The Portland daily press., 1888-09-06
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
i'm THE PENArAN.

jim lf1E fENMANs
Originality in conception, refined and sus-
ia ined strength in the plot, with text so
poignant and pointed that if a word escapes
the ear you feel loss, are the commenda-
lions of A. M. Palmer's "Jim, the Penman,"
by the theatre-going public. Its characters
are shown to the best possible advantage;
nothing is wanting in the impersonation of
each that study, stage training experience,
in short, that physical and mental ability
can supply. The management of the Port
land Theatre may be congratulated upon Sc
curing such good performance for their
patro ms. Jim, the Penman" is play which
stands splendidly the test Of the next days
reflections.
When Jim, the Penman" was produced
by Mr.. Palmer's company last season the
PRESS spoke of the actors in terms of high
praise They gave a strong, refined, artistic
representation. The company this season
has met with changes. some of them improve
ments, others not. When the play was
given last season it ran very smoothly. Last
night there was one or two slight bitches.
Mr.. Frank Bangs, who assumed the part of
James Ralston, is one of the old sterling ac-
tors of the country. In the classical or
standard drama he is particularly at home
He gives forcible representation of the
sleek and prosperous forger, but he drags a
little at times. Miss Eustace is a ladylike
Nina, with pleasant, refined voice. and
much ability as an emotional actress, but she
mas mas iaalt she should correct She doesn't
look at the actor she is talking to, but keeps
her eyes on her audience. When George
VanderhOH was supporting Macready. the
great tragedian had the habit of taking the
centre of the stage and staring at the aud
fence in some of the best situations, COM
pletely ignoring his support Vanderhoff de-
termlned TO cure him, and he did. When
Macready took his favorite position, Wander
hof followed suit. The result was comical.
The house was crowded, and Mcready, al
though very indignant at first. saw the point
and never tried the game again.
Mr.. Ottomeyer's Baron" Is a polished viii
lain, in no respect overdrawn. Mr.. Hunting
don is capital Louis Percival," and Mr..
other characters are fairly taken. The cur
tain was called several times. The play
Is well staged, and the minor characters
OF the drama are SO well taken and
impressed with such spirit that the audience
is held spell bound to the fall Of tue curtain.
The play will be repeated tonight. Grim
mer's selections were decidedly appropria ate
ly and delightfully."- rendered.
PAT ROONEY.
Pat Rooney and his daughter Kate are
great faYorites in Portland. Saturday night
they will appear in their funny play, ''Pat's
Wardrobe" at Portland Theatre. The sale
OF seats will begin at the box Office today,
and there will be large advanced sale.
NOTES.
Mr.. William Warren's condition appears to
be unchanged. Though still in a condition
presenting no distinct evidence of a favor
aole turn, his friends have strong hopes of
his recovery.
,Augustin Days company has won COM
plete success before the French audiences at
the Vaudeville, Paris. When Mr.. Daly's
comedians first went to Paris they offered
modern farcial comedy of German origin and
were received with indifference. The fact
that Mr.. DAILY has had the courage to accost
the Partisan public second time and to pre-
sent Shakespeare (Taming of the Shrew) has
wrought complete revolution in public sem
timent. In the audience of the opening night
was Alexandra Dumas, Victorien Sardou,
Francis que Larcey, Jules Lamaitre, besides
the American Minister, Justin Mccarthy.
and the English embassy.