The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-08-30
PLAY FOR THE PRESS
FIRST PRODUCTION OF "oLD LINZ
ERick TOWN" Is GIVEN.
Audience Is Composed of Newspaper
People of the Twin Cities-First Per-
Torrance of This Nature Ever Wit
messed in ST. PauI-OIcott and His
Company FavorabIy impress Critics.

Though the audience numbered
barely fifty people, there was no lack
of spirit shown in the theatrical per-
torrance at the Metropolitan theater
last night. Nor did Chauncey Olcott
and his company Of capable players
seem to find the small audienc a dis
concerning fact.
No stage business" was omitted.
Neither was the play "cut." On the
contrary, the fifty people were RECALLED
with spirited and complete perform
ance of one of the prettiest Irish ro-
mances that has ever visited the boards
of the Metropolitan theater.
1t was a private view that was given
last night to the newspaper people of
the Twin Cities. Through the cour-
tesy Of Mr.. Olcott and Mr.. Pitou, the
author of Mr.. Olcott's new play, the
press was permitted to see the very
first performance of "Old Limerick
Town.
A FIRST night" in the real sense of
the word, is not frequent occurrence
in a Western city A press night" is
even more unsuaI. The spice of now
city. therefore, seasoned the pleasure
of those who witnessed the dress re-
hearsal of the play that will tonight
open the Metropolitan theater's regu-
lar season.
No Awkwardness Apparent.
There were none Of the awkward
nesses of a rehearsal apparent in last
nights presentation Of the play The
stage manager was not in evidence.
The prompter was not visible in the
wings. And there were no delays.
V 1t would be distinctly unfair to give
away the decidedly pleasant secret Mr..
Olcott and Mr.. Pitou have arranged
for the delight of theater-goers tonight
and the coming week. Let it suffice to
say here that those who have enjoyed
Chauncey Olcott's inimitable presenta-
ton of lovable Irish heroes in the past
will find that the actor has surpassed
himself in his new role
Mr.. Pitou has given to this actor
play that suits him as perfectly as
does the very gorgeous raiment he
wears when presenting 1t. And Mr.
O1cott makes the best of that role His
new songs have the charm and witch
cry found only in Irish music, and
sung by Mr.. Olcott they go straight
to the heart.
The play tells pretty love story in
pretty fashion, and the denouement
If the sort of the denouement that
leaves pleasant taste in the mouth
of an audience. Mr.. Olcott is capably
supported and the play is well staged.
The voluminOus skirts and the poke
bonnets of the Limerick girls of the
early nineteenth century are faithfully
reproduced. The hunting scene in the
first act is full of life and color. The
drawing room scene in the last two
acts must delight the eye Of all who
appreciate the quaint Chippendale
furniture that was in vogue in 1885.
That Mr.. Olcott was given a cordial
reception last evening goes without
saying. He has a host of friends in
st. Paul, and it is safe to say that
among these are numbered all the
members of the newspaper profession.
At the end of the performance Mr.
Olcott and Mr.. Pitou were called be-
fore the curtain and received an ova-
ton from their small but cordial audi
ence.
Manager Scott and Mr. Olcott enter
tanned the newspaper men at. supper
after the performances