The Minneapolis journal., 1903-03-02

l lie queen OF the Ballet danced =nef
way into the hearts of a, brilliant audience
at Mankato Saturday evening. The Roose-
.velt club, i'll the role Of theatrical or
ganization laid siege to the thriving south
ern city for the second time within a
year and the conquest was complete, re-
sulting, as it did, in the unconditional
surrender of the towns fairest women
and braVest men. The company went to
Mankato Saturday on special train and
most Of them returned last evening.
In addition to being much more tune
ful musical comedy than "The Viking"
the clubs first theatrical venture, this
years production is much more elabor-
order Of talent, although most Of the
speaking parts are in the same able hands
as before. - F..
The months of painstaking preparation
which the cast has undergone was shown
in the snap and finish Of the first nights
performance, which was really the dress
rehearsal of the piece. While the action
be expected under the circurp stances, no
one missed his cue or failed to pick up his
lines in true professional manner. There
was no work for the pronlpter.
1t is well within bounds to say that
no opera which has visited the northwest
stocked with catchy airs than '"The Queen
of the Ballet which was we'll evidenced
by the fact that all Mankato was whistling
or humming them yesterday. Add to this
that the chorus girls, particularly the
"iollity girls in addition TO being hand
sonely gowned. have shown, marked i'm
provement in voice since last year, and it
is easy to understand why 1.-The Queen
of the Ballet is a success in the basic
essentials of comic opera.
The club is also fortunate in possessing
this year two leading comedians of rare
ability in the persons Of DIR. Archa Will
cox and Gilbert Byron, who as two of the
"three little lambs who caper nombly
through the play, kept the audience IN a
continuous roar of approval
DR.. Wilcox's singing of the coster song.
which he imported direct from "dear OF
Lunnon," especially for this production,
was one of the big hits Of the perform
ance. The II Amt No Airy, Fairy, High
Born Loidy" will have a big run in Min
nea polls after he introduces it and the
gallery will get a strangle hold on the
refrain instanter. DR.. Wilcox's London
assurance and ready Interpolation We're
demonstrated when the lights went out
on him while he was doing his main
stunt. Sc = - ..." -
Il felt like "a babe in the woods said
he, glancing sidclong ait the sylvan scenic
setting :. -. -. =. 7, ',
And then. as he flushed a verse. a boy 9
clear tenor echoed back from a corner OF
the balcony in a wonderfully sweet. sym :
pathetic tone which called for several en-
cores.
The boys brother act was DR.. Wilcox s
idea. and it was good one. - ::
The risibilities of the audience were
tickled by many local hits of which Clar-
ence Saulpaugh and the historic hostelry
which bears his name came lin for their
fun share. Some choice bouquets will
be handed out to the real things at the
Metropolitan this evening. 2@9,S
Another highly Original act is Edgar It.
Hanson's wonderful evolution from "de
monk" in.which; part lie, seemed entirely
at home,.3to that dignified Scotch gentle
man. willie Putter." secretary by pro-
fession and a, golfer by instinct.
Il 1T would be somewhat out of place to en-
ter into any extended criticism of the indi-
vidual work of the principals Of the cast
before their home greeting. They are all
good and some are better than others.
@ The Marlsato performance was helped
on immensely by the presence of Danz'
orchestra and the fine work Of the club
musical director, Robert Gale. Nor should
mention fail to be made Of one other.
namely. Charles s. Albert. an associate
member of the club. who did q lively turn
between acts in the aisles and all the time
in front Of the house in the role Of pro-
gram vender. If some professional organ
1ZdtlOn IS LOOKING lot q really I'VE. must
ling retailer Of "souyenirs of the opera. -
with a supply Of effervescent 'hot air.
that seldom fails to deliver the goods. Mr..
Alloerts is herewith respectfully and en-
Enthusiastically recommended for the posi-
tion. .. .. -..r,.< j.. -
President George Bel1en. Captain r. s.
1ngersoll and Bert Strong. manager. ad-
vance agent and press agent respectively.
are to be congratulated on the able man
ner in which they looked after bags and
baggage and the thousand details Incl
dental to the Staging OF such mammoth
productions; for gallant and never failing
attentions toward the ladies of the com
pany In. escorting them to and from the
theater and protecting them from the rude
overtures of stage-door Johnnies. .
THE Queen Of the Ballet will open it's
Minneapolis engagement at the Metropoli-
tan theater this evening. 1t is booked for
the first three nights Of the week and a
"Wednesday matinee. Friday night the
club will so to Fargo to play a ot1e-night
stand Saturday evening.
John F. Mckey's Fine Furnlshlnas.
Sold out to The Plymouth. Now on
sale. Half price. P1ymo11t11 Corner