The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-04-21
AT THE TFEATERs
MetropolItan.-"The Yankee Consul

| r. y
Raymond Hitchcock, with his nasal
drawl. his angularly expressive face and
his unique comedy methods, is RESPONSE
BILE Tor the success of THE Yankee Con-
sui. There are other elements, to be
sure. that enter into its success, but
hitchcock is the main Atlas. His con-
ception of the naturally shrewd Yankee,
banished to consular position in San
Domingo by friends who think his alb
sence desirable enough to justify a regular
remittance, is a long step in advance Of
the stereotyped comic opera king in
trouble. It is q character worthy Of ex-
ploitation in legitimate comedy, for Its
humor has deeper roots than one is ac-
customed to in musical comedy. The fun
mostly arises out Of the consuls frankly
mercenary efforts to win the heart and
fortune of a ponderous duenna. The court
ship Is as original as it is funny.
Mr.. Hitchcock furnishes spontaneous
and unaffected brand of humor that never
| fails while he is on the stage He sings
| topical song as no one else would ever
think Of singing it and with an effective
ness beyond question. His "Ain't It
Funny What a Difference Just Few
Hours Make" is a bit of philosophizing on
the unsubstantiality Of good resolutions,
| whose humor is grounded on eternal
| truth. It Is perhaps to be regretted that
| so much of the bibulous side of life enters
into Mr.. Httchcock's comedy. It is a
| string that is bestrummed overmuch now
adays.
The story Of ''The Yankee Consul is
not of absorbing interest nor even o.
striking originality. It introduces the
| American naval lieutenant now recognized
as a necessity in all well-regulated musi-
cal comedies. And there are several revo-
lutions brewing all the tme-as is natural
in Latin America. Henry Blossom, Jr.
Is responsible for the book, and while not
exhibiting any remarkable qualities Of in
vention, has certainly provided some
mirthful situations and some bright dia-
log. Alfred G. Robyn has written score
that Is merrily tuneful and full Of sub
! tropical color.
The production is marked by that opu.
lence Of detail characteristic of a Henry
w. Savage Offering. The effects are gor.
geous, yet in good taste thruout. AnG
there Is more attention to the musical fea
lures than Is usual in such productions
| This is to be marked not only in the well
voiced and well-trained chorus, but in tn,
principals, most Of whom are gifted vo
cally beyond the average musical coined!
company. Notably Is this true of JOSEPH
Ratliff, the tenor soldier, and Albert Parr
the barytone sailor, both Of whom ar
ueHoSoIu0 figures VI Hel DIS we'll as SoOt
singers. Mr.. Hitchcock Is abetted in hi
designs on the risibilities of the audience
by William Danforth, who plays the gov
ernor with excellent spirit, and by J. E
Hazard his Teutonic secretary, who con
trives to extract some fun from that well
worn role. Eva Davenport, however
makes the principal hit in the heavy roll
Of the duenna and it is hit with plent.
Of weight behind it. Miss Davenport
quite aside from her avoirdupois is
comedienne Of ideas and funny ones a
that. Flora Isabelle as her daughter an
Rose Botti as her niece, make a charming
but well-contrasted pair of soubrettes
winning of smile, arch of manner an
dainty of step. They frivol thru the even
ing in butterfly fashion and do their shar
Of the singing as well, besides wearing
! some stunning costumes.
i w. 3. Chamberlain.