The Portland daily press., 1891-05-22
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
pYe,IALIoN AM eA1ArrA

PYGMALIoN AND GALATEA.
Without considering the heavy odds in the
way OF bad weather and counter attractions
against which 1t commended, the Players
Club had reason to feel gratifed at the large
audience which greeted its performance of
Pygmalion and Galatea last evening. And
1t Is safe to say that the actors were no less
gratifed than their audience OF amateur
theatricals, as of the dead, 1t is customary to
say nothing but good, but for last evenings
performance 1t would be difficult to find any
thing but words of praise.
or the play itself, which has been very
rightly termed "the most complete and
sweetest of modern comedies" little need be
said, so familiar is 1t to all theatrc-goers.
The unique plot, telling how the statue. Gal
atea.in answer to the prayer of Pygmalion,
the Athenian sculptor, who fashioned it, is
brought to life, affords abundant opportuni-
ty for strong acting on the part of the two
principals. And these--Mr. John A. Nc
Gowan as Pygmalion, and Miss Alice A.
Gushing as Galatea-bring to their aid not
only very considerable natural qualifications
in each case, but also the experience of sew
eral previous appearances in the same roles.
The play was produced several times last
season with great success, though not under
such favorable surroundings as were enjoyed
last evening. Among the most ENJOYABLE
features of the performance was Mr.. Rexdale
rendering OF an original poem in the first
act, which called forth hearty applause for
the dignified manner in which it was given,
as well as for its intrinsic beauty. The Gym
isca of Miss Julia d, Staples showed careful
work. and was admirably done throughout.
Miss Marie Clason, as Daphne. carried ex-
tremely we'll the difficult part entrusted to
her. and acted well the naughty, jealous, but
withal, very lovely wife of Chrysos. Mr..
Leonard Franks makeup and assumption of
Chrysos could hardly be bettered, and his
acting in the many humorous situations at
forded by the lines excited the audience to
roars Of laughter. Miss Lillian Holly as
Myrene was very sweet and natural, and only
left one thing to be desired, that her part
might be longer. Mr.. Tobias A. Burke filled
the small part of Mimos very acceptably. 1t
only remains to speak Of the strong render
ing of Leucippe, given by Mr.. John P.
WEIGH. Mr.. Welch's magnificent voice was
heard to great advantage in the song In the
second act.
The curtain was called at the close of each
act, and abundant applause was accorded
the players throughout. During the per-
formance the following telegram from Mr..
Arthur Lewis. of the Zefie Tilbury compa-
ny, the members of which gave material as
sistance to the club at rehearsals, was re-
ceived:
"We wish you all success; with best regards
Nha l,l% Sc 90 ha .I~Ao n
1pon the success, financial and otherwise,
which they have achieved, and it is to be
hoped that an opportunity for witnessing an
| other performance will be afforded.
| THE OLD FAvoRITEs.
| High-priced combinations are we'll enough
| in their way, but the greatest of teachers.
experience, the management Of Portland
| Theatre say, has satisfied them that it is the
| general desire on the part Of the amusement
loving people of Portland to have the thea
tire remain open during the summer months,
so that without taking trip outside of the
| city limits one can take his family to the
theatre at a cost that approaches the mini
mum. AT popular prices, as has been DEM
onstrated, Mr.. Lothrop's companies can pre-
sent a satisfactory repertoire. Arrange
ments are fast being perfected for an at
| tractive summer season. Look out for the
Portland stock company, embracing Max
| Freeman, Katherine Rober, Charles Barring
| er, Hattie Norris, Dale Armstrong and 9TH
ers, in the great plays of "Fanchon" and the
"Willow Copse." Manager Lothrop's an
nouncements. unlike the average almanac,
are usually correct to dot. Watch and
wait for this excellent company.
PORTLAND SINGERS.
| Our readers must not forget the delightful
concert which will be given at Pine street
church tonight. by the Portland Singers
| Club. The club is composed of the 'crack"
euartette choirs of the Portland churches,
who have been thoroughly drilled in grand
chorusses by Mr.. Harvey S. Murray. and be-
sides these there will be selections rendered
by the Haydn and Cecilia quartettes. and
| solos by Miss Eta Rice. Messrs. Will Stock
bridge and Charles FOllansbee.
THE BURGLAR.
This beautiful play will be produced at
| Portland Theatre this and Saturday even
ings and Saturday matinee. Almost every
| one has heard Of Mrs. Frances
Hodgdon Burnett's charming, pathetic
and quietly amusing little story Of
"Editha's Burglar" 1t was quickly taken
up by the stage, and a one-act drama with
that name was first produced In western
city several years ago. Recognizing the pcs.
sibilities of the sketch, Mr.. Thomas has tax
en- 1t, furnished plot and elaborated it into
the present successful four-act drama. The
title may suggest melo-dramatic visions of
safe-cracking and real burglars, but there is
nothing of this In the play, which is the
most refined of the higher class dramas.
RossINI HALL AMATEURS.
The sale Of tickets for ALLOW Me, Mad
anne, and "Cox and Box" takes place at
hosslni Hall this Friday afternoon, at 4
O'CLOCK. The tickets are limited to 500. The
| proceeds Will be devoted to some local char
ity. The following will be the cast of
"AtIoW Me- Madan,e.n
Uncio Leon.....'... Mr. Hight
M. bonacleux. .:.................Mr. II. H. Emery
Henri, nephew to Leon. ..........Mr. IL NJ navss
Nine. Bonacieux. Miss Talbot
Blanche. her daughter. Miss Small
julie. Miss Frank
Coz and Bon.
Cox, journeyman halter. .......Mr. Ilsley Moves
Sergeant Bouncer their landlord. ............
'................ ..........Mr. Frank Howard
NOTES.
Jed Prouty" drew another large and well
pleased audience at City Hall last evening,