The Saint Paul globe., 1905-04-25
At St. Paul Theaters

Nat C.-Goodwin, whose preemirence
as a comedian has long been recognized
in this country. appeared at the Metro
politan last night. after an absence of
two seasons, in play new to ST. Paul.
The Usurper" is it's title. and Eng
land its locale The. author is I. n.
Norris. once st. Paul newspaper man.
Mr.. Goodwin has found a worthy We
hicle in this drama. Like many other
dramas of foreign environment The
Usurper" interests you in the fortunes
OF an American-John MaddoX-who
purchases an English estate. with all the
conditions thefeunto annexed, including
Its family skeletons. Mr. Morris has
carefully preserved the atmosphere
of the English aristocracy, with which
he has effectively eontrasted the bluff,
practical. direct ways of the American
from North Dakota-and that Amer
lean is not a cowboy either. He is
gentleman even from the merchant
tailor'S viewpoint. That Mr. Goodwin
made John Maddox live, who could
doubt? The author has supplied him
with characteristic lines, not necessar-
lily profane. Many of Maddox's
speeches are epigrammatic without
seeming affected. Al instance will suf-
fee
When the woman he loves is about
TO run away with a baronet whom she
has promised to wed her English
cousin says to Maddox:
What if You do stop them tonight.
they'll be married twelve hours later"
Twelve hours!" shouts Maddox.
Why. man, the whole world turns half
way round in that time,"
The play has mystery worthy of a
Wilkie Collins inventive faculty. 1t is
worked out in a semi-comedy, semi
mNlO0r4 "a ira inc
and equally absorbing. Goodwin is at
all times most happy in it, and so is
Ruth Mackay in the opposite role of
Beatrice Give.
Goodwin is master of the art of
anti-climaX, whic he employs so eff
fectively III this drama. without ever
descending to trivial tactics or bur,
lesque methods. The comedy of life.
the humorous side of it's serious situa-
tions. he reveals without doing sacri-
lege to the highest emotions, or max
ing fun of pathos.
Mr.. Goodwin's direct. natural, spon-
taneOus method, that inimitable roll of
the eye, pose of the head, unctuous
tone, contagious smile, are too well
known to need extended comment here
That his portrayal of John Maddox
was fairly efferveScent with humor and
thoroughly convincing characterize :
ton of a straightforward American
impressed all.
An admirable impersonation of
Beatrice Give, the English girl whom
Maddox prevents from eloping with Sir
George, was contributed by Ruth
Mackay Miss Mackay possesses eX-
ceptional comelineSs of face and figure,
personal charms that one has become
accustomed to in Mr.. Goodwin's lead
ing women. But besides these visible
and desirable virtues Miss Mackay
also acts with admirable taste and dis
cretion. Her voice is of that we'll
bred tone that cannot be counter
feited, her personality fits it, her smile
seems ample reward for the gallantry
and courage that Miss Gives Ameri-
can admirer displays when the occa-
sion finally demands.
Commendable character bits were
contributed by w. H. Post as a Scot
land Yard detective, and Felix Ed
wards as Rob Quentin, the escaped
convict, who sets things right.
Florence Parker was sufficiently ami
mated in the role of Polly Maddox, the
American girl. Ina Goldsmith impart-
ed individuality to the character of the
ceremoniouS English mother, Lady
Dulverton, Norman Tharp was satis-
factory as Lord Dulverton, her inn
pulsive son, and a commendable char
acterizatiOn of the typewriter, Rosina
Briggs was afforded by George Men
dunn. F. G. H.
THE Way of the Transgressor" at
the Grand this week is an interesting
play. with many scenic effects and
startling changes and contrivances.
Five magnificent specimens of canine
development. the acting 'Landseer"
dogs, play important parts in. the play.
In addition to an adequate cast of play
ers, specialties are introduced. which
include Lyons, a clever comedy juggler;
the negro comedian, Billy Williams, and
Victoria Walters, a singing and dancing
Soubrette.
When Lawrance d'Orsay appears at
the Metropolitan opera house the lat
ter part of this week, beginning Thurs
day evening, he will bring with him the
same cast. without change, that ap
peared with him during the major pOr-
tion of the plays run in New York.
Two or three changes were made in the
cast during the New York engagement,
but these were made in an effort to
improve the plays Interpretation, and
positively no changes have been made
since this company went on tour. There
will be the usual Saturday matinee and
an extra performance Sunday night.
Tonight Mr. Goodwin will present .An
American Citizen by Madeline Lu-
cette Ryley, at the Metropolitan, ard
tomorrow night will conclude his en-
gagement in The Gilded Fool" There
will be no Wednesday matinee.
A revival of "Uncle TOMS Cabin"
Will be produced by Al w. Martins
company at the Grand next week.
Clever specialties and a large, pretty
and well trained chorus are the fea-
lures that make the performances Civ
en- by the Kentucky Bellies company at
the Star this week attractive.
TWO OLD SERVANTS
MEET A TRAGIC DEATH
Attaches of the Forney Household in
PhiIadalnhia M,trIarnL