The Portland daily press., 1875-09-07

The opening night of the season at the Mus
cum must be gratifying, as it certainly was
complimentary. to Messrs. Wyer & Arnold.
The audience was large, select, and enthusiast
tic. By half past seven the seats were nearly
all taken, and people entertained the nselves by
noting the many improvements made, admir-
ing the handsome green curtain, compliment
ing the management and listening to the fine
| music. The orchestra was one of the many
surprises of the evening. Much, of course, was
expected of Mr.. Grmmer and his associates,
but they greatly bettered expectation. By way
of overture Pique Dame of Suppe was given,
and during the evening selections were furn-
ished from Puritant. The orchestra as made
up consists of Charles W. Grimmer, first vio-
lin; Frank w. Buxton, second violin; Charles
d. Richards. viola; E. A. Jordan, Basso; E.
B Beckett, flute; W. f. Todd, clarionet; P. P.
Davis, cornet.
Just before eight o'clock the green curtain
was swept aside, and the handsome act drop
was brought to view. The scene represented is
Lake Garda, a decided improvement on the big
nosed and silver-haired angel whom we were
forced to look at last season. At eight o'clock
ouO Cuttdlu IOoo upOu lu6 uTSt STE Q6
of Divorce, and the appearance of the stage
with its handsome scenery and elegant furni-
ture provoked hearty burst of applause, ap-
plause which was repeated on the appearance
of Messrs. Arnold1and Bascomb, and others of
the old company. The play was admirably
given for first night The "waits'' were
wearisomely long it is true, but that was ex-
pected, and people amused themselves by read
ing the neatly gotten up Theatrical Bouquets,
and by listening to the foe music. The ele-
CANT stage furnishings attracted much admira-
ton, and were certainly worthy of 1T
There was, Of course, much curiosity to see
the new actors. In the main they met expec-
tation, and in some cases went beyond it,
Miss Waldron, the leading lady, was not at
her best. as she was suffering from a severe at
tack of neuralgia and cold, unfavorably af-
fect'ng both her appearance and her voice, and
criticism would be hardly fair. She certainly
possesses considerable personal attractions. and
did some strong acting i'll the fourth and fifth
acts.
Miss Ulmer. who presented the dashing Lu
Ten Eyck, made marked and favorable i'm
preston. She was sDrighty, versatile and
eminently natural Mrs Preston who took
the part of the typical and much abused moth
erin law, did admirably well, and will evident.
ly prove decided acquisition to the company.
She possesses fine stage presence, and acts
with spirit and ability. Miss Clara Drinkwater,
as Molly, was arch and natural, approved her.
self a soubrette of decided merit. All the Iad'e
were costuhed handsomely. JUDGED the up.
holstering, both of the stage and Of the women,
leaves nothing to be desired.
Mr.. Norris made hit as Capt Lynde. True
he did not exhibit that elegant Indifference ,
and graceful lassitude which we are accustomed
to associate with the captain, but his nterpreta-
ton was an excellent and finished one. Mr.
sufficiently rheumatic, and sufficiently digni-
fed when the time comes for dignity in the
scene where he parts from his wife. But Mr..
Curtis carried off the honors of the evening.
No better Templeton Jitt is needed The
character Of the divorce lawyer received dis
eliminating treatment al his hands, and the
capabilities of the part were certiiny not suf-
fered to pass unimproved. His face is a Won
derful face for low comedy, and his histrionic
talent equals it. In him the Museum has Sc
cured a comedian of no ordinary merit. With
most of the other actors the Portland public is
familiar, and no extended mention is called
for Suffice it to say that they all acquitted
themselves well.
Messrs. Wyer & Arnold are to be con- ratu
lated upon the success of tie opening night.
With so fue place and company they GER
tainly deserve further and continued SUCCESS
and but little is hazarded in predicting that
they will command it.