The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-09-21
GRAND OPENING.
caroline Gage and the Keenes ut Ming
Opera House To- Morrow Night,

Opera House To- Morrow Night.
Tomorrow night is the opening night,
seats are selling rapidly and indications at
present point to an opening of extraordi-
nary brilliancy. The Portland OreRonian
in criticising Caroline Cages performance
OF "Queena" speaks in highly compli-
mentary manner az follows:
NEW PARK THEArER.
keenes company Of Players with Miss
Caroline Gage a. leading lady, made their
at the New Park theater last night in the
beautiful drama of "Queena." Manager
Howe must certainly have thought last
night that the Portland public had not en-
tirely forgotten him. BY theway they poured
the house was packed, and at eight O'Clock
the sign standing room only" was put ont.
Even this did not restrain the crowd, and
soon the gallery was filled with ladies and
their escorts, and number of people who
came late and could get no seats, were
obliged to go home and come earlier some
other evening during the week.
"Queena" has been played in Portland
several times, 90 that the plot is pretty we'll
known to most people. The play, however,
has 80 many pleasing points and pretty
scenes that it has always been favorite.
Although it is classed rs an emotional
drama, there is much quiet pathos and real
life in it. The story Of woman's love. no
husband of her heart. seems to strike a
responsive chord in human nature that will
last az long as men live and women love.
Miss Cages portrayal Of the character of
Queena was certainly revelation to the
audience: Coming almost unannounoed, it
that was given. The lady is the fortunate
possessor of very handsome face and fig
ure, and in addition possesses talent rarely
given to woman. Her acting in the mad
scene of the fourth act was such as will en-
title her to recognition in any CLINE as an
artistic Of ability. Her conception of the
injured wife in the fifth act, and also the
reconciliation, was excellent, and the re-
course to handkerchiefs among the audi
enoe showed their appreciation of her eff
forts. Miss Gage was honored with most
vociferous applause during the evening,
and was called before the curtain at the end
of the fourth act.
Miss Lydia Knott, as Florence Fletcher,
is also entitled to praise. Her acting as the
American girl hunting for a lord with a
short life and heavy rent roll, while her
heart was given to the poor attache of the
American legation. was a correct interpre
tation of the many trials some of our girls
Miss Ella Damarias, as Alice Sinclair. was
also good in the character of the soap
boilers daughter who barters her gold for
title.
Mr.. George Hillyer as Lord Huntington,
the husband of Quena, was clever piece Of
acting, especially in the scenes whore he is
blind, where the quiet intensity Of his love
for his lost wife shows itself.
Kent Thomas as John FL. wilkins, is the
comedian of the play, and right good one
he is, too. His diapason on his celebrated
stomach bitters, brought down the house
and his typical songs, "Choice Languaoe''
and But I Doubt It," received repeated
favorite.
Mr.. II. F. Keene, as the Earl of Chandos,
showed that he was an old stager, and acted
the father in manner only obtained by long
and careful years Of study.
Mr.: Sllas Robinson was very clever as
Frank Horton. In fact, the entire company
is one that shows careful study and man
agement.
Miss Flora Batson will soon appear in
Helena. The Portland Oregonian says this
of her: "The press of the country, from
Atlantic to Pacific, unite in pronouncing
her the greatest singer from the 5000, 900
colored people in America. and worthy to
be ranked among the great singers of the
world"
Millar and Norris Combination.
lThe sale of seats for Millar Bros. and
Norris consolidation will open on Tuesday
morning, Sept. q, at Pope & O'Connor's.
The Butte Miner says of the consolidation:
reference is made to Millar Bros. and
Prof. Norris consolidated shows. The for
mer is beautiful panoramic representation
of tour around the world. The tour be-
gins in London, and takes the auditors on
through England, Scotland, Ireland, France.
Germany, Italy, Egypt, Malta, Venice.
Alexandria, the Indias, China, Japan, and
thence to America. The pictures presented
to view are not confined to dull and mo-
notonous black, but are illuminated with
the most beautiful colors. Prof. Norris and
his trained dogs not only delight the chill
dren, but capture the admiration of adults.
The wonderful intelligence of these CANNES
has never before been equaled, and every
father and mother in the city should give
their little ones grand treat by taking
them to the opera house some time during
the continuance of the engagement"