The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-11-19
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA.
BARON RUDOLPH.

BARON RUDOLPH.
Last night MIR. and Mrs. George S. Knight
made their first appearance this season at Port
land Theatre in Bronson Towards serio-comic
drama, so-called, of "Baron Rudolph played
in prologue and three acts. If Mr.. Howard
intended the play for an absurdity-just to in
troduce Mr. and Mrs. Knight aud to make peo-
pie laugh-he succeeded admirably, for several
of the Situations attained the height OF the RI
diculous. If he expected these situations to be
presented as they would be in actual life, then
the characters grossly oyeracted them From
the fact that the author calls the piece serio-
comic drama we should suppose the former the
view he intended the public to take.
The piece is really melo-drama with a lot
of variety business of Mr.. Knights injected
into it. The plot was published in Thursdays
PRESS and does not need repetition here. AS
Rudolph Wiegand Mr.. Knight scored, as he
always does, success. More than any man'
who attempts the German characterization,
does he succeed in moving the spectator as
Jefferson does in Rip Van Wrinkle. In the in
terview, as drunken, sodden tramp, with his
daughter Ernestine there is the same pathetic
quality in his acting that, more than words,
appeals to the heart. There is the same nobi-
ity of nature when he spurns Lawrence's coin
and proudly leaves the scene feeling every inch
the Won Hollenstein blood that flows In his veins
There is the same simple, sturdy courage that
prompts him to engage in the burglary IN order
to protect his daughter. Besides these there
is the quaintness of speech and manner that,
perhaps, more than anything else, recall the
greater comedian. His dance with Mrs. Dash
wood, Lawrence and the Judge was vigorously
encored last night, his songs were heartily ap
plauded, and his recitations excited shouts OF
laughter.
Mrs. Knight had but little to do as Mrs
Eastwood, the gay society widow, but she
dressed the part superbly in her esthetic dress
of pale blue, trimmed with olive green, and
decorated with immense sun-howers. Miss
Ida Glenn made charming representation OF
Ernestine, an admirable characterization OF
the young, vivacons, impulsive girl, Just
blooming into womanhood. MIR. Paxton was
well enough as Lawrence, Mr.. Ashton and Mr.. /
Walton amusing, but absurd representatives OF
the general and Judge reSpe cuvely. Inc otner
characters call for no special mention.
The orchestra performed Suppe's Light Cav
airy overture, Waidtenfel's Autograph waltzes,
the selection from "F4tintza" and Puerner's
Irish PATROL with their accustomed good
taste and judgment The play will be repeat
ed at the matinee to-day and at to-night's per-
Torrance.
GERSTER.
The great topic of conversation in the must
cal circles of this city is the Gerster concert,
which will take place at City Hall next Mon |
day evening, and for which some good seats
still remain unsold at Stockbridge's. The New |
York Sun, speaking of the great prinad donna,
says:-"Mme. Gersters voice is exceptionally |
clear and resonant and its compass and man.
ner of use are altogether phenomenal. It pre-
sents, moreover, that very rare combination,
rit &c limo Nina
Missions in the former particular, and surpass-
ing it as regards that delicate fervor which |
would have redeemed the Swedish singer from |
the oft reiterated charge of GOODNESS. The |
most extraordinary thing about Nine. Gersters |
vocalization is the manner in which she pro- |
duces those notes piQuee which so fe v singers |
attain without abandoning quality and round |
ness OF tone. Nine. Gerster'S Stdccdt5 are open |
to no such exception; nothing could be alike |
more delicate and firm than her execution of |
the ford embroidery with which Beliinl has |
plentifully supplied the role OF Ansand. "Ah! |
non giunge" she gave with dexterity truly
admirable, illustrated with sweetness little |
short of enchanting, and in the duo which
closes the first act, and the "Rea non sono' of |
the second she sustained her share of the music
with marked effectiveness. In the bravura
passage Nine. Gerster shone, without reserva-
ton, but her singing throughout was charter
lied by unfailing suavity and taste. AS an ac-
tress her powers are Oh par with her accom-
plishments as singer. Her expressive face,
with the large eyes and the high cheek bones,
which recall Nine. Nilsson, was an unfailng re-
hex of the sentiment of the situation, and her
slight and modest figure comported with the
idea of the peasant girl" In addition to Nine.
Gerster the public will welcome Nine. Camilla
Urso with delight and The other excellent ar
lists of the troupe.
ROBSON AND CRANE.
"Sharps and Flats" is one of three amusing
farce comedies SO we'll calculated, it is said, to
show off to great advantage the peculiar tai
ents of those great comedians, Messrs Robson
and Crane. Monday morning the sale of seats
or their performance (Which will come off on
the 28th at Portland Theatre) will begin at the
box office, and we can only say that those who
are on hand early will be the only ones not dis
appointed.
1t is reported that the Boston Museum Com
pany will give Patience in City Hall some
time during the winter. Ii So Mr. Page, the
Museum business manager, has decidedly
changed his mind.
Speaking of Campanini the New York Times
says:-"The great tenor is particularly strong
as Lohengrin. He acts with consummate art,
and delivers the exquisite music of the part as
no other artist on the stage can do. Ii is the
elegant italian vocalization brought
to the Interpretation of Wagner, and there is
certainly no other artist who las made himself |
SO completely master of the modern school"
Spiller's Rooms to Rent company, which
will appear at Portland Theatre Thanksgiving
night, has made great hit in Boston.
Henry e. Abbey has closed contract with
Patti by which he will be her American mana
ger after the end of the present New York sea-
son, which ends next week. j. III. Haverly
had offered $4,000 night and guaranteed $685.
600, but Abbey offered even better terms. The
UAnaral of the advertised /
will be carried out between Dec. 9th and 18th.
a Birthday Party.
Thursday Conductor Jacob johnson, of the