The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-03-22
MUSIC AND THE STAGE.
GRAND.

GRAND
Frederick Warde in the Merchant of
Venice leaves the impression thar an al
tempt at difficult task has been brought
to a successful issue. His presentation
OF the most fascinating of the Shakes
pearian plays at the Grand last night was
such as to stamp him as an actor Of more
than ordinary capabilities, of sufficient
recourse, varied learning and keen under
standing. one of the greatest Of the
Shakespearian actors has recorded the
opinion that Il good actor represents Shy
lock but poorly, an unusual actor. bit
fairly and man perfect in his art NOT
more than we'll. Mr.. Warde's conception
Of the role IS somewhat different from
that Of many actors, but one which shows
the effect of serious and understanding
study.
Between MIR. Warde and Minnie TIttelI
Brune as Portia there was hardly an I'M
even division Of appreciation Mr..
Narde's Shylock Is more than Jew.
man of flesh and blood, passion and emo,
ton. He is drawn In q thousand VARYING
emotions, striving between his cupidIty
and his fatherly affection, his pride Of
race and shame. Through all, sometimes
dominant, often qu1escent, runs the
never ceeystng thirst for revenge which
has characterized Shylock In common
estimation
Mr.. Warde in this character Is dictinctly
good. He carries a role where too much
earnestness goes often dangerously near
to rant With ease and self command His
Shyiock is man 10 stir the disgust, while
still retaining some hold on the admira.
ton. 1t might be said that In the final
court scene, where Shylock, stripped of
his goods, broken in heart and spirit and
ruined, begs for mercy, Mr.. Warde's WORT.
shows certain traces of weakness His
ShXylr IaoN Hn
left to command respect or to cause
feeling OF pity.
Mrs. Bruno as Portia is essentially
graceful. Her articulation is clear and
distinct her movements full of grace,
her appreciation of her role keen and sin
cere. Her greatest charm in the great
woman's part is that she carries with
her In atmosphere of perfect naturalness
She moves and speaks as though IN hel
own parlor and not before all audience.
Her Portia, however, is handicapped by
certain frailty, which doubtless gives
to 1t not a little OF it's beauty. Slight in
her own physique, she is scarcely able to
draw from the role its greatest grandeur.
Alexander McKensie as Old Gobbo is
character ever refreshing. Raymond Gill
bert IS an able second as Lauicelot. John
Sturgeon as Bassanio, and Frank Henntg
as Gratiano were deserving of common
dalton, and, as Balthazar. Douglas Fair
banks played we'll minor part Miss
May Warde as Jessica Is engaging and
graceful. She is we'll adapted to the
character In voice and figure and carries
the role with appreciation. Miss Purcell
was good as Nerissa. Charles Clark,
Harry Barton and s. G. Johnson ap.
peared in minor parts.
The repertoire for the balance Of the
week will Include for tonight THE Lions
Mouth" which gives both Mr.. Warde
and Mrs. Bruno the most congenial act
ing opportunities. Tomorrow night the
last performance will be given OF "The
Dukes, jester For the Saturday mat
inee Romeo and Juliet" will be given,
and Saturday night Mr.. Warde will pre-
sent Richard III"
Next week 1.-THE EVIL Eye"
METROPOLITAN.
Viola Allen in THE Christian" is play
ing to great business at the Metropolitan
this week, and demonstrating In this city,
as she has done In every other city, that
every promise made for her in advance is
fulfilled, and the engagement artistically,
socially and financially has completely
realized the expectations of the manage
ment and the public In general Notwith-
standing that the demand for seats Is
very great, there are good seats for every
one of the remaining performances. The
engagement Is for the entire week. even
ings at sharp, with q matinee Saturday
at 2 p. m.
The Jeffries-Sharkey fight pictures will
be shown at the Metropolitan next Sun
day night. and every evening during the
week, with matinees Wednesday and Sat
urday