The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-09-21
ENTERTAINMENT
Hyperion Theater. V MAUDE ADAMS IN THE LITTLE MINISTER"

MINISTER"
 Maude Adams was seen for the first time in this city as Little Babbie" in The Little Minister" at the Hyperion theater last evening. The audience was one of the largest and finest that the theater has eve1 seen. It was Miss Adams first appearance here as a star and her reception was especially cor dial and enthusiastic. She is beloved of the public for the charm and humor of her impersonation as leading ladv in John Drew's company. Her person. ality was strongly felt in this capacity, but it was seriously doubted if she possessed the magnetism and domi- nant presence sufficient to make her successful alone. No one doubted her charm or sincerity and these virtues have made themselves potently felt and her early experience as a star has been singularly delightful and gratifying. To how great a degree this is due to the fortune which placed the role of Little Babbie" inher hands at the crit ical moment of first choice it is diffi- cult to say. The characteristics of the part suit Miss Adams temperament admirably and the exigeneies of the role provide convenient opportunity for the display of her whimsical and hum- orous personality. It is true that the play has met with considerable success in London, but 1t has by no means equalled that which it has enjoyed here. Therefore it is only just to Miss Adams to accord her the praise of a personal accomplishment. Her popu- larity Is quite unusual and is only to be accounted for through the inexplic- able and mysterious power of personal charm. She is pretty and graceful but by no means beauty and yet she is a radiant figure at times. Her voice is well modulated and pleasing in quality, still it could never be reckoned with the great voices of the stage. She does not appear to need a great voice. The audience would seemingly prefer to have her whisper. Her technique is sure and felt, but contrary to all known laws Perhaps the fascination lies in the apparent unaccountableness of her method. The simplicity of her gowns is fairly baff1ing, Whatever her hold is, It is undeniable and it kept the play in New York during the entire season last year, and her success in the provinces" has everywhere been as unprecedented as in this city It seems rather a pity that she must adhere to the same part so continuously, even though the public so fiercely desires it. It is to be hoped that the plans for presenting her as Juliet will eventuate for the sake of her artistic develop ment. Maybe the secret of her sway lies in the spontaneity and youthful freshness of her laughter which are de- licious At any rate she is a figure to be reckoned with in the reward of con- temporary histrionics.
 The play is especially wholesome and refined in tone. 1t is not so great a work as the book. Some of the humor of the book must necessarily vanish from stage version and although there are moments of great theatrical effectiveness there is no scene to equal in power the thrilling description of the flood. Still the play has distinct liter ary merit and is much superior to the usual product of these days. It Is pre- sented in a most praiseworthy manner with well painted scenery and care fully chosen cast. The cast is headed by Robert Edeson, formerly of the En- pire company. Mir. Edeson has made considerable reputation by his perform ance of the title rcle, which is marked more by conscientiousness than dis tinction To be sure, he has a perilous