The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-01-27
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA.


There was but cause for regret last evening,
that the audience was not equal, in point of
numbers, to what the occasion demanded Miss
Milliken deserved, and should have had, a
crowded house. Still she had the qualification
of knowing that the large audience present
included the best known of our musical citi-
zens who gave manifest approval of the con-
cert by their enthusiastic applause.
A complimentary concert is not open to
criticism even if it were needed. 1t is enough
to know that the selections were most happily
chosen, and beautifully rendered. The bene
fciary's clear, full soprano never appeared to
better advantage than in Bishops tripping
measures so charmingly accompanied by the
Beethoven Club. She was encored in both
her numbers, responding to the first with
Twas within mile of Edinboro' Town."
and to the second with "Annie Laurie" and
received two lovely bouquets.
Mrs. Morrison's rich, deep contralto was
heard with excellent effect in Tours Because
of Thee" and she responded to an encore with
a delightful italian ballad "-4ddio Ndpol,"
Mr.. Stockbridge sang Governs "Aubade" very
sweetly, and John Shaw "Bibos Will" with
expression and taste. Both gentlemen were
encored but simply bowed. The two quartet es
were very pleasing.
OF course the Beethoven Club was great
attraction of the entertainment. Like the old
Mendelssohn Club the perfection of drill of
this organization is such that they have be-
come, to all intents and purposes, one man.
What could have been grander than the
superb dddglO movement of MendelsSOhn's
from the quintette in B fiat, or more delicious
than Mr.. Aliens solo from "Lonabardi' with
accompaniment by the club. MIR. Fries played
solo on airs from "Martha" so as to win a
persistent encore, and gave in response
fantasia OF Scotch airs, while Mr.. Allen
Haydn's "God Save the Emperor" The
evening fifty terminated with the fairy
measures of Memberships Midsum or Nights
Dream. Mr.. Mill.ken accompanied very ac-
ceptably.
voYAGERS IN SOUTHERN SEAS.
The grand spectacular play to be produced
at Portland Theatre by Tompkins & Hill FRI
day and Saturday will probably draw crowded
houses. 1t is on its spectacular effects and
ballet the piece depends for success. We are
sorry to hear that Ariel, the flying fairy, will
not appear here, as the management say they
cannot arrange the stage for that purpose. We
think that must be mistake. The other
effects however are very fine, without Ariel.
A funny story comes from Philadelphia
about member of the Boston Theatre COM
pany who was playing an important part in
the "Voyagers." Not being accustomed at
home to appear at Wednesday matinees, he
forgot all about one at the Chestnut Street
Opera House, and lay down for a comfortable
nap after his midday meal. When it was
time for the curtain to go up, he could not be
found about the theatre, and another and
younger actor was hastily thrust into the part
Inc last act was just going on as the delin-
quent actor quietly sauntered into the stage
door, and his astonishment and dismay at
nndlng performance going on was something
exceedingly funny to witness, say all who saw
his entrance.
Be sure and get seats for the complimentary
concert to Collins.
1t appears doubtful if Mile. Sara Bernhardt
Will play IN Portland the coming spring, as
has been announced. So far as can be learned
she IS not booked at the theatre.
Because Miss Helen Potter proposed to give
costume presentations of Lawrence Barrett and
Mile. Sara Bernhardt, the Y. M. G. A. Asso-
clatlon OF London, Ont, refused to allow her
to appear in their hall, and sent her to Me-
chanics' Hall without changing the announce
ment OF the place, an operation which was
financially disastrous to the engagement.
Plutarch's legend, upon which Tennyson's
new Tragedy, The Cup" is founded, has pre-
vlously been employed on the modern stage.
Ristori formerly acted frequently in a play
based upon the same story, written for her by
Montanelli, and some critics have expressed
the opinion that Gamma, the part now acted
by Miss Ellen Terry. was her best role 20 years
ago. Sig. Gleck then performed the part
played at the London Lyceum by Henry
Irving.
For genuine originality in operatic criticism
the New Orleans press must be awarded the
first place. Carmen" was recently produced
in that city by the Beauplan company, and
Nine. Andres Carmen was praised as follows:
MRS. ANDRE makes dashing Carmen, and
displays all the delicate points Of the role with
out too much attempt at effect, and preserv ing
through all the wild vagaries of that eccentric
parsonage the decorum which is inseparable
from the proper march of the serious opera.
1t is difficult task, which, with her usual
tact and intelligence, she performed admirably.
Her 9 oquent bright eyes, full of smiles, love-
light, mischief and passion, Joined to her
panther-like grace of movement specially fit
her for the role of a seducer and enchantress -