The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1905-04-11
At ST. Paul Theaters


edy, the acme of the histrionic art as
it can be, revealed through the medium
or finished coincidence was exeno-
plified last night at the MetroDolitan
by Miss Henrietta Crosman i'm the
character of Nell Gwyn. An actress
lihpersonaung the famous player who
won the heart of King Charles III nust
needs possess, uncommon histrionic tall
ent TO give the role verisimilitude Miss
CroSman possesses it in abundance as
her portrayal of the impulSive player
so agreeably revealed last evening.
1t needed not this demonstration to
prove the worth of this artist to a St.
Paul audience, for all appreciative
patrons of the drama recall Miss
Crosman's appearance here some years
ago in stock organization whose pre-
sentation of standard comedies and
farces were illumined by this woman's
exquisite art. Since then New York
or rather Broadway-has recognized
her undeniable superiority in legiti-
mate comedy. and the dean of Ameri-
can critics, Willie Winter, has pro-
claimed her Rosalind Shakespeare
which is much indeed
Suffice it to say that Miss Crosman's
art today is a superb example of the
real actors achievement. 1t fulins
the canons that Hamlet laid down for
the player in that matchleSs, compre-
hensive epitome of the players art.
Miss Crosman's speech is distinguished
by rare clarity of enunciation, so that
not syllable escapes the ear; but who
of her auditors thinks of her 'elocu-
tion.' that bugbear which suggests the
pedagoSUe of speech, who lacks the
falntest appreciation of the value of
action?
Miss Crosman's Nell Gwyn is so
human that the illusion spreads not
only just across the footlights. but per-
vadeS the whole theater, from pit to
dome. And what is acting anyway,
put the art of creating an illusion, fleet
ing though 1t be? You do not sit back
ana mentally dissect every information,
every emphasis, every gesture of Miss
Crosman. You are more apt to lean
forward and watch the mischievous,
frolicking, irrepressible Nell Gwyn.
There are no faults of speech and ac-
ton to jar the ear or mar the vision;
instead there is vital. vibrant picture
OF the most attractive semblance of
humanity that this world Affords
which is pretty, witty and a good
natured woman.
For preserving the atmosphere of the
restoration period in so far as it's gay
ETY. and frivolity enter, without per-
uniting its Righteousness to intrude.
the author. George c. Hazelton. is to be
commended. Mr. HaZelton has written
concise, responsive and witty dialogue.
His fools speak no more than is set
down for them" and the badinage be-
tween King Charles and Nell is not
fiat nor stale
The last act is unquestionably the
best. 1t takes place at midnight in
NelFs apartments, to which she has re-
turned in male attire, the most impor-
tant part of which she retains under
the robe in which she receives the
iaa1nrIC mo nd III
was in the ballroom scene at Ports
mouth, when Nell assumes the char
acter OF Beau Adair, an Irish youth of
much audacity and a genteel brogue,
thaI MISS Crosman'S mimetic faculties
proved so effective. So spontaneous
were her speech and action through
out this assumption of a male charac-
Ter that the failure of all to recognize
Nell Gwyn seemed justifiable.
Miss CroSman was favored with adj
.equate support. H. Reeves Smith, an
actor whom intelligence seems to con-
troll, contributed a somewhat whim-
steal Characterization Of Charles III that
comported we'll with the lines as well
as history. j. r. Furlong gave a con-
vincing portrayal of Hart, the actor
manager of the kings theater; William
Herbert furnished a commendable i'm
personation of Strings, the old fiddler
OF the kings theater. and John Hunter
was good as the callboy.
Emily Rigl, an actress of ripe eXpe-
rience, played Louise, the French
duchess of Portsmouth, with admirable
discretion and true accent.
F. G. H.
Another large audience witnessed
the spectacular melodrama, Dangers
of Working Girls" at the Grand last
evening. The plot of the play hinges
on the horrors of the cadet system"
as it used to exist on the east side of
New York city. The play is brim-
full of startling situations and bright
comedy scenes The piece is present
ed by company headed by Harry
Fields, Jewish comedian of merit
A deal of attention has been paid to
the staging of the play. The princi-
pal scenes show police headquarters,
New York city, the interior of the
world famous opium palace, and DR..
Salsya's underground chamber of
mysteries. There will be matinees
Wednesday and Saturday.
One of the largest musical and fare
tcal organizations of the season will
be at the Grand next week. The COM
edy is entitled Me, Him and l." and
is especially written to fit a trio of
most grotesque comedians. The dainty
work is in the hands of the charming
prima donna, Miss Helen Spencer, and
the fun is furnished by Bickel, Watson
and Wrothe. The chorus is we'll Sc
lected. Fine scenery and gorgeous
costumes furnish a picturesque set
ting.
Bryants Burlesquers are giving a
bright, snappy show at the Star, and
pleasing large audiences. Mr.. Good
Player" the opening piece, is funny,
and the olio has several good features.