The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1879-11-10
MUbIC AND THE DRAMA


Mr.. Jefferson made his f1rSt appearance Ill
Portland since 1872 at City Hall, on Saturday
afternoon, to an audience of fair proportions,
and again to a splendid house in the evening.
Notwithstanding the years that have passed
since Mr.. Jefferson first assumed the character
of Rip, and the thousands of times he has pre-
scented his impersonation, he has lost none OF
his power to charm. AS we said the other
day, other actors have essayed the role, many
of them with great success, but no one has
yet been found possessed of the charm OF face
and voice that attaches to the great comedian.
His eyes express every shade of feeling, his
mouth is as sensitive in its display OF emotions
as that Of the most sensitive girl, and his must
cal voice vibrates with pathos only equalled
by an Eolean harp.
We can but regret that Mr.. Jefferson has
chosen Irving's character and brought it into
such pro ninence, for its moral effect is any
thing but wholesome. Rip Van Wrinkle, as
represented by the actor, is good for nothing
vagabond was ting his property in drink, be-
clouding the life of his wife, and making his
childre paupers And yet the sympathies of
the audience are kept constantly with the vag
abond. 1t is nothing but sheer luck that pre-
vents his signing away all his property to
Derrick, and that brings him back to Falling
Water in time to save Gretchen and Meen1e,
For all that, Gretchen not only forgives him,
but with delightful inconsistency puts to his
lips the drink that has nearly made them beg
CARS, and formerly caused all the unhappiness
that drove him from home. There are also
little WEAKNESSES of Rips character displayed
that do away with the generally accepted
good fellow" idea of Rip. This is shown
where fondling his wretched wife, he steals
the bottle from her pocket.
Having expressed our opinion OF the play,
we can but admit the great power Of the actor.
He brings smiles and tears by turns. We wit
ness the play again and again and each time
with new interest. Mr.. Jefferson understands
the fine distinction between overriding and
tameness. and his work is that of the artist
who gives broad effects joined with the most
delicate and subtle touches
Miss VaderS is almost too pretty and good
natured for Gretchen. It it hard to believe
that she really means to be harsh with Rip.
Mr.. Waverly was very good as Derrick Won
Beekman. The children, little Maggie Con
zales and Charlie Burnell, were very cunning
in their scene in the first act. The representa-
ton of the Catsl1ills in the second act was very
well done and the perspective good. The cab
met organ was rather out Of place in represent
ing mysterious music.
VIOLA CLIFTON
Tonight and tomorrow night Viola Clifton
and her great company OF 40 performers will
appear at Music Hail. The entertainment is
said to be an excellent variety show. The
nude business will probably be on paper rather
than on the stage.
THE PLEIADES.
Tonight Redpath' ''Pleiades," said to be
one of the most delightful combinations trav-
cling, will appear at City Hall. We have al
ready said great deal in favor OF this troupe,
quoting from press notices elsewhere. The
following will be the programme:
Songs b Alp Song. Abt
Swedish Ladies' Quartette.
Anna Teresa Berger.
Readings. .......................Ms Miss Helen Potter
Cartoons The blind Girl Of P Rega
Miss Helen Potter
Co.. (dWaldenacht. ........., .............. ..Abt
1coastng Song: :. oaartott. Prins GUSTAV
Impersonaton-Meg Merrillies la Charlotte
Cushman .............Ml Miss Helen Potter
Cornet Solo-selected .;,.......,.. Miss Berger
Temperance-.John b. Cough. Miss Potter
Serenade-Gently Sleep. .:............M ohrmo
IA, National Costume.
Swedish Ladies' Quartette and Fritz L, Schneiser
ART ENTERTAINMENT.
The art entertainment to be given at the
City Hall Wednesday evening should draw a
full house. 1t has been prepared with great
care and will no doubt prove one OF the most
enjoyable entertainments of the season. The
Rogers Groups are familiar to everybody and
there will be general desire to see them.
The other features of the entertainment will
prove as attractive as the Rogers Groups.
Tickets with reserved seats are for sale ct
Stockbridges.
NOTES.
| Edwin Booths engagement to Manager
| A bhnv ic for six wppkS-fhrHa Mt the Park
! Theatre and three on the New England circuit.
He will bring his own company as support.
Mr. Barron, Miss Clarke, Miss Martinez
Miss Tyler Messrs. Hudson, Mason, Haworth
and others of the Boston Museum company,
will present Diplomacy in Portland,
| Nov. 21-22.
| Felix Morris and wife have arrived in New
| York from California
The Waldrons are earning hosts of good
opinions in the Danites.