The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-03-08
nUsnC AND DRAMA.



Probably there is no romantic drama mere
familiar to Portland theatre goers than Bouci-
cault's Lied Astray.p II was very popular
here with Isadore Cameron and j. A. Arnold
in the leading roles. Mr.. Joseph Wheelock
essayed the character of Rodolph Chandoce, to
great satisfaction. For that reason, more
critical audience could rot have been gathered
at Portland Theatre last evening, than the
one there collected; and il it was rather cold
at first, il warmed up to considerable euthnsi
asm after toe quarrel scene, at the close of the
third act, and called the curtain.
Miss Annie Clarke'5 presence on the stage in
a society play, is always pleasure, because
she is easy, lady-like. beautiful dresser, and
possesses all the manner of well-bred society.
Her great failing is a certain artifciality, aud
a maDnersm of voice, that impresses the
nearer with the idea that she is not in earnest.
The same apparent lack of interest is an ipju-
~ to Mr.. Barron, who, from the desire to rep
resent the emotoDless society man, carries his
conception to extremes Both of these actors
Mr.. Barron more than Miss Clsrke-rattle
off their parts as if they were pressed for time.
And yet Mr.. Barron is always gentlemanly and
never more so than last evening. In the gam
ing scene, his repressed emotion vas admira-
adieu to his wife. In the latter scene, the
slight huskiness of his voice added to the in
tensity end pathos of the situation. While we
cannot coDcede that in either case did these
actors surpass others who have essay ed the
same roles, yet, with that disadvantage to con-
tend against, they were still very effect We.
vi course Mrs Vincent was excellent, as
the good, motherly dowager countess, and
Miss Ryan a satisfactory baroness-Miss Roo.
ms was very pleasing Mathilde; she has an
hi TJRTan ,fnnC fnO.,
Lers, and is giTlish and natural. Miss Blsnch-
ard a fair Suzanne, MIR. Parks a canital
De Lespsrre, MIR. Burrows frst-r4te Mi r
O'H4ra, Mr.. Meery conscientious, earnest
Hector, even il bis accent was against him,
aud Mr.. Why tai an acceptable baron.
Tonight IA Celebrated Case" will be given.
MARGARET MATHER.
Monday evening, Miss Mather will appear st
Portland Theatre IS Julia, in the "Hunch-
back" The character, as is we'll known, af-
fords scope for powerful acting of an emotion
al nature, and the lady has been quite success
full in the role in other cities. The sale of
seats thus far indicates that the star will be
greeted by very Urge audience, and those
who desire to attend had better secure tickets
at once.
EELLA F. BROWN.
Miss Nella f. Brown of Boston, the gifted
elocutionist, will appear at City Hall, under
the auspices of the Young Mems Christian AS
ISOLATION, Monday evening. M ISIS Brown will
be assisted on this occasion by Mrs. Alice earle
Seaver, the popular contrslto vocalist. The
press of other cities are lavish in their praise
of Miss Browns elocutionary efforts The re-
served seats can be procured at Stockbridges
nov.
NOTES.
Mile. Nevada, the American prima donna,
received the rite of Catholic baptism at the
English Passionist church in Paris, Thursday.
Mrs. Macksy acted as sponsor. The ceremony
was private. Mile. Nevada was dressed la.
pure white, with her hair flowing down her
shoulders. Mrs. Mackay sent a present of a
bon-bon box of massive 'oxydized silver, inlaid
with gold.
The Court Theatre in London was filled to
overlooking Thursday night with spectators
eager to witness the re-entree of Miss Fortesque
who brought the breach OF promise suit
against Lord Garmagh-as Dorothy in ID mi
Druce." The audience showed its sympathy
with her position by giving her several warm
recalls at the fall of the curtain.