The Portland daily press., 1878-12-20
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA.
THE DANITES.

Joaquin Millet's "Dantes'' is ia play that is
credit to the American stage. 1t is dis
tinctively an American play. 1t deals in
incidents Of life that possesses almost all of
| the romanticism that can attach to drama
that pretends to belong to this country, and it
| is noticeable how plays Of this character have
jumped into popular favor-Frank Mayo rlade
| a success with his "Davy Crockett" and Miss
Pxley has delighted thousands with her
"M'liss zone reason that dramas of the Buffalo
Bill" stamp please-of which "The Danites''
is not-is because it is infused with the life of
the prairies, the broad, free western life that
stirs the most sluggish blood The story in
brief is this: j Smith and his brother, the
Mormon prophets, were murdered, and in
revenge bind called the Dauites was formed
who swore an oath to exterminate every mem.
Der of every family they believed to have been
Instrumental in that murder. Among their
victims we're all Of family named Williams
except daughter Nancy and her little brother.
They take refuge with q miner named Sandy
MCGEE who protects them but Bill Hickman
and Hezekiab, two of the Danites, discover
their retreat, shoot the little boy and think
tney have killed Nancy. Sandy has taken
fancy to Nancy aud she has given her heart to
him, although he does not know it. Years
pass. Sandy has married the school mistress
at the Forks, widow; add is unaware that the
bsard'ess youth, Billy Piper. who is one of the
miners, is the lost Nancy The "Parsou," SO
called. another miner who had fallen in love
with the school maam, but whose love had been
rejscted b9lieves Billy 2 per to have stolen her
Election. he even thinks he has caused her
20 be urfaithtu to Sandy Biily's sex has
been discovered by Saudy's wife but she keeps
the secret, until, at last by the rude law of tina
Sisrras the Danites are hung, when Billy's
identity is made known and the play ends
happily. There are several minor characters
intrOducsd-minOr simply because they are
supposed to be subservient to The principal
roles of Sardy and Billy-out without them
the play would amount to but little. The
drama Is by no means one part play: all the
characters are strong and individual. All
through the piece there is ven of pathos
running. suggested by the situations, and their
connection, rather than with anything in .ho
iaasasge OF tue drama, which moves the
spectators to tears. The picture suggested of
the poor weak woman BOUNDED from place to
place, from year TO year, is terribly graphic
and suddeuing The comic element however
is not wanting and laughter and tears were
continuous throughout the evening.
Mckee Rankin assesses the figure for the
bluff, honest miner Sandy. Despite cold,
winch rendered his voice little husky, be was
exceedingly effective and one of bis strongest
scenes was that in the cabin where he hads
The parts of Nancy Williams and Billy Piper
little heavy for her. She is prop, rly speaking
Com medienne, not an emotional actress and
probably better N .ome T'gne was never ba.
FIRE known on the boards Of a theatre. But
Billy pipsi would be a tax Gu the power of he
best actress and, 10 certain scenes, Miss Bauch-
ard rises to the situation-Doticeaby that with
the T 'rson where she swears that she is not
guiity-with force that calls forth enthusias.
TIC applause. Mr. Parsloe's Chinaman 10 not
only fhmArk ahlp U0N1 in ire ms a nn IN ia
one OF the most comical and lfe-lke pieces of
character acting on the stage. Mr.. Alddch
was very good arson, and so was Mr. Wal
dron as one OF the D,hites. Mr.. Mestay er was
an excellent udg--as he always is in what
ever he uod-rtakes-aud the rest OF the Cast
was very strong.
,Eaers body who really enjoys fine acting
should go to Music Hall tonight.
JoLLITIEs.
The pleasing series of entertainments given
by the Grand Army this season closed last
night with Fetch and Gilbert's "Jollities"
melange of music and farce perhaps suggested
BIZ the Goodwin and Weathsrsby "Frolques,''
but certainly not borrowed from it, The en-
tertainment opened with farce, duller if any
thing than that which preceded "Cruets."
The piece de resistance was ''Sparks" which has
about as much sparkle as California diamond
horse-play The author started with good
conception and one which if properly elaborat-
ed would make lively extravaganza; but hs
has missed his opportunities. Mr.. Felch, as
the old toy maker, made up we'll, and showed
certain dry humor that was entertaining Mr..
Hunting was handsome hero, and Mr.. Gill
bert sufficiently foolish-looking as the stupid
son. Miss Lillian Braun's recitation of a
poem, Of the Will Carleton style of architect
ure, was the best' thing she did. The play
dragged, but the audience was cour.eously at
tentiye, and appeared really amused.
NOTES.
The Haydn Association will have special
rehearsal this evening. They will give a con
cert next Monday evening. when they will pre-
senl ''Stabat Mater" and miscellaneous music
They begin their rehearsal of McF ,rren's Ora
torio 'St. John the Baptist :" on Monday even
ing, Dee 3lst The books may bs found at
Stockbridge's.
An order has been issued for the introduction
into the Prussian army Of ne W kind of drum,
with metal drum-siicks, invented by Herr
Bertram.
May Fisk's English Blondes will appear at
Portland Theatre next Monday, Tuesday and
Wednesday evenings
ROssini Hall.