The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1904-06-15
At St. Paul Theaters

Mr.. Mansfield in seeking for a char
acter in which to exploit his undoubt-
ed gifts as an actor went farther afield
than the public will care to follow him
when he hit upon the idea of present
ing Ivan the Terrible of Russia in the
days of his senility AS a play the
work of Tolstoy is not effective. AS a
stage production it neither amuses nor
edifieS. 1t carries no moral-a lack
which should not be greatly complain
ed Of in these days. 1t is worth re-
marking-this want Of a moral-be-
cause it leaves the production abso-
lutely without any sort of excuse. For
nearly three hours last night an audi
ence that filled one-half of the Met
ropolitan opera house was alternately
bored. and Mortified by the stilted
speeches of Russian bOyarS and the
rawlings of hideous and utterly
vicious old man. Twice a perfunctory
tribute of applause was vouchsafed the
star, For the balence the audience
suffered an infliction-except in in
dividual cases where admiration of the
power and scope of the actor stirred
students to appreciation-as a medical
student might be moved by demon
strator laying bare a horrible defer-
nifty.
II Mr.. Mansfield desired a play in
which to exhibit the range of his power
III portraying garrulous, vicious old
man he would have served the public
and provided a better vehicle for him
self by reviving Louis XII The latter
play provides plenty of action and the
title role gives opportunity for the ex-
hibition Of all the characteristics shown
us In ManSfeld'S Ivan. Ferocity con-
trasted with groveling fear, egotism of
the basest, cruelty WITHOUT excuse.
These with an occasional fash of an
inspiration coming from a belief in the
right divine go to make the character
OF Ivan as they did that of Louis XII I'm
der the skillful treatment of Mansfield
as Ivan these attributes are clothed in
personality quite hideous enough to
impress the eye as the mind takes in
the less tangible properties.
Ivan Is shown in the latter days of
his bloody reign. Having been balk-
ed in his desire to retire and expiate
his sins he reigns the seniIe counter
part of that vigorous man who terror
lied his people and added to the his
tory of Russia it's darkest page The
play is without a plot except such as is
furnished by the incidental plotting of
Boris Godunof, the favorite of Ivan.
All of the action of the play devolves
upon Mr.. Mansfield During many
scenes he is given opportunity to dis
play his powers and adds to the accu-
mutation of horrors until their culmina-
mounting his rage in vain attempt to
give his favorite over to the execu-
toner. Admiration for the art of the
actor was. unhappily, checked by the re-
voting picture he portrayed in making
Ivan terrible according to his concep-
ton. And with this conception We
cannot quarrel, for Mr.. Mansfield has
contributed stage essentials of such
historical accuracy that one is COM
PEELED to admit the fidelity and con-
sistency of the production.
The play does not permit the sub
ordinate members of the cast to do
anything to distract attention from the
central figure. Staged with some mag
| nificence as to setting and real grand
eur in the matter of costuming, the
piece provides atmosphere for Mr..
Mansfe1d'S Ivan-and that is all. Mr..
Forrest, as Boris, has an occasional
opportunity of which he makes the
most The other members of the cast
make the speeches that are put into
their mouths we'll enough and wear the
robes of the court Of the ear with
sufficient dignity.
Ivan the Terrible is not play that
will attract the spectator a second
time, and the fame of Mr.. Mansfield
will not suffer when it is laid away at
the end Of the present season. 1t has
served it's purpose in demonstrating
the artistic capacity of Mr.. Mansfield
as master of stage detail. 1t affords
some entertainment to persons who are
impressed by absolute fidelity to truth
In the matters Of dress and adornment.
For the rest it does not amuse nor
edify.
This evening Mr.. Mansfield will be
seen as Beau Brummel-a part in
which he has gained much deserved
fame.