The Saint Paul globe., 1905-01-19
AT St. Paul Theaters

new Clyde Fitch comedy, "Her Own
Way under the management of
Charles B. Dillingham;, at the Metro
politan tonight. Miss Elliott comes
here with the prestige of New York
favor, and the record of having scored
the most unique theatrical run ever
known in New York, having appeared
at four different first-cIass theaters in
succession without leaving Broadway
"a record never before duplicated by
any other attraction.
Her Own Way" is said to be the
ebst play Clyde Fitch ever wrote. 1t
is story Of New York life of the
present day, and depicts certain fea-
lures Of life in the smart set, which
will be relished even by the very class
thus caricatured. Georgiana Carley,
played by Miss Elliott is the repre-
sentative type of American girl found
In real life. Though she determines
to have her own way in her own love
affair, she is not obstinate. She sim
ply does not recognize the right of
relatives and friends to settle her own
love affair for her. There are two in
love with her manly lieutenant,
Dick Coleman. and an unscrupulous
millionaire, Sam Coast, her own cou-
sin. Coast deliberately ruins her en-
tire FAMILY, and entices her brother
into futile speculation, so that Georgi-
ana may be helpless in her poverty and
be forced to accept him as husband.
Meanwhile, Dick Coleman, fighting in
the Philippines, is reported dead. Still
Georgiana remains steadfast and in
sists upon having her own way. Sam
Coast, realizing at last how hopeless
his love for her is, departs, and then
the news comes that Coleman wasn't
ambushed after all, and is alive, though
wounded.
Incidental to the sentimental inter-
est in Her Own Way" there is a fund
of comedy, supplied by the different
types of social climbers cleverly de-
picted by Fitch. There is also a novel
scene in the first act, where four little
children of the rich have a birthday
party in the nursery, and discuss the
do1ng& of their elders in a remarkably
knowing way. This scene was con-
sidered one of the freshest and most
novel scenes of many years when the
play was first produced.
Two Minneapolis artists, Mrs. Alma
johnson Porteous, contralto, and Axel
Skovgaard, violinist, presented the pro-
gramme at the Schubert clubs regular
musicale yesterday afternoon. The au-
d1ence was large; there were not, in
deed, seats enough in the hall for all
who attended the concert But those
who stood were amply repaid for any
discomfort entailed, for the programme
was decidedly attractive and was artis-
tfcally presented by the two visiting ar
lists. Rossis, "Ah, Rendimi," which
was Mrs. Porteous' opening number,
was not so successfully sung as the
other vocahnumbers on the programme.
A suggestion Of breathlessneSs marred
the rendition of those passages that
called for the lower tones, though this
appearance Of haste or breathlessneSs
could not conceal the beautiful quality
OF the singers contralto, it's strength
and richness of tone. In Duvernoy's
Chant d'Alsace," however, there was
absolutely nothing to detract from the
suggested a portrait by Alexander in
her quaint gown of black and tan, with
just touch of color here and there,
interpreted the great song with vocal
sweetness, dignity and dramatic
strength. 1t was most artistic singing.
"Threnodia," by Augusta Holmes, and
a serenade by Van der Stucken, served
farther to charm Mrs. Porteous' audi
ence yesterday and it insisted upon an
encore.
Mr.. Skovgaard, who made his first
public appearance in st. Paul at this
Schubert musicale, is a brilliant and
yirile violinist. His technique is good
and in what somebody has called "the
aesthetics of violin art he demon
strated yesterday a superior equipment.
He plays with an easy grace and in a
certain facile style that makes his au-
dience forget at times that his instru-
ment is difficult one to master. The
Beethoven 'KreutZer Sonata" was skill
fully and in many passages most i'm
pressively played. What would have
undoubtedly been Mr.. Skovgaard's
most successful number had it not
come near the end of the programme,
was Max Bruch's E minor concerto.
Unfortunately it was after 80 when it
was commenced and many in the audi
ence, which is not accustomed to re-
naming any later at those musicales,
left the hall. But these Interruptions,
though they must have been annoying
to the musician, did not prevent those
who remained in their seats from ap-
preciating Mr.. Skovgaard's interpreta-
ton Of this noble composition. He was
ably assisted in it's presentation by
Miss Christina Nilsson at the piano. Be-
sides the two sonatas, Mr.. Skovgaard
played two clever compositions of his
own, a mazurka and Witches Dance"
He also responded to three encores.
Mrs. Harriet Walker Runyan played
the accompaniments for Mrs. Porteous
yesterday.
D. L. Don, German dialect comedian,
heads the cast which will present "A
Girl From Dixie" when that tunefu1
musical comedy returns to the Metro
politan theater Sunday night. "a Girl
From Dixie" Is said to be the first
genuine example of American musical
comedy in which the atmosphere of the
South is reflected with considerable ac-
curacy without once making issue Of
the Mason and Dixon line. The en-
gagement is for four nights and
Wednesday matinee.
Catchy music, pretty girls, attractive
costumes and good singing are features
of the musical comedy, Mrs. Delaney
of Newport" at the Grand this week.
Kate Gilmore as modern Mrs. Mala-
prop of language and Mrs. Astor of
clothes, presents clever satire on the
Newport feminine pusher into society.
Ross Snow as the tramp gave a cred
liable comedy performance.
David Belasco's drama of love and
war, "The Heart of Maryland" will
again claim the plaudits of playgoers
next week at the Grand commencing
Sunday matinee. The exciting sensa-
tional scene in which Maryland CAL
vert, in her desperate struggle to save
her lover from recapture and death as
spy, rushes up into the belfry of the
old colonial church tower, and, leaping
from the platform, cluches the clapper