The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-03-11
ADJUSTMENTS

y & 49, -t K. y - {
"The Explorers'' at the Metropolitan
I To the Public: The management does not
claim that "The Explorers Is either an opera
of any nature, musical. comedy, musical farce,
extravaganza or burlesque, but merely a
vaudeville, comprising all these happy medi-
ums uniquely arranged for the sole purpose
OF introducing mirth, beauty and melody
Confronted with this diplomatic disclaimer
on the bill Of the play, how is one to allege
the plotless condition of The Explorers" as
a defect in an otherwise joyous and merry
evenings entertainment? Yet, whatever the
classification into which it falls-and vaude-
vile is as good a name as any--it is impos-
sibe not to regret that SO much mirth, beau
ty and melody is not given vitality by the
infusion of dramatic interest. With all the
various ingredients that go to make UP
comic opera at hand, and of the very best
quality, too, what a pity it seems that the
one vital spark which would put 1.-The Ex-
plorers" among the mmortals with the Gill
bert-Sullivan creations is lacking!
Bert Lesion Taylor, who is responsible for
the book, is new and original humorist,
whose work has a flavor all its own He has
already attained reputation more than local
by his Lime O. Type column in the Chi
cago newspapers, where his antc wit dis
ports itself unfettered by conventions. The
dialogue Of THE Explorers" is as continu-
ously explosive as battery Of Maxims, and
Laughter, QOlulDS DOCu ulS SUES, MAS
very busy time of it. NO doubt, Richard
earle, the star comedian Of the production,
who is himself poet and humorist, has
FURNISHED much of the ammunition for this
continuous fusillade. But, as in the battle
of Santiago, there is glory enough for all,
and no small share of 1t belongs to Mr.. Tay-
lor. Nor is the fun by any means depend
ent entirely upon mere verbal smartness--
abundant as is the crop of "quips and cranks
and wanton wiles.' The funny Stunts that
are introduced also come thick and fast
that the audience is fairly reduced to help
lessness, until dainty song or a chorus
with picturesque features comes to Its relief.
The music, composed mostly by Walter H.
Lewis, is not merely melodiousy attractive
it has definite relation to the lyrics for
! which it forms the setting. The score-if
vaudeville may properly be said to have a
score-is scintillant with good things-ballads,
dances, songs and the fetching style Of en-
sembie popularized by 'Florodora. !" Even
musical lapidary might, amid SO many corus-
eating gems, hesitate to select ravor1tes for
mention. So
| The production is put together with great
art The merriest book and the most tuneful
| OF scores might easily fail Of success without
an ingenious and lavish producer to wave his
magic wand and cast upon the whole spell
of genius. In fact, modern instances are not
| wanting of success plucked from defeat by
producers who knew how to hide the def
ciences of 1ibrettist and composer by the
talents of their players and the glitter of
their effects. Happily in this instance, no
such deception is necessary.
The players are clever entertainers, every
one. Mr. earle is destined to career as
| operate comedian of the highest class-a ca
reer for which he is fitted by unusual versa
| tlity in fun making. He cracks a joke, sings
a topical song or INDUCES in an eccentric
dance with equal felicity. His expressive
legs are not the least of his assets, and
laughter is his willing slave. Miss Ruth
White, who has the opposite role, fairly. bub-
bles over with good humor, and, moreover,
sings her numbers in a clear, pure soprano
that is flexible and effective. Perhaps her
best number is the waltz song, us There a
Maid" with the attendant Valentines and
Cupids. Miss White is tall and, while not
pretty, has a fine face. Knox Wilson plays
a conventional German comedian role very
unconv intentionally and wins many laughs. His
turn" with the concertina and then the
saxophone made such a hit with the audience
last night that it was with difficulty persuaded
to allow the show ITO go on. Agnes Paul
makes a dainty and pleasing Iowa Corn
Queen but sings badly in the upper regis
ter Her ballad, Loves Highway is one
of the most effective compositions in the
piece William Riley Hatch, in his terrifying
role Of the Madagascar chieftain, exhibits
fine orotund barytone, which serves to
strengthen the vocal forces measurably. Will
liam B. Rock and his CROUCH against the
photograph furnish a distinctly original and
funny idea in the second act. Mr.. Rock is
certainly very mobile man. Josie Intro
pidi as a strong-minded clubwoman, Carlton
King as ubiquitous representative of an
English newspaper and George Roman as an
officer of the French marines, complete the
list of principals. But there are some exceo-
tionally clever people in the chorus, such,
for instance as the girls who sing the scrub
ladies' chorus and those who represent the
kindergarten children. The male chorus, too,
sings several fine numbers and plays an i'm
portant part in other wats 1t is q refresh
ing novelty to see chorus made up Of real
actors and actresses instead of the usual
au tomato,
The whole production moves off with indie
scribable freshness and vivacity and the eff
fects throughout are stunning.