The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-03-02
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7 Fl E AT r z S

AS one of the almost numberless
Grass OF pastoral plays, Our New Min
lster'' is not entirely orthodox. 1t de-
parts somewhat in both plot and per-
sonnet from the now faniliary type
and DIVORCES from the we'll beaten
path Of the ''b'gosh drama" although
many Of the traditional institutions
and well tried features have been re-
tanned. ...
The story, as is customary, hinges
upon the unreasonable persecution Of
a certain portion of the small cross
roads community with which it deals,
and there are necessary to it's action
many of the same "Rube'' types and
much of the same scenery and impos-
Side dialect which have become In
separately part of the bucolic theatre
cal production. The country postoffiee,
the parsons humble home and the VIII
Iage shoemakers shop are given due
presentation, and, for the greater part,
the characters could have been secured
from almost any of the plays Of the
same class Which have been seen dur
ing the past few seasons.
One character unfamiliar in such
surroundings is that of "Skeesix," a
city-bred lad with a fine line of rag
time" conYersat ton and as portrayed
by John P. Drawn, he made a distinct
hit. The company throughout is good
and the production a finished and ca
pable one.
"Yon Yonson" at the Grand
Whatever may be the reception ac-
where, 1t can not be said that st. Paul
Is any way lacking in it's welcome. For
nearly ten consecutive years the at
traction has been almost yearly visi
tor to the Capital City, yet last night
1t duplicated previous receptions and
sent late corners home without the
privilege of witnessing it.
The attraction is in better hands
this year. Nelse Erickson, who as
sumes the title role. has a true con-
cept1on of an unsophisticated Swede,
and while his dialect may not appeal
TO some, appearances are in his favor.
He carries the. comedy role we'll and
possesses good singing voice. Two
parodies, one with the audience as the
butt Of his jokes, brought numerous
encores.
Miss Florence Gear furnishes an ex-
cellent Interpretation of Grace Jen-
nings. Similar credit is due Miss Lou
Use Henry, who plays Jennie Morris.
The remainder of the company is in
every way acceptable. The lumber
mems quartette, feature of past
years, still MARBLES sweetly, and last
night had to answer numerous calls.
The audience was in sympathy with
the play and the -Vicissitudes and tri-
jumps of Yon YOnson found vociferous
responses. The log jam also came in
for it's share of approval
Rice and Barton at the Star.
Rice and Bartons Gayety company,
at the Star this week, is unusually
strong musically, and the production
includes many specialties Of merit. The
company is large, and the coStulnes
are many and brilliant.
The first part consists Of comedy
In two scenes, and the clever acting OF
Charles Barton as Benjamin Bowser,
f. II. Eckhoff as Timothy F,iXet and J.
Quigley as John Bondholder, renders
it highly amusing Della Witten, An
ME Gordon, and Idylla Vyner are also
pleasing. Mile. Raye is a startling
cCntOrtion dancer.
The olio includes large number Of
good specialties. Idylla Vyner-was a
favorite,, with both audiences yester-
day. F. H. Eckhoff, assisted by Miss
Annie Gordon, performed some funny
musical feats. Mitchell and Marion,
as minstrelS, sang some Songs, which
were we'll received. The Bell trio, OF
which John Merice, a former st. Paul
boy is one, executes some noteworthy
acrobatic feats. The Esther sisters,
buck dancers, came fn-for applause.
The second part, farce entitled
"Raiding the JTenderloin," included
several amusing features and many
clever dances. At one point in the
second part yesterday the enthusiasm
of the audience broke all bounds.