The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-11-17
MUSIC AND THE STAGE.
METROPOLITAN.

Primrose and Dockstader are better
than ever. Their opening in three
nights engagement at the Metropolitan
drew an immense house last night, and
lovers of minStrelsy enjoyed an excellent
attraction. The familiar faces of Lew
Dockstader, Lew Sully Larry DooFey
and half a score of others were seen
again, and new jokes, novel specialties
and an endless variety of fun and repair
tee lent the kind Of spice which refreshes
Lew Dockstader has succeeded In max
Ing his presence known on a variety of
previous occasions. His appearance in
the second edition of end men and his
droll quips started round Of laughter
which continued to the close of the pro-
gramme. His monologue was especially
gcCd, and nothing more amusing than his
dissertation on woman'S dress or his
opinion of the corset trust has been heard
in the Metropolitan for months. He has
a voice also. Not an operate voice, per-
haps, or one of the finest fiber; yet he has
manneriSm which makes 1t pleasant
to hear. and a collection of musical odds
and ends of excellent mirthmaking quail
ties.
George Primrose has been seen in st.
Paul many times during the past twenty
years and still he seems to enjoy 1t. His
jests and repartee were as fresh as ever,
and as end man and soloist he is char
acteristic minstrel type. He scored a
success in Get Your Habits On" and
gave dainty and graceful dancing ex-
hibition under the calcium lights.
Lew Sully Is back at his old post with
a new collection of jokes which he man
ages to distribute at opportune times.
Larry Dooley, in a comedy sketch with
James Tenbrooke. brought back old
times and was fund of laughter all by
himself.
Among the new specialties is a musical
barber act. introducing Messrs. Pieri,
Carnes. Hansen and Ernst in instru-
mental specialties and quartette numbers.
A clever watermelon scene affords an
opportunity for the introduction of four
(really) colored buck and wing dancers
in cake walk and cyclone finish.
One of the prettiest specialties of the
performance is the appearance of the
juggling Johnsons, four brothers. The
youngest is less than ten years Of age,
and the combinations and different ma
nipuiations Of Indian clubs which the
boys execute is little short of wonderful.
Primrose and Dockstader present a
minstrel show Of much excellence. There
Is a pardonable infusion Of old jokes
but great deal which is absolutely new.
The entertainment is planned on the
principle that to laugh and grow fat is
good, and it fulills its purpose. They
continue three nights, with Saturday
matinee.
The Grand this week is enjoying record
breaking business. The king of the
Opium Ring" with its novelty, It's enter
tanning specialties, its elaborate scenic
environment and above all it's realistic
manner of treating the dark side of life
in Frisco all combine to provide con-
tinuity of interest. The company Is ex-
ceptionally we'll balanced and few melo-
dramas ever seen here have been so
strong In cast. Those who enjoy the
vivid scenes of a thrilling melodrama,
one that is interspersed with comedy and
specialties in a sufficient measure to re-
lieve 1t Of any somberness, will find this
attraction much to their liking. The only
remaining matinee will be given tomor-
row afternoon, at the close of which the
ladies and children present will be enter
tanned by a visit behind the scenes"
and will be allowed the privilege of a
visit to the little Chinese actors of the
company.
At the Grand box Office the inquiries
have been numerous the present week
whether or not the Eddie Foy who is an
nounced to appear ct this playhouse
next week ir ''Hctel Topsy Turvy'' is the
same Foy so popular here through his ap-
pearance with the Henderson attractions
It is this Foy, and he is said to be funpier,
more original than ever before He Is
assisted by such we'll known comedy
players as Josie De Witt, g beautiful
blonde violinist and comedienne; Octavis
Barbe, equally as we'll known; Amelia
Glover of "City Directory fame and
others "Hotel Topsy Turvy" was one of
the comedy hits Of last season in New
York. 1t was adapted from the French
and Is said to provide two and a half
hours of almost continuous laughter. It
is safe to predict standing room business
for the Grand the coming week