The Portland daily press., 1891-09-21
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
ROBIN HOOD,

ROBIN HOOD.
Inc Bostonians are entitled to great credit
ior their remarkably smooth and finished
presentation of De Koven's "Robin Hood"
at City Hall Saturday evening. The opera
Is exceedingly picturesque, as the PRESS
stated when 1t was first brought out last sea-
son, and 1t sbounds In delightful, melodious
numbers. roundelays, glees and madrigals,
aud other music, appropriate to the time of
Robert, Earl of Huntington, and his merrle
men of Sherwood forest. The company has
been subjected to excellent drill, and the
effect of 1t was apparent in the admirable
manner in which the work was rendered.
The principals were In fine voice, looked
well. and acted with spirit, and were strong
ly supported by the subordinates, who gave
clsion so often looked for but rarely OBJ
tained. The opera was beautifully costumed
and staged as well as 1t could be In City Hall.
To our mind the gems of the opera
are Will Scarlet's tale of the "Old Cross
bow." with chorus, his "Armor's Song,"
Mrs. Jessie Bartlett Davis's "Ss. Swithin's
Chimes" with chorus, Mr.. McDonald,s
Brown October Ale," with chorus, and the
pastoral glee. "Oh. See the Lambkins Play"
OF course, interest centred in Miss Hamil-
ton, who essayed the role of Maid Marian,
which Marie Stone had made her own. Miss
Hamilton has pleasing stage presence,
which was emphasized by her good figure In
pages costume, and voice of good compass
and agreeable quality. 1t will be some time
yet. however, before the lady can fill Miss
Stones roles. Miss Lea Van Dyck was ac
cepta BILE as Annabel. OF course Cowles's fine
voice, bright intelligent face and easy man.
ner was especially adapted to the character
of Will Scarlet. Mcdonald was excellently
fitted with the part of Littlejohn. Hoff's
sweet tenor gave great charm to his role of
Robin Hood. Barnabee and Frothingham
were full of fun as the Sheriff and Friar
Tuck. Mrs. Davis is always charming as AL
lana Dale and Miss Bartlett capital Dame
burden. The young ladies of the chorus
were pretty and graceful, the linen stalwart.
The tableaux were very effective. About
everything was ercored and that ought to
convince Mr.. Studley that his work was ap-
preclated.
In the afternoon Mr.. Tom Karl sang Robin
Hood and Miss Finlayson the part of Allan
a Dale delightfully."-. The Bostonians will
be heard here again in the Stockbridge course
next spring.
AFTER DARK.
The Portland theatre will remain closed
tonight, In order to prepare for the big scenic
production of Dion Boucicaults spectacular
melodrama, "After Dark" which will open
Tuesday evening for three nights. The real
ictia .andnn Rrfdoa %bo
sation.and the gambling den, are all scenic
achievements which would not have been
possible few years ago. In addition to
these, there Is a scene representing a London
concert hall, which Is used as a veil-rser for
the Introduction Of host of vaudeville art
lists, headed by the young gunvanquished Cali-
fornia pugilist, Jim Corbett, who will spar
four rounds with Jim Daley, champion
heavyweight Of Pennsylvania; also Sweeney
and Ryland, who make their temperance
In this country after three years. tour of
Europe, and Kelley and Murphy. the refined
exponents of the manly art.
THE sTEPDAUGHTER.
Annie Ward Tiffany In "The Stepdaughter"
will be an event of no small interest at Port
land theatre next Friday and Saturday even-
ings. and also Saturday afternoon. The play
itself was seen here last season and was well
endorsed Its plot Is sufficient to keep an
audience interested throughout, and the
struggle for lover between the Widow Ira
vers and her stepdaughter, during which
Miss Tiffany in the character of Peggy Logan
does some exceedingly clever work. is at
tended with several fine situations dramat-
ically. The company to play "The Step
daughter" here this week is vouched for as
one of great dramatic strength. Secure tick
cts In advance at the box Office.
NOTES.
"Boys and Girls" drew two large and well
pleased audiences to Portland theatre Satur-
day.
The romantic actor, Alexander Salvini,
closed memorable engagement at the Audi
torium, Chicago, Saturday. His success in
his productions of "DOn Caesar de Bazan"
and 1.-THE Three Guardsmen" was little less
than phenomenal. The receipts on the en-
gagement will approximate $35,0OO. Mayor
Washburn addressed the audience from one
Of the boxes and complimented the actor on
his brilliant success.