The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-04-17
ST.
7 II E T r r S

1t is question if the seasoned thea
tergoer can or would dispute the asser-
tlon OF the programme which declares
that York State Folks" is ''the pref
tiest OF all pastoral plays" Restricting
the expression, rall pastoral plays" to
American rural dramas, so as not to
embrace the Immortal pastorals Of
Shakespeare. the bill Of the play is not
guilty OF eXaggeration.
York State Folks" which delighted
the audience assembled at the Metro
pohtan last night, lies close to nature.
80 close, so constant is its contact that
II reIectS at every point nothing but
nature. In this aachievement the late
Arthur Sidman, it's author, obeyed the
masters canon. He held the mirror up
10 nature. Happily he held 1t up to
nature IN health, not in disease. With
laudable ambition he sought to por-
tray normal human beings, men and
women unSophiSticated in the practice
OF vice, unacquainted with its refine
ments and its horrors, but nevertheless
instantly recognizable as human be-
ings.
The chirping of crickets, the croak-
ing OF bullfrogs, the singing Of tree
toads, the tWinkling Of firefies, make
sWeeter music than the sounds of rev.
elry by night" They impart a pure
and choice atmosphere to this pastoral
drama that pervades the theater from
pit to dome.
Inasmuch as this is the second visit
to st. Paul of this play, it's story needs
no repetition here That the leading
characters received applauding recog-
milton upon their first appearance was
sufficient evidence that they had made
a lasting impression upon their initial
introduction. 1t was an unmistakable
compliment to play and players.
1t is worthy of note and likewise of
praise that the management has pre-
served the original cast intact, with
the exception of one character, which
has not suffered by the change. James
Lackaye still impersonates Simon Peter
Martin, the stern, self Willed, irascible
leading citizen of Martinsville, and its
heaviest taxpayer, and Ray L. Royce
Stlll portrays the gentle, genial, soft
hearted organist and organ builder,
Myron Cooper.
Ernest Lawson still furnishes that
admirable Characterization of the &C.
centric, but honest, young horse trader
this sounds paradoXical-Lem Dun
bar, and Mrs. Sidman renewed old ac>
quaintances in the role of Emeline
Hubbard, the neighbours girl" Other
familiar characters were intrusted to
familiar and competent players, and
the result was bound to be a smooth,
even, we'll balanced performance, de-
void of crudity and free from all palp-
able straining for theatrical effect and
forced climaXes.
The utter absence of artificiality in
the succession of climaxes notably in
the wagon shop scene, constituting the
third act, is a tribute to the construc-
tive skill of the author, whose success
S1Ve climaXes seem to grow naturally
one upon the other, instead of being
lugged in by the heels.
The dialogue is rich with native wit
and humor. The lines allotted to the
old organ builder are delivered with
rare and irresistible emphasis by Ray
l.. Royce, and without seeming effort
to be funny. His countenance is elo-
quent with expression, and his smile
contagious.
Such a complete subsection of his own
personality to that of the character he
portrays, as is exhibited by James
Lackaye in the role OF the arbitrary
Simon Peter is so seldom witnessed
that it eXciteS exceptional admiration.
Mr.. Lackaye eXemplif1es the real func-
ton, and what should be the real am
billion of the actor in it's highest sense.
His impersonation of the dictatorial and
choleric old Wagonmaker is convinc-
ingly life-like, virile and true. In the
actor you behold the man the author
drew. 1t is vital portraft-a creation
of flesh and blood
Thoroughly spontaneous is the acting
Of Mrs. SidnaR ins the character of
Emeline Hubbard. Her scene of CO.
quetry in LOVERS lane with Osborne
Searle, who plays Hal Murdoch, the
music teacher from Syracuse, is thor
oughly delightful. Mr. .Searle is equal
ly easy and spontaneous and the two
speak the jocose lines, filled with ban
ter and badinage, in a refreshingly
breezy manner.
The other characters are all, intrust-
ed to worthy players.
Plays like york, State Folks" are like
angels visits. Fred G. Hunt.