The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1891-10-01
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
COUNT OF MONTE cRIsTo.


No actor in the history of the American
stage has been more intimately associated in
the public mind with favorite role than
has James ONeill with his great impersona-
| tion of the Count of Monte Cristo, in which
| he appeared at Portland Theatre last night.
Mr.. O'Neill Is one of the most polished and
| finished actors on the American stage. His
portrayal of the character Is we'll nigh per-
feet, and so true to nature that the strange
and powerful story appears as a realization.
His magnificent physique. his striking de-
meanor, in fact his whole conduct through
the vlcssitudes of the romantic life of the
sailor. the prisoner and the ,count, make the
character one of the grandest on the stage.
In the play there is abundant scope for the
display of Mr. 0'Neill's dramatic ability.
| BE acts with equal success and truth to ma
| ture the simple sailor and the man with I'M
limited credit, pursuing the God-like mis-
| sion of rewarding the good and Furnishing
| the wicked.
The various characters were very well tax
en- last evening. Mr.. Howard Gould as Nor
tier. Russell Gardner as Fernando, James
Bevins as Caderouse, 4. w. Rae as Villefort,
Alex. Rale as Dangiars, Grace Raven as
Mercedes. and the other characters were well
taken. The scenery was worthy of note
| The play will be repeated tonight
HANDS ACROSS THE SEA.
"Hands Across the Sea" is spectacular
melodrama in five acts, by the we'll known
English playwright, Henry Pettitt. To a
certain extent it is built on the familiar lines
OF mostly all English plays, but Is different
after the likeness ends insofar that while, as
rule, English melodramas are bore, this
one is interesting to the end. 1t tells a pref
ty story. and the whole has been cleverIy
constructed. In plays of tais class the act
ing goes long way to help out the author,
and the company In Hands Across the
Sea" is a good one. Another reason why
the play always interests Is its superb mount
ing and elaborate and beautiful scenery.
The play will be seen at Portland Theatre
tomorrow and Saturday evenings and Satur-
day matinee.
NIGHTS FRoLIC.
The Boston Herald. speaking Of Miss Hell
en- Barry, who, with her company, will open
the Stockbridge Popular course. October 9th,
says:
proud of the success she and her company
have attained in that delightful comedy, "a
Nights Frolic" during her stay in Boston,
And she does feel proud, not only because
Of her artistic triumph, won before critical
Boston audiences, but because she has found
that she has made warm place for herself
In the hearts of Boston playgoers, and that
she will ever retain strong hold on their af-
fectionss admiration and regard But how
does she know this? Better say how could
she help knowing 1t after appearing before
such an audience as was gathered In the
Park Theatre last evening to applaud her
50th appearance In the play In this city. It
was gala night in the history of the thea
| tire, and that the audience might feel that
they held no small place in Miss Barry's re-
gard. each lady was presented by her with
an elegant and unique souvenir, OF her own
design. 1t consists of two beautiful photo
graphs by Comfy of Miss Barry as Lady Bet
ty and the French chasseur, appropriately
adorned with her autograph, and encased in
folding frame of old ivory tinted embossed
leather.
NOTES.
Everyone will want to hear that charming
Berceuse that will be given at the organ re-
cltal at Congress square church Saturday af-
ternoon.