me story Of the play is centered in cleo
tr1city. Jim Rathburn Crank Losee)s
mechanic In the employ of Samuel Edeson,
president OF the Phoenix mines, discovers
new electrical machine, which, when per-
fected, will revolutionize the mechanical
world Hiram Ely, rich man with a grudge
against Rathburn's employer ON account OF
an early love affair, learns of the young me-
chanics invention and endeavors to induce
Jim to allow him to "expioit the machine to
the world" offering him large sum Of
money. But Rathburn stands true to his
employer ard refuses. Ely attempts strate-
gem and through an accomplice gains en-
trance to Jim's workshop one night The
rich villain destroys the machine, Jim having
been drugged. terrible rain storm RACES
outside and as he steps to the door fash
Va A'6hShih6 NCeCCluS lrOlu LIE CIOuQS Kill
ing him. Rathburn is arrested for the mur-
der of Ely. Sensation after sensation fol-
Low each other in rapid succession. and Jim
Is finally reprieved while sitting in the death
chair about to be electrocuted.
PROBABLY the best feature of the perform
ance is the mechanical triumph in act 3. Too
much praise cannot be bestowed upon this
feature, but otherwise SHAFT No. 2'' Is an
example of the impossible in melodrama
tonly o1-1
clean and most unaffected impersonation Of
Jim Rathburn, ''big-hearted and true" His
splendid physique gives him especial pres
tlge In the characterization of a noble repre-
sentative or the American workingman.
Marian Elmore, bright and clever, as Judy
y Rourke, whose tongue is worse than her
heart is splendid, and, with the exception
OF little exaggeration- here and there meets
the demands Of the part Lillian Price, as
Marian Dale, Jim's sweetheart, won her way
into the hearts of last nights audience by her
unaffected characterization.
10 those who delight in tie sensational
Shaft No. q will act as an exceedingly ex-
citing s1mulant. Henry Lisch electrician
OF Shaft No 20 should be placed at the
mead OF the cast of characters, for his nimble
fingers and active brain are conspicuous fac
tors in its success.
THOMAS W. Keene, the eminent tragedfan,
will open his engagement at the Metropolitan
tonight in Richard ILL., the play in which
ne nrst appeared as a Shakespearean star
hlchard ILL., Will be repeated Saturday
night. ''Ingomar'' will be presented at the
Wednesday matinee at popular prices
Charles B. Hanford, who is associated this
season with Mr.. Keene as leading man and
manager, will appear in the title role as
sisted by Mr.. Keene's complete company.
Juilus Caesar" which Mr.. Keene has re-
Gently added to his repertoire, and of which
he has scenic production, will be given
thursday night. Louis XI.," the celebrated
historical play in which Mr. Keene is said to
uo the greatest work of his whole career as
a For