The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1904-03-01
At St. Paul Theaters

s"Mam'Selle Napoleon" the vehicle in
which petite Anna Held appeared at
the Metropolitan last evening. The
word show is peculiarly appropriate
as applied to this spectacular musical
comedy, which appeals TO the eye
primarily and irresistibly.
To begin with it is a gorgeous ex-
hibition of the dressmaker's art.
through the medium of bevy OF
graceful, comedy young women, who
appear to have been constructed with
a. special view to displaying Worth's
marvellous creations. The same lavish
display of ornate gowns that dazzled
the eye in "The Little Duchess" last
season, again excites the admiration
of the men and the envy of the wom-
en-. But they are not the same gowns
by any meanS-and there are more OF
them this time.
The spectacular triumph of MANI
selle Napoleon" is achieved in acts II.
and Ill The former represents
kiosk on the lake at the chateau de
Compiegne and the latter the interior
of the Paris Grand Opera house
viewed from the back of the stage.
This scene runs riot with color, while
the picture of the lake by moonlight in
which the dancing nymphs and their
attendant satyr appear possesses that
fairy atmosphere that one likes to
breathe, for a few moments, in this ma
terial world. So much for the appeal
to the eye which is eloquent.
As for the ear, 1t has little to COM
plain of. unless its possessor attuned
it to the standard of comic opera and
is waiting for musical gems.
''Mamselle Napoleon" is just a simple
romantic tale of the Napoleon regime,
in which the two lovers, the comedian
and soubrette occasionally lapse into
song, as Silas Wegg did into poetry,
and are aided and abetted by the cho-
rus. None of the music, although it is
by Gustav Luders of Prince of Pilsen,"
King Dcdo" and "Burgomaster' fame,
will linger long in the memory, yet
some of it is quite melodious and
rhythmic, and none of it cheap and
threadbare. The choruses are the most
effective.
In a word, the story is of the mu-
tual love of Mile. Mars, a favorite act
ress of Napoleon, and an officer of
the Imperial Guard, Noel elliot. Noel
is unjustly arrested by the scheming
Fouche, minister of police, but is
promptly released by the emperor
upon the solicitation of Mile. Mars.
Her interview with the emperor at
his kiosk, the subsequent appearance
of her lover on the scene, and her solo
which she sings for the emperor by
request" constitute nearly all the
second act, and all the romance of the
play. Miss Held received four re-
calls after this act and was obliged
to express her thanks before the au-
dience would allow her to retire to
her dressing room. Ea
It has been the fashion to say that
Miss Held cannot sing and to intimate
that her histrionic attachments are of
mild quality. 1t is true that her
vocal accomplishments are limited, but
she does not pose as comic opera
prima donna. But to say that her act
ing Is not entirely adequate to the
demands of these musical comedies in
which she appears is to do
her an injustice. Her pronounced
French accent renders many Of her
speeches indistinct, but that does not
detract from the magnetism which this
little woman unqestionably possesses.
She has large expressive eyes that
speak volumes, graceful, dainty hg-
ure, and such a way wiz her. as to
disarm eaptious criticism of her act
ing, which all in all is amply intelh
gent, appropriate and sufficient to con-
vey all the emotions called into play.
Her supporting company is likewise
adequate. A lyric tenor of exceptional
purity Of tone is possessed by Frank
Rushworth, who, of course, plays the
lover Mr.. Rushworth sings with re-
freshing ease, presents withal an ideal
picture of a handsome young army Of
ficer honestly in love.
Miss Billy Norton contributed a vi
vacious impersonation of Flora, the
maid of Mile. Mars. Miss Norton
dances gracefully and sang her portion
of a duet with the comedian with much
chic. t
In the famous character of Nine.
Sans Gene who figures briefly in the
first act, Miss Edythe Mayer displayed
promising aptitude. Miss Mayer
possesses valuable attribute in an
expressive countenance.
Joseph w. Herbert, who adapted the
piece from Richepin's original work and
staged it, officiated as the funny man.
Mr.. Herbert is not one of those ire
sistable comic geniuses, who provoke
laugh at sight, but he was happier than
usual in the role of Niche, and scored
a hit i'll the third act with the song
"Silas'' which included refrains from
the popular ditties of the day.
The rea, histrionic genius Of the
company is that diminutive artist
Franz Ebert. Here is a genuine come
dian, an expert pantomimist whose
facial expressions convey whole book.
1t is to be regretted that he has so
little to do. A speciality by him in that
spectacular third act would not be
amisS.
This act Is altogether the liveliest in
the show and the most spectacular,
showing as it does the auditorium and
boxes IN the Paris Grand Opera house.
It is plentifully supplied with special
ties, terpsichorean, vocal and Knox
Wilson with coneertina and saxophone
establishment.
The musical gem was the male
octette, "'The Song of the Grenadfer,"
sung at the opening of the third act
by Mr.. Rushworth and his grenadiers.
1t is needless to add that Nine.
Held's costumes are wondrous crea-
lions. +. u. II.
That Joseph Murphy is still draw
ing card was clearly shown at the
Grand last night, when large crowd
attended this play house to witness
him in GERRY Cow" Kerry Cow"
will be repeated tonight and tomor-
row afternoon. Shaun Rhue will be
presented during the rest of the week.
ssYon Yonson" will be the attrac-
ton at the Grand next week, with
Erickson in the title role.
mThe High Rollers" at the Star this
week are giving two creditabie bur-
Iesoues and Offering some excellent
specfalties in the olio.
GRAND TRUNK-PACIFIC
BILL WILL BE MODIFIED