The Saint Paul globe., 1904-06-06
At ST. Paul Theaters

Two score of blithesome chorus girls
clad in variegated and sparkling raj
ment which they change before their
next temperance, smile at you while
they sing around the Rogers Brothers
In London The largest audience the
Metropolitan has held since the season
began welcomed this aggregation Of
mirth and feminine Establishments last
night. All the parquet circle seats
had company, novel experience dur
ing the stayaway epidemic that has
afflicted local playhouses for so many
moons
There is nothing new in the Rogers
Brothers themselves, but there are
many novel things in their show. This
time John ]. McNally, whom they
seem to have inspired, transplants
London" There Max Rogers beholds
mammoth lion couchant, and asks
Gus if he noticed the "big Newfound-
land dog. That's no dog; that'sJ a
lion-the king of beasts-the Jim JEFF
fries of the Jungle" is the alliterative
retort of Gus
Many are the jokes of this subtle
order that the Messrs Rogers perpe-
trate, and many are the laughs that
follow. One or two of them relative to
mishaps of a fair surf bather provoked
much hilaritys last night-probably
more than will be noticeable tonight
But there is much to see and hear
besides the Rogers Brothers. The en-
tertainment is never permitted to drag
while these two worthless are off the
stage. There is something doing all
the time. No single individual has a
chance to become monotonous. EnSem-
bic effects are constantly sought and
attained.
One member Of the organization
Joseph Coyne-easily distinguished
himself by an exceptionally clever
Characterization Of the eccentric Har-
aid Harvey. Mr.. Coyne's affectation
of speech and accompanying facial ex-
pressions were quite irresistible M.
Melville Ellis, who composed one of
the numbers-'1t's AWfully Hard to
Shop'-contributed a female imper-
Sonation that was appreciated, and
later entertained with a daintily ex-
ecuted piano speciality that was like
wise literally applauded.
The solo voice of the company be-
longs to Lillian Coleman. 1t is a mel
low mezzo- soprano, and was heard to
excellent advantage in the musical gem
of the evening, by the Sycamore
Tree" duet in which George Austin
Moore participated. 1t is to be re-
gretted that Miss Coleman is not af-
forded more opportunity to sing in this
Kaleidoscope display of costumes, girls
and funny men.
The piece de resistance from comi-
cal and musical standpoint combined
is the Teutonic offering in the third
act, in which the Rogers Brothers
Gus dressed as a girl-and the female
chorus, all logged out in Dutch array,
with f1aXen wigs and wooden shoes,
sing "Say You'll Be Friend of Mine. T"
This number is extremely good, and is
repeatedly and deservedly encored.
Nearly all of the music was COM
posed by Max Hoffman,, the musical
director who need not be ashamed of
it. He has attempted nothing preten-
tious and has succeeded in tickling
popular taste.
Too much praise cannot be accord
ed to the scene painter, the cOstumer
and stage director who devised the
grouping of the girls The electric
lights are employed most effectively,
and the result is succession of rare
ly beautiful stage pictures. The dis
play of costumes in the opening chorus
of the second act, on Trafalgar Square,
is notably brilliant and picturesque.
Some of the Rogers Brothers ready
repartees might be repeated here, but
they sound funnier when Max and Gus
utter them with their noses in the
closest juxtaposition. F. G. H.
Richard Mansfield will appear at the
Metropolitan opera house for three
nights, beginning Monday, June 13. He
will present "Old Heidelberg Monday
night, Ivan the Terrible" Tuesday
night and Beau BrummeI' Wednesday
night The sale of seats for Mr.. Mans
fields engagement will open next
Thursday morning.