The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-01-26
AT THE THEATERs.
METROPOLITAN.

One-day plays, with three scenes. morn
ing, noon and evening, are in rather pop
ular vogue, Browns in Town" is one of
them. 1t opened last evening at the Met
ropolitan, with Mark Swan, the author,
carrying the leading role.
While there is no eXaggeration among
the really excellent cast of this mirthful
farce comedy, there is, certainly, consider
able exaggeratton in the details of the
plot. But nearly all the characters of
Charles Dickens are exaggerated. SO Is
stage scenery with it's wealth Of paint
and diStemper. So Is the average make
up Of actor or actress. And yet 1t re-
quires this very exaggeration in character
and scenery to present the salient points
of humor in the character and perspective
in the scenery. More refined character
ization in the one and less vigor in the
penciling Of the other would all be lost
on the average audience in the treatment
of modern farce comedy like Brown
in Town." We read Dickens and Mark
Twain, and say. Absurd yet laugh. We
ripple with mirth In the presence of a
well balanced company of farceurs such
as Delcher & Hennessy presented last
night at the Metropolitan.
The humor Of the play Is founded on a
simple and most conventional motif In
fear of wealthy parent who threatens
disinheritance provided his son marries, a
young couple take the fatal plunge. and
attempt by all manner of subterfuge to
keep the marriage secret But the
secret" once discovered. runs like wild
fire from one to another until at last 1t is
in possession Of the "old man." and after
that-the deluge And after all nine-t enths
Of the success Of any such attraction de-
ponds on the people under the flies There
must be no awkwardness in diction or
business.
Mark Swan Is no stranger to st. Paul
audiences. He has put together a laugh
able series Of matrimonial complications
and heads the company in the carnival Of
fun, as Dick Preston alias Brown
1t is a light comedy part. and he presents
1t with all necessary snap and farcial
JUNCTION. Charles Horn, as Abel Preston,
his father. Is commendable, and Fannie
Midge1y as Primrose, the chocolate
colored cook lady" gave, perhaps, as
complete realization of the possibilities
in q coon part as has been seen in
any other play in the city for several
years.
Little Jessie Mae Hall, as Suzanne
Dare, the vivacious abettor of her
friends, the Browns, won appreciative ap-
plause with her acting and singing
Lefty Preston, Dicks wife, In the
hands of Maude True Knowlton, did not
belle her middle name.
G. H. Elmer, as Pollock. gave a num-
Der Of excellent limitations and whistling
solos. The German part of Freda Van
Hollenbeck, by Monica Lee, was a good
presentation of Teutonic possibilities in
the hands of a lady.
Browns In Town" will be seen tonight
and tomorrow night, with the usual Sat
urday matinee.
The passion play. as presented by the
| cinematograph at the Metropolitan opera
house, is full Of interest for those reN-
! giously inclined and also possesses a
| peculiar fascination for those whose
| thoughts seldom dwell on religious sub
| jects To the busy man, immersed In the
| cares of business. these pictures bring
| back most forcibly the teachings of child
| hood days, while to school children the
| passion play Is a religious education in
| Itself. 1t was the intention of the man.
| agement to give a special matinee for
| the benefit of the school children Sunday
| afternoon, but as 1t was found that ..is
would conflict with the Sunday schools
| they will give a special performance Of
| the passion play pictures tomorrow morn
| ing at 1915.
mile. Fifi," the piquant French COM
| edy, will be the next attraction at the
| Metropolitan, the latter part of next
week, commencing Thursday evening.
Hearts of Oak" one of James A
Herne's most successful plays. Is to be
the attraction at the Metropolitan the