Word: pluto
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Dates: during 1890-1899
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...interest of the audience was not allowed to flag for an instant. The principals entered so thoroughly into the spirit of their parts that it would be hard to say who did the best. The acting of E. G. Merrill as Venus and W. K. Brice as Pluto was perhaps the most finished, while that of J. Purdon, as Cupid, the "chronic infant" was the most amusing. C. M. Flandrau, as Mrs. Ceres, I. S. Adams, as Proserpina, and W. Ames, as Exemplicus, also acted their parts excellently...
...Meihac & Halevy lines, taking mythological dramatis personae and the gist of an old myth, and burlesquing the whole by the introduction of all sorts of modern matter. And in this he has shown a very keen eye for caricature. Take, for instance, his fusion of the Greek Pluto with the modern Devil, of Hades with Hell, and then further burlesquing the composite by making Hell a sort of modern hotel, into which no sinless person can obtain admission; this is excellent burlesque. His working-out of this comic donnee is as ingenious and clever in detail as the idea itself...
When Proserpina comes on the stage, Cupid wounds her with his dart, Pluto at once declares his love, and as he expected finds it requited. Ceres, Exemplicus and the chorus then come in, all ready for the wedding of Proserpina and Exemplicus. Proserpina tells her mother that she has just captured a prince whereupon Ceres, overjoyed, deserts the cause of Exemplicus and consents that the marriage shall take place at once in Pluto's kingdom of Hades...
...since only sinners can enter Hades, the Arcadians, none of whom have ever committed a sin, are debarred from companying the bridal party on the journey. Then it is suggested that, as stealing is a crime, each man should steal a kiss from each maid. This, Pluto points out, would admit the men to Hades, but the maids would still be debarred. Ceres overcomes the difficulty by suggesting that the maids take back their kisses, thereby receiving stolen goods, which of course is a sin. Exemplicus is now the only person left on earth; he declares that he will revenge...
...scene of the second act is laid in Pluto hotel in Hades, where preparations are being made for the wedding of Pluto and Proserpina. Just as the wedding is about to take place, in comes Exemplicus. He says that he has obtained admission because on earth he was not really good, but only a professional hypocrite. He declares, therefore, that Proserpina, not loving him, had committed no sin, and must go at once back to earth. Everybody is in despair, when Venus enters. To her Pluto tells his troubles. She at once clears up the difficulty by suggesting that they...