The Portland daily press., 1886-05-04
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
MAY BLOSSOM.

MAY BLOSsoM.
Tonight the Madison Square Theatre Company
will present the charming play OF MAY Blossom"
at Portland Theatre May Blossom is the daugh-
ter of an old fisherman in Virginia coast village
during the war She is beloved by two young
men, one of whom, Richard Ashcroft, she accepts
and discovers Immediately afterwards that her
father has practically pledged her hand to the
other sutton, Steve Harland. The latter presents
his claim, and May, with simplicity and frank
ness, breaks the truth to him. Steve wishes her
happiness, and is seemingly resigned but soon
finds himself exposed to great temptation. Rich
ard is arrested as Confederate spy, bis rival be-
ing sole witness of his capture. ne promises 10
explain Richards disappearance to his betrothed,
think that he has been drowned. May sorrows
I t9l, year, and then weds her rejected lover.
When the second act begins they are living hap
PLY together, and a child has been born; sur
prise party is about to be given them by their vii
iage friends to celebrate the second anniversary
Of their wedding. Just before the festivities
Richard returns, having escaped from prison.
From his lips May learns the story of her hus,-
is followed by one still more powerful, in which
steve Is confronted by the man ana woman ne mas
%rongea AMI In a. agony 81 oesSar u
carry off May by force, but she REFUSES MN, and
Steve. rallying from his stupor, defends her. in
eipants being in ignorance OF the sorrow which
they are invading, as the husband and wife have
o for the time being hs to ae eads "a g1
effective scene, in which the village preacher
inyokes blessing upon the miserable young cou-
pie, who are forced to kneel reyerently, at his
feet and kiss each other, Then the jewellers re-
tire and the husband bids farewell to wife, child
and home. The last act deals with the reunltlng,
after six years of the separated couple the recon-
Citation being effected in charmingly simple and
exquisite manner by means OF the burial OF bird
by children.
ST. LAWRENCE STREET CONCERT.
tall tDx,
st. Lawrence street church tomorrow night can
be procured at the store of Mr. Granville Staples.
Several of our best vocalists have engaged to APP
pear while the services of the Schubert Quartette
and Ladies' Orchestra should be sufficient to
crowd the house.
THE SHAKESPEARE WATER CURE.
The fair and entertainment given by the New
Jerusalem Church at City Hall last evening drew
an entirely BETTING audience
The hall had been artistcally draped with
bunting and the various booths arranged around
its sides, where pretty maidens sold their wares,
greatly enhanced the attractveness of the occa-
sion. AT the rear of the hall a gypsy's tent
where fortunes were told for pittance enticed
many of the passers-by to learn their fates. At
its right, an evergreen tree stood, heavily laden
with gorgeously tinted Easter .eggs, an object of
exceeding beauty Farther on the reporter was
politely invited to enjoy cup of Give O'Clock
tea' and did SO with great pleasure, which was
not in the least lessened by the graceful manner
in which the tea was served Passing on large
blue sign bearing the white figures "149n and I'M
derneath the name "Shylock'' attracted the eye;
and the booth proved to be an unmstakable pic
ture of the secondhand clothing shop of "Old
Solomon Shylock."
Next the flower booth enliyened the scene and
the fragrance of roses and heotrope was happy
exchange for the musty sensation we had so re-
Gently felt.
AS the curtain rose the exquisite music of Chan
dler joined with the gay costumes of the actors
and the pretty girls fitting about the hall lent an
additional element of pcturesqueness to the
scene.
The play itself is bright burlesque on Shake
out with the exception of Mr. p. j. McCallum
whose assistance was rendered necessary by the
Illness of Mr.. G. B. COnant.
The parts were decidedly well taken, and in
many instances showed strong signs OF dramatic
power The character of Lady Macbeth was acted
by one who evidently understood her position and
the blood-thrstiness of her ladyshipwas portrayed
in a vivid style.
liza were very well taken. Among the male parts
Shylock and Romeo were exceptionally good.
Hamlet played strong part throughout especial
ly in the scene where the fearful forms OF the
ghosts of those whom he has murdered loom up
before him. Macbeth had a drticularly difficult
portion of the play but rendered it in manner
well in keeping with the others. When Othello
appeared and sang his solo he was heartily en-
cored. He acted in a highly creditable manner
delightful entertainment must have been the
verdict of all present and the repetition of the
drama would undoubtedly be of advantage to
both the participants and the public.