The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-02-19
AT THE THEATERS

. - AT THE THEATERS
Metropoiitan-"The Bonnie Brier Bush"
The play that has been constructed out
of Ian Maclaren's Scotch tale is no ex-
ception to the rule that dramatiZed nov
els are disappointing. 1t is seldom, indeed,
that a story Suited to the novel-form can
be made to suit the drama FORM Yet there
is a unity Of purpose in this play that goes
far to- compensate for tie beauties of the
original story lost in the transformation.
The stern father who translates his own
obstinacy into the Understanding phrase
of parental duty" and whose heart is
finally softened toward his child, is a
theme that has been treated in many
plays, the once-popular Hazel Kirke' be-
ing the most notable example. 1t is not a
pleasant theme nor perhaps a useful one.
But there are those who go to the theater
to weep and this play furnishes a lachry
NAL vent that is at least artistic. And
there is fresh and wholesome comedy in
it, effectively arranged to secure contrasts.
J.. H. Stoddart presents his character
izaton of Lachlan Campbell, the stern
father, which has been everywhere ac-
claimed as the masterpiece Of his long
stage career with no appreciate dete-
roration in quality. The gradually soft
ening effect of love on the old mans heart
and it's final triumph over duty are
brought out with great art. Heresy tho
it may be to say So Mr.. Stoddart's earlier
scenes, wherein duty has full sway, seem
perilously near to ranting. But the de-
velopment of the character is carried out
to the end in a logical and artistic man
ner.
Reuben Fax. the very antithesis OF
Mr.. Stoddart in every respect, dispels the
gloom whenever he is on the stage by
the infectious humor of his representation
of the postman. It is real Scotch comedy
| that Mr.. Fax gives us, and it affords q
! grateful relief from the somberness OF
| the main story. But Mr.. Fax is COM
| paratively young, and it is time he was
developing his unquestioned talent fol
comedy by producing something new.
The company is quite satisfactory, anC
some excellent and appropriate music is
introduced incidentally in such a way as
to help out the atmosphere of the piece.
Foyer Chat.
Anna Held will appear at the Metro
politan theater next week, beginning Sun
| day evening, in Jean Richepins French
musical comedy, "Mam'selle Napoleon,
adapted to the American stage by JOSEPH
w. Herbert and provided with music BY
/ Gustav Luders. Miss Held has an excel
\ lent opportunity for displaying her per
sonal charms in conjunction with a ma
tive dramatic ability she has never befort
manifested.
"The Factory Grip continues to furnisl
good entertainment for Bijou patrons.
'eFronl Rags to Riches which com
mences an engagement of one week at tn
Bijou Sunday afternoon, is one of tn
melodramatic successes Of the season.
special matinee will be given Monday
Washington's birthday.
The Ferris Stock company production
, 'Whose Baby Are You" furnishes fu
: galore at the Lyceum this week Openin
Sunday evening the company will appea
!. in Augustus Thomas comedy drama, II
Mizzouri," with Dick Ferris in the rol
of Jim Radburn.
Harry Morris and his high class coined
"a Night on Broadway are at the Dewe
> this week and the management announce
: for this week two ladies' matinees, FIR
p day and Saturday.
>, for this week two ladies' batinees, Frida
and Saturday.