The Portland daily press., 1880-02-24
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA.
YoRIcK,s LOVE.

beauty and power. 1t possesses all the attri-
butes of great work. AS far as the language
is concerned, we can say with one of the best
critics of the country, cit has poetic fire and
poetic grace which may be called Shakspear-
ian, and the thought which shapes it is steadi-
ly fine, and often wonderful in wisdom, in
sight and elevation. Its depths of feeling,
sincerity, and intensity are irresistible, and its
whole scheme noble and free from the faintest
faint of coarseness." 1t is play however
that is exceedingly sombre-as may we'll be
imagined from the sketch of the plot published
in the PREss-a sombreness that possesses lit
tie to relieve it, outside of the first act and
the slight scene between old Gregory and Mis-
tress Dorothy in the second. The plot is we'll
developed, but there is a monotony in the
scenes that deprives some of them of the eff
feet they might otherwise obtain. This is es-
pecially the case in the second act which has
not been inaptly termed a seething and bub-
bling caldron of passion, instead of mighty
river irresistible in its onward force and majes-
ty. The spectator is interested in the situa-
tons. he admires the art and is impressed by
the power OF the actors, but he wonders why
they desire to extend the agony to such
length One also wonders in the last act why
Yorick does not punish the guilty wife, as well
as Edmund, unless he takes it for granted that
the actor went crazy before he had chance to
fulfil his promise,
Mr.. Barrett was at his best estate last night.
In the opening scenes he was the light-heart-
ed, loving husband, the more than affection
ate father. He possesses the same simple, kind
ly nature that one associates with the actor of
whom Hamlet speaks in such pitying tones,
and yet he is man who feels within himself
capabilities for something more than the
Jester of the stage. And, throughout all
the affections poured upon him he
bears with him our warmest sympathy.
The scene with his son Edmund in the second
act, where he first suspects what fearful calam-
ity has befallen him and demands the name
of the betrayer of his home, the final scene of
the act and all throughout the last act, Mr..
Barrett's impersonation was marked by a.
beauty, a power, and o passionate sincerity
that fairly carried away the audience. At the
end of the second act they rendered him a
complete ovation, such as has been rarely
witnessed in this theatre. Three times they
called the star in front, but with rare modes
ty, he insisted in sharing the honor with all on
the stage with him.
OF the other actors we can say that Mr.
Grismers Master Walton was an admirable
characterization. He possesses mobile face,
speaking eyes, and quiet force to be highly
praised. Mr.. Gus Levick was not only an ele-
CANT and handsome Edmund, but he also acted
with fervor. Miss Cummens was a fair Mis-
tress Alice, but rather conscious and, appar-
Curran was good Gregory. The other actors
did not offend. One point to be highly praised
was, as general thing, the excellent enun-
citation of Messrs. Barrett, Levick and Girls.
mer and the pleasant delivery Of their lines.
The house was crowded with one of the
most cultivated audiences Portland can boast,
Notwithstanding the weather. Tonight Mer-
chant of Venice and David Garrick.
REWARD.
The rendition of Reward at City Hall last
night by Bosworth Post G. A. B., was in fact,
one of the best military dramas ever produced
in this city. The acting was the finest we have
ever seen by the Post for the first night, and
should it continue to improve on last evenings
performance, it will surpass anything hereto
fore given.
Mr.. Charles Collins, as Fritz Stein, excelled
all his previous efforts, and his songs and funny
sayings afford, by themselves, an evenings adj
mirable entertainment Mr.. E. FL L. nsing,
as Tom Markham, played his part with an
ease and grace that was noticeable, and is
great addition to the company. Mr.. W. E. St.
John, as Walter Greenwood, went far ahead
of any of his former impersonations. Fred A.
Pollock assumed his part under very unfavora-
BILE circumstances. He sprained his ankle and
therefore it was with difficulty he assumed the
role of George Hudson, but with great pluck
he determined to go on and played the part
with good judgment. Mr.. Fitzgerald, as Sam
Watson, Mr.. Allen, as Ike Smith. Mr.. Rowe,
as Mr.. Harris, Mr.. Milliken, as Dick Osgood,
were all very good Miss Emma Wyer, as
Grace Harris, was very pleasing and performed
her part with spirit that we seldom see in
amateurs. Miss Lizzie Winslow, as Kate
Riley, was very good, and an excellent define
ator of Irish character.
The tableaux were we'll arranged and charm
ingly represented. The marches were all in
perfect order and admirably executed.
Chambers orchestra furnished delightful
music, and was thoroughly appreciated by
those who heard it. There was not as many
present as the play deserved, but that was
owing to the storm. The boys deserve crowded
houses the rest of the week, for the play is all
that is represented.
LOTTA.
Mr.. Curtis sold over $500 worth of seats to
the Lolita performances between nine and ten
o'clock yesterday morning 1t is therefore evil
dent this little lady will have a tremendous
audience to greet her Friday and Saturday
evenings, in ''Musette'' and 1.-THE Little De-
tective."