The Portland daily press., 1883-06-05
Music AND DRAMA.
A FRIENDLY TIP.

A FRIENDLY TIP.
Tbs first presentation of this vivaciousg play
at Portland Theatre last evening was very sue
cessful, but we should have been pleased to
see house more commensurate with the ex-
cellence OF the piece. It is not a quiet piece,
and at times too great prominence seems given
to the Billy McGlory element, but this per-
haps is necessary for the full development of
the plot. Arthur Weybourne, ian English
gentleman in straitened circumstances, sees
in the peculiar conditions OF the will of an
uncle in New York, chance to repair his for
tunes, and raising means through the disposal
OF his devoted wife's jewels, sets sailIfor that
city, where he attempts to effect an illegal
marriage with his cousin, such marriage being
necessary for the possession Of the coveted for
tune. Thitber he is followed bylhs wife who
con trives, with the assistance OF newy-found
friends, TO defeat this nefarous scheme. The
denouement is of course happy The great
attraction of the play is the mastery
portrayal by Mr.. Ferguson of that
latest flower Of American civilian
t1on--the Dude. He is iIresistibly droll,
especially in the drunken sceue with the cli-
max of the swallowing Of the tack In mistake
for Glove. In the closing acts, however, he
develops more OF the energy of the slugger
than the attributes we have been accustomed
10 look for in the role he has assumed, The
rest of the Characterization is strong, excep-
tionally so that VI the passe belle By Mrs.
Yeamans being received with great favor
The piece is enjoyable throughout, and we
trust that good houses will wait upon the re-
manning nights oiithe presenia.ionahere.
THE LYcEUM.
The attractive bill aud reduced prices drew a
large house TO the Lyceum last night. The
programme was most acceptable and elected
frequent aud hearty applause. The first part
was lastly put on and the olio well ar
ranged. Eddie LaisceIl, who is destined to
make his mark on the stage, was happier even
than usual in his Essence of Old Virginia Z"
Miss Alice Sherwood received recall after re-
call. The Websters won favor at once. Miss
Blanche Webster Is sipretty woman, and in her
kicking act reminds one OF the nursery COW
who jumped over the moon Laiscell acquit-
ted himself with credit In the Zouave drill.
The after piece was very amusing, and afford
ed Miss Annie Phillips an excellent Oh.
portunity TO do neat bit OF acting as "Mrs
jerks" The new bill is evidently marked
success, and will draw large houses through
the week.
IvASHoE ENTERTAINMENT.
The entertainment to take place at Pythiau
Hall Wednesday evening, under the auspices
OF Iyanhoe Lodge, will be an agreeable one
Grimmer's orchestra and Schubert Quartette
will furnish music, Miss Lizzie II Soule will
read and X. A. Wills recite an original dream
After the concert there will be a supper, fol-
lowed by dance.
NOTES.
Miss Belle Bartlett will sing at q concert &c
be given on the evening Of June Goth, at the
commencement Of the Norridgewock Classical
School, formerly Eaton School.
Mr.. and Mrs VIM. Calder Ally Chippen-
dale) have returned to America after FIVE
years tour of England. During these years
Mr. Calder has played Rip Van Wrinkle 1905
times, and his wife has made spe cislity Of
Topsy, in which character she was received
with great favor They will reside at Cam
bridgeport during the summer.