The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-10-11
JOSEPH JEFFERSON AT THE MET
ROPOLITAN.

Joseph Jefferson has not yet made
up his mind to retire from the stage.
He is not thinking of such a thing.
There's no young and successful
actor of the day who brings as much
enthusiasm to the practice of his art,
as Mr.. jefferson does-none that shows
his youth so convincingly-none that
can create a laugh or coax tear so
easily and gracefully, and yet Mr.. JEFF
ferson, who will begin an engagement
at the Metropolitan tomorrow night,
for a half-Week's duration, presenting
RIP Van Wrinkle" and THE Rivals"
has given over sixty years of hard con-
scientious work to the theater, playing
during that time, hundreds of differ
ent parts and for nearly half a century
being a faVorite and conspicuous figure
on the American stage.
He is the dean of the profession in
this country and the foremost and most
genuinely representative of all Amer
lean artists. His long and brilliant
career makes it possible for him to re-
tire at any time with distinction and
with the affectiopate well-wislIes of a
vast public, which has grown to love
as we'll as admire him, but this public
will be sorry to see him go, for it will
mean that dear old Rip Van Wrinkle
and delightful Bob Acres and Caleb
Plummer and GolightIy will have dis
as they belong inseparably to Mr.. JEFF
ferSon, no artist will ever again endear
them to theater- goers' hearts as he
has done.
This great public is always glad to
welcome the comedian when he comes
around each season, and it's only regret
is that as old age advances he cuts
his seasons shorter and shortens the
radius of his travels.
1t is to be expected that some day
nature will succumb under his load Of
years, and the favorite old artist will
be compelled to retire. This may hap
pen at any time. so that really any Wis
1t of Mr.. Jeffersons may be his last
1t therefore behooves those members of
the new generation who are not yet ac-
quainted with the wonderful art of this
player, who have not yet heard his
Rip Van Wrinkle laugh or toast, 'You
and your family with a may they
live long and prosper" or witness the
amusing vanity and much bravado of
his Bob Acres, to avail themselves of
the opportunity that now offers and
learn the value of cheeriness, of clean
cut, wholesome, happy comedy and dis
Germ the secret of the smile and power
of this perennially popular actor.
1t is conceded that Mr.. Jefferson, at
no time in his merry and marvellous ca
reer, played with a greater force or
IIilSu IMAM ne is paying now. lit Is at
the ripest age of his art.
Besides Rip and Bob Acres, he in
cludes Caleb Plummer, of The Cricket
on the Hearth" and Golightly, of
Lend Me Five Shillings,'' in his rep
ertory this season. There is a uni
versal and enormous demand for Rip
theater- goers seem never to tire of it
and for that reason the jovial old
Catskill vagabond is oftenest present.
ed and holds the conspicuous place. No
other character in the entire range of
the drama has ever taken such a strong
hold on popular favor. Bob Acres is a
strong second, for Bob has twenty-five
years of public affection and approval
behind it.
Mr.. Jefferson will give four perform
ances during his engagement, devoted
to rip Van Wrinkle" Monday night
and Wednesday matinee; 1.-THE Rivals
Tuesday and Wednesday night
His supporting company this season
includes John Jack, Jefferson Winter
Joseph Jefferson Jr., William w. JEFF
ferson, Percy Plunkett, Gus COMBS
Harry Odlin, Ffolliot Paget, Frances
Pemberton, Blanche Bender, Ada Gill
man, Jessie Sweet, Matte Dahl and
the children, little Dolly Onweise and
Ipha Yenair.