The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1888-11-20
MUSIC AND DRAMA.

''Herminie, or the Cross of Gold" is an
adaptation by Mr.. William Redmund, of
Terriers novel of 'La Vivandiere" It's an
emotional melo drama of the military order,
and treats of the adventures Of the daughter
of the reeiment-the vivandierre-who has
followed her lover to the front in the war be-
tween the French and Prussians, and has
there married him. She then is supposed to
have met with her death when her husband
marries for the second time, taking design
ing woman for his wife. In the meantime
Herminie, by the aid of friend, has es-
capped from a long Imprisonment, and comes
to Paris where she becomes maid to her
husbands second wife, he having been pro-
NOTED to the grade of general, and who is
blind. In this humble position she becomes
aware of the plots of the faithless wife and
her lover, prevents the murder of her blind
husband and proves her own innocence of
the plot for which she suffered SO long and
cruel an Imprisonment. The motive for the
play, it will thus be seen, is strong, the eli
makes are well worked up and receive their
due need of applause, the military element
is highly effective. and the love story Of the
piece is prettily told.
The cast is in excellent hands. Mr.. Red
mund's broad style. his magnetism and his
dash, fit him admirably for the part of Ser
geant Paul Durand," later the blind French
general. Mrs. Thomas Barry, as Her
minie." is somewhat conventional, but
nevertheless she gives a strong interpreta-
ton to the character. particularly where, as
an escaped convict, she seeks her husband
Miss Nettie Van Sickle took the disagreea-
Bile part of "Germanie Beauferrand," in a
very satisfactory manner, and Miss Louise
Pearse was an acceptable "Estella Duval."
The remaining characters were well taken.
decidedly novel feature was the repro
dnction OF the thrilling scenes of the Franco
Prussian war on the act drop, by means of a
stereoptican, between the acts. and these
scenes served as links in the story of the
play, keeping the interest of the spectators
fairly awake during the essential waits of
the drama. The stereoptican pictures
worked very successfully and were heartily
applauded. There was very large audience
present, notwithstanding the rain.
FASCINATION.
Wednesday the sale of seats will begin for
Cora Tanner in Fascination" which will be
produced at Portland Theatre, Friday and
Saturday: LAST Monday night Manager
RosenQuest inaugurated the regular fall and
winter season at the Fourteenth street Thea
tire, with Miss Cora Tanner, in play called
Fascination" The new piece was written
for Miss Tanner by Robert Buchanan. Miss
Tanner was seen as the heroine and imper-
sonated the dual roles of Madge Slashton
and Charles Marlowe. She wore several
handsome costumes and looked decid eddy
picturesque in the full dress of young gen.
tleman, in which character she is splendidy
equipped as lady killer" Miss Tanner Is
handsome woman, and her personality is
more than usually attractive. Her ability as
an actress is good and her impersonation of
the roles in Fascination" stamp her as one
of the best leading American actresses. The
play Is Of the English order, with several in
teresting scenes and incidents capitally acted
by a competent company. During the week
the audiences were large and enthusiastic.
The demand for seats for future perform
ances Of Fascination" is exceedingly active,
and the prospects are that Miss Tanner will
play an unusually profitable engagement"
NINE PICARD.
Tickets should now be secured at Stock
bridges, or either of the Farringtons. for
Nine. Ricard's impersonatons to be given at
City Hall. next Wednesday evening. The
Boston Globe says: MADAME Ricard has
had long experience upon the platform,
and her efforts are conspicuous for their
ease grace and finish. Her elocution is de-
lightful; her poses and gestures dignified and
suitable; her voice, clear and penetrating;
while her manner In recitation is exceeding
ly pleasing. Each number was fresh and
brilliant, and executed in manner worthy
the artist which she isl
NOTES.
At the Weber Club concert Thanksgiving
evening" Mrs. Morrison, Miss Lizzie Brown
and the Portland Male Quartette will APP
pear.