The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-02-18
"Yon Yonson" at the Bi1ou.

Some years ago young man made his ap-
pearance in the pineries OF northern Mime
sofa. He could WELD an ak with the best
of his companions, and, at will, he could
assume a Swedish dialect that served to
amuse the men during many clustering
evening. They found him good fellow and
his knack Of mimicry soon made him popu-
lar. His dialect stories were always in de-
mand, and they never failed to produce
hearty roars Of laughter. Finally this ser
the stranger to thinking. He was: a well
educated man; a graduate Of the University
of Upsala and at last he determined to take
his talent to a wider market
This man was Gus Heege. He left the
woods and set himself the task of writing
play. sole Olson was the result. In many
respects the piece was crude, but its leading
character, an unsophisticated Swedish emf
grant, was novelty on the American stage,
and the play proved popular. Heege, how
ever, was not satisfied, and determined to try
again. Then, he wrote "Yon Yonson," and
the success which followed exceeded even his
most sanguine expectations. He brought Yon
to Minneapolis and enthusiastic audiences
packed the theater. Afterwards he came ba tx
and back again; and still theater-goers seemed
not to tire of the piece. It was intrusted to
others hands. Ben Hendricks played Yon for
several seacons; and then Arthur Donaldson
took up the task where Hendricks had left off.
ing role; and Mr.. Erickson, like his prede.
cessors, brought the old play to Minneapolis,
opening an engagement of one week at the
Bijou Sunday afternoon. On Sunday night
the house was sold out before O'Clock. Last
night the theater was again packed, and the
applause of the audience gave evidence that
#..Yon Yonson'' has lost none of it's popularity
This is Mr.. Erickson's first visit to Min
neapolis. His predecessors set him diff
cult task, and yet he suffers little by COM
parisck with the best of them. His dialect
could not well be improved upon, and his
representation of the awkward yet true
hearted Swede is altogether worthy of praise.
Mr.. Erickson delivers his speeches slowly
and with good emphasis. When excited, he
drops the unfamiliar English and resumes his
native tongues trick which last nights
audience enjoyed hugely. He has SYM
pathetic voice that stands him in good stead
in the sentimental passages of the play, and
in appearance he Is the typical Swede-light-
haired, with frank, open countenance, q
man. despite his difficulties with English
idioms, who can ''do thing in Swedish yust
as guide as in English
Annie Mack Berlein, who has been here
before, still plays Mrs. Latin, proprietor of
the Junction hotel; and Miss Beatrice Nor
man is cast in her old part OF Grace Jen-
nings. Both satisfactory.
A number of attractive specialties have
been added to the program, among which the
singing Of the Lumbermens quartet is well
worthy the enthusiastic applause it always
receives. Mr.. Erickson himself contributes
a good musical specially: and Belle Gold, who
plays ~Jennie Morris. the Minneapolis book
agent, dances well. The play is well staged
and is evidently in for big week.
j. S. Lawrence.