The Saint Paul globe., 1898-10-17
Dramatic and MusicaL
METROPOLITAN.

The production Of "The Beggar Student"
by the Dorothy Morton Opera company at
the Metropolitan last evening was III
keeping with the artistic performances which
the company has given during its return
engagement. Astounding in bright music,
both for the chorus and principals, and sufil-
ciently edged with refined comedy, the pro-
duction was even more entertaining than
upon it's former presentation here, but the
audience was lamentably small. Apprecia-
ton of the efforts of the company, however,
was not slow in manifesting itself, and be-
side the hearty encores the company received
q curtain call at the close of the second act.
Hubert Wilke appeared in the title role,
and acquitted himself credltably, while the
singing Of Miss Morton, as the Countess
Laura, was all that could be de2ired. In the
duets her clear soprano blended pleasingly
with Mr. Wilkes rich baritone. Edward
Webb sang the part Of Janltzky, the Polish
nobleman, with excellent effect, his enuncia-
ton being particularly distinct. AS Gen.
Ollendorf. George Callahan had little to do
but to promote the comedy OF the opera, IN
which he was assisted by Miss Sylvester
Cornish in the part of the Countess Pa
matica. Eta Harrington, as Brou.slava, enc
of the countess daughters, sang pretty duet
with Mr.. Webb in the second act.
The singing Of the chorus was a feature
of the opera one particularly evident in the
drinking song finale Of the second act.
GRAND.
IT haDpens not infrequently that successes
In Eastern theaters 90 not go in the
West but in the case Of ''What Happened to
Jones" at least, the taste Of the provincial
Jumps with that Of the metropolitan. ''What
Happened to Jones" is a theatrical cocktail.
II is bright as could be asked, Is full of the
t. flor m a
thorough good thing that has come out of
the East in many a day. Moreover, it tells
q story that is ludicrously funny, tells it all
with tbeatric effect, and tells 1t well. 1t
does the auditor the honor of admitting that
he has imagination, and it does not exact
too much of the mental faculties to fill out
lapses. Add to this the fact that 1t was
cutie SIS well played at the Grand last even
ing as it possibly could be and there Is
nothing further to be said in the way OF
commendation, for the book has laugh in
every line-and every laugh was exacteo py
the performing company.
The plot is very ingenious ana eXcruclat-
ineIv funny A man of quiet life goes sur
reptitiously to a prize fight, which breaks
I'm in q row. To extricate himself from the
trouble he gets into he admits to his house
q book agent, Jones, who takes upon hlm-
self the character Of the brother of the fam
ily man. an Australian bishop, who is eX-
pected on visit. The bishop arrives, and
the complications that enSue are rlotous
funny.
The company Is in every respect capable.
George c.. Boniface Jr. does the Jones He
makes more out Of the part than most ao-
tors could. for he has nice and distinctly
American sense Of the ridiculous. He is per-
feet as the cheeky and slangy book agent,
and when he resolves himself into the bishop
his natural tendencies are just so far re-
pressed that his every line and every action
Is laughable ME-. yBoniface has done some good
work hitherto ibut as Jones he makes the
hit of his life. He is fon the stage almost all
OF the time yet he never gets the least tire
some-a tributestha few actors will earn in
so long a part. Altogether he IS the best
thing that St. Paul theater-goers have been
permitted to laugh at for some time.
Miss Anna Belmont, beautiful woman and
clever actress, was the Cissy. She fills the
role charmingly and effectively.
]. w. Cope does an exceedingly clever bit
Of character work as the policeman, perhaps
the best study in the play.
The antfquated spinster, to whom the real
bishop is engaged, Alvina Starlight was done
by Mrs. Eberle. 1t is one Of the strongest
things in the comedy and was beautifully
done. Mrs. Eberle is very funny.