The Portland daily press., 1891-02-19
MUSIC AND DRAMA,
SOL SMITH RUSSELL.

SOL SMITH RUSSELL.
A splendid audience was drawn to Port.
land Theatre last evening to see Sol Smith
Russell as Noah Vale in "The Poor Rela-
ti0n." Sol Smith Russell is an old favorite
here from the pays when he appeared as an
impersonator of comic characters and before
he turned his attention to the legitimate
stage. His face and figure would be a for
tune to most actors for he can run the whole
garment Of expression by means of both.
"The Poor Relation" is in three acts. In
brief 1t tells of a poor relation, Noah Vale, of
manufacturer, Mr.. Faye, who is the author
of an invention that will revolutionize man
ufacturing and secure great fortune to the
manufacturer. He goes to Faye to get his
assistance. but faints from hunger and the
plans are stolen by Faye's partner. In the
end Vale gets out new plans and subvents
the partner. and comes out ahead. All
through the piece the delicate touches of ma
ture as exhibited by Mr.. Russell are vivid
and effective. The attic scene in the second
act, is so natural that 1t absorbs the attention
of the audience, and in 1t Mr.. Russell is ably
seconded by two children. Master Hudson
and Hazel Chapel, and Miss Osborne, who
takes the character Of rough and ready, good
the Rich Giant by Mr.. Russell, and the Lit
tie Duck, caused recall after recall, aud the
scene where he mends the child's trousers,
after putting the child in the barrel, drew
fore the curtain at the end of the first act.
The company is an able one and "The Poor
Relation" is one of the best things that has
been here this winter.
THE HOME TALENT COURSE.
The last concert in the Home Talent
Course will be given February Goth, and no
pains will be spared to make this very fine
entertainment We think the public have
been well pleased with the entertainments
given In the course and our artists have not
only done themselves great credit, but sur
prised every one attending them. The splen-
did concert arranged for next week should
induce our citizens to take hold in earnest
and make the course financial success and
thereby show the managers and artists that
their labors have been appreciated. Novel
ties will be introduced. the details Of which
will be given later. Don't wait till the last
day for your reserved seats, but buy now.
The artists in the concert will be as follows
Chambers full military band, w. E. Chan
Sadie 3. Lamb. soprano; Miss Eta Rice,
contralto; Miss Annie Hyer, reader; +. l..
Rankin, accompanist. Seats at Chambers
music store.
MANKIND.
When Mankind" was originally produced
in New York it stirred the blood of the blase
metropolis, and awoke it to the fact that
something little better than usual was
tempting Its surfeted palate. The result
was long run to enormous business. In
commenting on, and commencing the play
the New York Mail and Express voiced its
opinion thus:
ssTha NAV uhioh onopad tha cooeon Iast
night is not unknown. Mankind, "by Paul
Merritt and George Conquest, is a melodra-
ma crowded with dranldtis pers0n9, villains
and good people. This sort of play, however
Is not to be condemned. since, when thor
oughly well done the public likes it amaz.
ingly. That Mankind" is thoroughly well
done there is no denying. The mounting
which the play has received is superb. and
the seven acts foil of action and Of unusual
stage effects. What the people will go to
The scene in which woman Is thrown over
board from a ship, and the mist conceals her
ana afterward schooner sails upon the
stage, puts about and rescues her, Is one Of
the best things of the kind ever accomplish
ed In this city. The story is well told, the
climaxes strong. and the heart interest sus-
| tanned throughout. The unusually strong
cast contained some of the best known and
most popular names In the profession.
Mankind" is sure of long run"
Tonight Mankind will be at Portland The.
| atre.
NOTES.
1t Is expected that performance of "Par.
sifal' will be given In Boston, probably in
April, under the direction of Mr.. Lang.
Frau Mielke and other well known artists
will take part In the performance.
Mr.. Harry e. Duncan's organ recital will
I'll Congress Square church next Saturday
AFTERNOON at 4 O'Clock. The programme will
be very attractive.
The dates Of the Gilmore concerts are
April oath and 25th.
Lothrop's No. / Stock Company will an
pear here next week in Passions Slave,''
ed Case" and Bankers Daughter"