The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1882-05-26
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA.
JEFFERSON.

There are critics who claim the old comedies
have had their day; that the public demands
the realistic drama of the present. Those
critics possibly have only seen the plays OF
Sheridan attempted, but never acted. Such
performance as that of the "Riyals," at Port
land Theatre last evening, it would be some
thing difficult to find the equal of on the stage
of this last decade. The new actors who come
before us are too apt to be apprentices to their
art. without school and with few, if any,
masters near at hand. When such cast is
offered as that of last evening the play is
revelation. The splendid audience, which
filled every seat in the house and occupied all
the standing-room, made, from its character
and position in the community, fitting one to
witness the closing entertainment of the
seasc n, and applause and ripples of laughter
alternated with each other throughout the
evening.
Mr. Jefferson's "Bob Acres" is as great in
its way as his "Rip," and there are times
when the latter character will intrude itself.
1t is masterpiece of by-play, of constant
change of expression, look and gesture, and
capital exponent of the good hearted, vain,
clustering, country squire Mr. JeffeIson's
wonderful eyes, his fascinating smile, his nat
uralness, all combine to wrap the spectator in
his characterization. His scene in the first act
when introduced to Falkland; his exhibition
of his hair in curl papers to Absolute, and at
the same time the refreshing way in which he
swallowed the latters good-natured chaff: his
surprise when caught posturing by Sir Lucius;
and the .ole of the duel scene, will be long
remembered. He was enthusiastically called
before the curtain at the end OF the second
act.
If Mr.. Jefferson was admirable as "Bob'' he
was well matched by that sterling actress Mrs
Drew as "Mrs. Malaprop." her smpering
with Absolute as she discovered her error
about the notes; her manner. SO appropriate toi
the period; her scene with Sir Anthony where
they both left the lovers and danced a minuet
together; and in fact throughout the play she
fully sustained her position at the head of her
profession.
Languist, ana vet she acted the part as would
be expected from one of her reputation. Miss
Lee was pretty, arch, even witchy, Lucy.
Messrs. Frederick Robinson and Cbas Waver-
ly were capital representatives of Sir Anthony
and Sir Lucius respectively. Mr.. Pendleton
was handsome, manly, interesting Capt Abb
solute, Mr.. Taylor an acceptable Falkland, Mr..
Thomas Jefferson-the son of the star-a very
good Fag, and Mr. Galloway an excellent Da-
vid. The play was elegantly and appropriate
ly costumed and the orchestra under Grimmer,
played the following selections In their usual
admirable manner:
| OVerture-lne fluulST OI OI w dstSb Lol
Medley Pretty as Picture. ....CatlIn
Waltzes Spanish Students (by requesD. .Grando
Galop-Mousse (new) )................. .Fahrbach
NOTES.
Venie, eldest daughter of Denman Thomp-
son, was married to Edward A. Mcfarland of
Philadelphia, at Mr.. Thompson'S residence IN
West SwanZey.
A few evenings ago Rev. Robert Collyer
spoke upon Emerson at his church in New
York. When he rose to begin bis lecture he
said: "I see P. T. Barnum sitting in back
pew of this church, and 1 invite him to come
forward and take seat in my family pew.
Mr.. Barnum always gives me good seat in
his circus and 1 want to give him as good
one in my church" Mr.. Barnum took the
seat amid the smiles of the congregation. Mr..
Collyer then began his lecture
Grimmers orchestra will play at Eaton
Family School commencement June 21st, and
the Temple Quartette, with Mrs Humphreys
Allen, will sing at Bridgton soon with
KOtZschmdr ar. accom- paniSt