The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-01-16
4d n len 4.
Primrose 81 Dockstader at the Metro.
EEc:,:- .s.@:&' poIItan. ~ .t'A*sF'j

Tr'tToSe HEoShrOockStader at: the: Metro
$780, :@:;s@' poIItan..: - - -
Minstrel shows invariably calf to mind
the diminutive girl with the Della Fox
lock- OF halr, who occupies a prominent
place in the old nursery jingles. When a
minstrel show is good it is very good in
deed but when it. is not-well, all theater-
goers know the result. ~~ ,~+.--. -
Excellent scenic effects as background
for the efforts of good singers, clever
dancers and funmakers of the first or
der, with one or two good specialties to
complete the 5program-this in brief is the
entertainment provided by the Primrose
Dockstader combination, which opened
three-night engagement at the Metro
ypolitan last night. There is little oppor-
tunity for criticism of the company's
performance, but much room for com
mendation. The choral work is excellent
the voices blending admirably, and the
soloists acquit themselves well.
There is no question that Lew Dock
stader is the keystone of the show, all
though the dancing of Primrose and his
two pupils, John and Willie Foley, wins
| scarcely less applause than the mirtfl- pro-
voking conversation and pantomine Of
Dockstader. Inasmuch as the latter
allows MI. Primrose to monopolize the
dancing, however, Primrose might leave
! the jokes and songs to Dockstader with
! good results. IT, ~ - T.
The hit Of the evening was8D ockstader
as the Lobster obilist with his space
| devouring machine. Dockstader's auto
mobile is a work of art, and his costume
is an ode. His account of his adventures
with the innocent looking auto must be
heard to- be appreciated. A.. AS a. sort OF
| afterthought Dockstader renders a beauti-
full ballad entitled 1.-THE Brand New Cho-
VEL" sung with a hunor distinctly Dock
| stadian, which brings down the house:
.Primrose's dancing speciality appealed
| to the artistic sense quite as strongly al
his partners comedy to the humorou:
sense The Foley boys, who assist Mr.
Primrose, also won round after round O.
| applause for their clever and gracef,,
/ work. A double clog dance by these mid
i gets is one of the features Of the perform
1 ance. Kali -.....
Neil O'Brien as a mirth producer rank
close second to Dockstader. His song
you're No Actor" and his topical verse
II Wonder are the best things in thei
! line that have ben heard here in man,
. moons. Eddie Leonard's efforts in tn
musical line, especially the sork; MANDY
4, Won't You Let Me Be Your Beau ar
redeemed from mediocrity by the name
in which they are rendered.
/ From a musical standpoint, Stanle
4 Ford's SONG, 1.-THE Cellar Is My Lodg
i ing House" deserves most praise. j MI
Ford has a bass voice of unusual calibe
i and quality, and he sings with exceller
expression. Ora f. Weller has a POVERTY
but mellow barytone which is heard t
, good eject in "The New Born King,
James r. Bradley and Manuel Ron,air
:: the tenors haye pleasing voices. but thei
: songs are something less than mediocre
The specialties of the Howard Brother:
!, baniofsts and the Youngs, who perforr
atar tlinp feats with hoops, are Of til
;, highest class.
5 Foyer Chat.
i Charles B. Hanford's company, to b
seen at the Metropolitan the first ha
! az next week in "The Tanning Of tn
shrew'' and Much Ado About Nothing,
I AZ IA To slarnasS any that he has pre-