The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-02-28
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~ AND MUsIehk !;
METROPOLITAN

Jefferson De Angels has surrounded him
sell by clever company in 1.-THE Jolly
Musketeer." which opened three nights en-
gagement last evening to a large audience
Its individual members are naturally con-
trasted at once with his recent companions Of
the tripartite starring expedition, Lillian Rus
sell and Della Fox, and they are not the
same. but they are excellent operate people.
and present adequately the beauties of q very
delightful opera.
The Jolly Musketeer'' abounds in mirth,
but an opportunity is afforded for the in
dividual members of the company to show
their musical abilities to advantage. A num-
Der Of ballads which are pretty enough to
become popular, but not too popular, are in
terpo1ated. The story Of the opera preserves
the interest to the last. Briefly, Francois,
captain. and Henri, lieutenant, OF the kings
musketeers, are bosom friends. Henri is a
count Francois a marquis. Henri abandons
his suit of Verve to woo her cousin. Yvette
a daughter of Didot, a comic opera inn
keeper, but his father declares that if the
count marries Yvette, Didot will be Jailed
the rest of his life. Didot proceeds to avert
the orange blossoms. Meantime, Francois Is
condemned to death for the assassination of
rival in a love affair. Richelieu, the
cardinal, however, gives him until midnight
to find his death on the field Of honor He
widow and a marchioness, whereupon she
might marry Henri without shocking his
fathers pride. About half past II the cardinal
sends word that he has found that Francois
victim was intriguing with the Spanish, and
reprieves him. Meantime, however Francois
has sent word to the Spanish commander
that there Is going to be a fight, and there Is.
But Henri Ode Angais) remarks,
They're such bad shots. Francois comes
back unscathed to find that his wife has fall
len In love with him. Henri's chance of Sc
curing the widowed marchioness seems to be
worth mere bagatelle, so he philosophically
falls back on the brides cousin again.
Henri's life, IS portrayed by Mr. De Angels.
is that of registering nob.eman whose uni
form is stained with mixed drinks oftener
than it Is with blood, and who woos the wives
and sweethearts OF the rest Of the musketeers
while they are away fighting. The part is
frivolous, necessarily, but overwhelmingly fun
ny. Born Just to pass the time away" Us
he puts it in ballad which made great hit,
Jefferson sings and dances and jokes, as of
yore, save that the jokes are new. and the
De Angels neither extremities are just as
funny and as nimbae as ever. The comedy
is frequently cynical, and once or twice, per-
haps, suggestive, but always bright.
Van Rensselaer, Wheeler, who few years
ago was local favorite in concerts In the
Twin Cities, made his first appearance in
the Northwest, his old camping ground, in an
ambitious operate role that Of Francois. Mr..
Wheeler has a strong voice.. perhaps little
rasping at times, but in the main pleasing,
as Is his stage presence. He fulflls the
dramatic requirements of the role accepta-
bly,, although not brilliantly. Mr.. Wheeler
solo In the second act. beginning "Of all the
joys this earth can give" was decidedly
pretty we'd sung and proved popular.
Mr.. De Angels comedy foil II Harry Mac