The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-05-23
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
sPARTAcUs.

bPARTACUS.
Last evening Robert Downing repeated his
great success of last season at Portland
Theatre, that of "Spartacus, the Gladiator"
made famous by the lamented Forrest. Man
ager Mack placed the great drama on the
stage In admirable style; the scenery height
ened the Illusion, the costumes were appro-
PIRATE. and the properties harmonized with
both.
As for Downing's impersonation we can
but repeat what we said last year. adding
that time, study and familiarity has enabled
the actor to smooth off some rough points
and give:a better Interpretation and force to
portions OF the text. There is the same
superb physique that in no other style of
play could fill such an important place as it
does in this, the same rich melodious
voice, the same mobile face, the same grace
OF action, the same intelligence. III there is
a fault to be spoken of-and it is one that
would not probably strike the average
theatre goer SO much as it would the con-
slant attendant-it is the one we mentioned
last night, that Of slight tendency to fire.
quent posing, and yet the attitudes are so
fine, especially IN this robust drama, that
the critic finds fault with himself for criti-
cising them. Still, with too much posing.
the action is apt to drag little, and Down
ing has too much fire, too much vitality. to
wish to cramp himself by falling into such
practice as In time might crystalline into a
confirmed evil habit. OF course In the great
arena scene,and the other striking situations
OF the drama, Mr.. Downing was enthusi-
curtain.
The support was remarkably good. Mr..
Meredith, Mr.. Herman, Mr.. Byers, Mr.
Blair, Tracy and Perry, all added to the eff
feet in presentation of the piece in manner
rarely witnessed off the metropolitan stage
Mr.. Downing has added largely to his many
admirers In Portland by this visit, and wifi
always be welcomed here. With last nights
performance ends the season of 1888-89 at
Portland Theatre.
THE GILMORE JUBILEE CONCERT.
Not for many years has such general in
terest been shown in a musical enterprise
throughout New England as that manifested
In the coming anniversary celebration of the
Boston Peace Jubilee. at the Mechanics
building, Boston, on the 9TH. 9th, 18th, 18th and
9th of June next, under the direction of p. S.
Gilmore, who has proved power beyond all
estimate with the mass of music lovers in the
cities and towns of New England. The de-
tails for the great event are completed. or
the success of the enterprise there seems to
pc no doubt. Gilmore's superb band, with
the brilliant array of soloists and three grand
cnoruses, each numbering fully one thous-
ana voices, all form an attraction which no
devotee OF music can resist The national
airs and other heavy numbers will be rem
dered more effective by the aid Of a large
number OF steel anyils, park of breech-
loading artillery and the great organ.
SIXTEENTH sTocKBRIDGE.
On account of the Illness of one of the
Temple Quartette, the Sixteenth Stockbridge
entertainment, which was to have come of
this evening, has been postponed.
NOTES.
Miss Ruth G. Long, contralto, and Mr.
George +. Duncan, baritone, are announced
as the soloists at the Philharmonic Orches-
ira concert on the Doth. Mr.. Regesteip.
bassoon player Of the Germania band. has
been especially engaged for this occasion.