The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1880-01-22
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA.


Abbey & Hickey's Humpty Dumpty troupe
appeared at City Hall last night before an au
dience that not only tested the seating capacity
of the auditorium but occupied all available
standing room in the rear of the hall and
gallery Tho entertainment was deserving of
such gathering for it held the close attention
of all present from the rising to the final fall
of the curtain; an attention that frequently
burst forth in tremendous applause.
AS far as the pantomime itself is concerned
it is unnecessary for US to make extended
notice, as it is familiar to all our readers. 1t
is true it possessed the novelty of double
harlequinade, or two clowns, pantaloons,
harlequins and columbines, and those respec-
tive roles were undertaken by such well-known
artists as Maffit, Bartholomew, Fraser, N. D.
Jones, Mons. Raymonde, Miles. Menzelli,
Barretta and Rosa Thomas, whose grace,
agility and comic powers proved perfect
mine of fun for the spectators. There were
several new tricks and all went off smoothly.
There was some very pretty scenes introduced,
from the Park Theatre, Boston, noticeably the
grotto of Terpsichore in the first act and the
transformation scene at the close Of the
spectacle, while all the costumes were rich
and in good taste, and the music by the Or
chestra was a great improvement over the
usual pantomime accompaniment introducing
as it did so much that was pleasing and
popular like the Turkish Patrol, and the bell
song from the Chimes of Normandy. The
ballet which we had hoped would prove one of
the strongest was one of the least important
features of the evening if we omit the pas
deuI by Miles. Bonfanti and MenZelli in the
Festival of the Vine which was an admirable
display of the terpschorean art and was warm
ly applauded.
The great stength of the entertainment con-
sists of the celebrated troupe of Spanish stu
dents, and the variety performers, the Snow
brothers, Mons Levantine and the Vatican
brothers. These alone are fully worth going
long distance to witness. The Snow brothers
and Mons. Levantine are we'll known here,
and, if we are not mistaken, the Vatican
brothers also: But since they visited us last
they have SO far improved in their specialteS
that we doubt if they can be excelled. The
hat throwing by two of the Snow brothers,
one in the auditorium and the other the
stage with the glare of the footlights in his
eyes, was immense, and such must also be said
of the balancing feats of the Valjeans espe-
cially that of the ring on the japanese UNI
brella and the pigeon surmounting pyramid
of tobacco pipes. Mons. Levantine is also en-
titled to more space than we can devote to
him for the new features he has introduced
into his act,and the grace and skill with which
he performs them.
The Spanish Students made great hit.
They appeared in the third act, fifteen in
number, attired in black velvet blouses, cloaks
of the same material thrown over the right
shoulder, knot of yellow satin ribbon on the
left shoulder, velvet knee-breeches, black silk
stockings. shoes with large silver buckles, reg
ular student hats of black felt, fastened to
which were ivory spoons, the emblem of the
Spanish student. The guitars were placed in
bn in
leader stood little on one side facing the
three tiers of players, a violin his instrument.
The music produced was exquisite, the time
kept by the performers admirable, and the
shading remarkable. At times it displayed
great body and strength for the instruments
employed, and at others las another writer has
described it) it was "like musical lace" Great
expression was thrown into their rendering,
especially Of those Spanish dances where the
tamborine and castanets were introduced, and
it was difficult for the spectators to keep quiet,
SO pervaded were they by the spirit OF the
melody. The audience were reluctant to let
them off and encored them again and again.
Tonight the last performance will be given
and every one will want to go again.
FOREST CITY LODGE ENTERTAINMENT.
The entertainment given by Forest City
Lodge, I. o. of G. T., last evening was very
interesting. Speakers of ability delivered able
addresses. There were select readings by
good readers, recitationS, music, vocal and in
strumental, and good oyster supper.
OLIVER DoUD BYRON.
Oliver Doud Byron will again appear at
Portland Theatre, this time on Friday and Sat-
urday next,in his play "Across the Continent"
Mr.. Byron drew excellent audiences when
here before and he will probably do large
business this year
NOTES.
The Pat Roony Combination will be at
Portland Theatre ON Saturday, Jan. 1st
Bosworth Post G. A. r. will sometime in
February bring out drama entitled Reward,
OR the Dutch Recruit, with Charlie Collins as
the Dutchman. The play is said to possess
much merit.
Friday night the first subscription concert
will be given at Rossini Hall by W. III. Sher-
wood, the eminent pianist, assisted by Miss
Bryant.
Alice Oates Company will be at Portland
Theatre Thursday and Friday, JAN 30 and 80.
OF course every one will go to see this celebrat-
ed company.