The Portland daily press., 1894-11-27

the cleverest farceurs now on the stage,
Frank and John Wills. They are very
original in their character conceptions
and droll in the highest degree, every
move.they make and every line they
utter bringing responsive laugh from
their au ditors. Their supporting COM
pany is composed of people thoroughly
competent to aid them in their efforts
to amuse, making all in all one OF the
most enjoyable of entertainments.
Haydn Concert.
Kotzschmar Hall was crowded last
evening by an audience that filled every
seat and occupied chairs in the iobbles,
on the occasion of the Thanksgiving
concert given by the Haydn Association.
1t was very pleasant affair, and the
audience was SO enthusiastic that the
majority of the numbers was encored.
The principal feature of the evening,
presented by the Haydns themselves,
was Cowa's "Song of Thanksgiving"
sung for the first time in Portland. 1t
is composition of great merit, and
much beauty, and was given with pre-
cision and spirit. The other selections
sung by the association was Schneek er's
"Cantatea Domino"
The event of the evening consisted IN
the introduction to Portland audience
of Herr Scheda, young Nlennese vlo-
linist, who has, for the past two months
been resident of Lewiston, where he
has settled as a teacher of the violin,
and hopes to add Portland to his field OF
instruction. He is fine looking man,
and is master of technique. His hrst
number, variations and bravura by Pag-
amin, was remarkable in that 1T was
played entirely on one string, all the
variations givenswith the effect usually
produced when all are in use. After MS
second selection his audience became most
enthusiastic, and he was compelled TO
submit to an encore.
Mrs. Helen Winslow Potter, who came
expressly from Boston to take part. sang
the aria from Elijah, "Hear Israel"
with much dignity and sustained pow
er. In response to the encore she sang
"OnIy Dream and was presented
bouquet. Her Gounod waltz was
fine exhi pition of vocal fireworks. Miss
Rice was heard to great advantage IN
ritornelle by Chaimnade, charming
song of the French methods of mediae-
val days. Last, but not least, the Cecil
ian Quarrette sang two numbers to uni
versal acceptance, their voices harmon
izing most perfectly. For one encore
they gave lullaby of old nursery
rhymes, and for the second sold Folks at
Home"
. Mr.. kotzsch1nar, of course. conducted
with his usual ability, ard Miss Plum
mer fulfilled the arduoas duties of plan
list and accompanist most acceptably.
The EIks' Minstre1s.
The annual benefit of the Portland
Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks at the theatre last evening,
was an entertainment that we venture
to say, was a pleasant surprise to most
ofthe large audience. Something good
was expected. but expectations were
surpassed.
In the first place, the souvenir pro
gramme was most attractive and dain-
tn little magazine, and when the cur
tain rose the circles of handsome dark
les, with the orchestra up above, all
joining in grand chorus, was very
effective and suspicious beginning.
Suddenly the lights went out. Then
the minstrels lit inextinguishable match
es and waved them back ana forth, like
so many fire1ies, with rythmetic move
ment in time with the chorus.
AS endmen in the first part, Messrs.
Frank Mitchell and James Dickson were
very witty and funny darkies, the latter
especially excelling in the negro brogue.
The police force and the investigating
committee were hit hard and there
were many local hts that were new and
bright.
Frank Mitchell's impersonation of
Vaolente, the fruit vender's discourse on
politics was an exhibition of real genius.
There were many gags, but those
of John P. Welch, the dignifed interlocu-
tor, and Thomas Desmond, were, as
might be expected, most favorably re-
ceived. Mr.. Desmond's sonorous voice
was very enjoyable as in "K1ng Ger
Land and Sea-" In the second part
William Stewart assumed the interlocu-
tors chair, and Messrs. Wood and Muir
ply continued the fun as end men. Mr..
Murphy, in particular, was veritable
professional. The Forest City Mando-
lin and Guitar orchestra was one of the
features So were the :" Four Little Po-
licemen." and Messrs. Hatch and Bar
NUNS "Refined Musical Duo"
The rest of the programme included
"Leila D'Arignon Mcintyre, the petite
prima donna;" Mr.. George Mcconnell in
his famous bone solo and lightning cray
on sketches; Master Henry West, the
wonderful boy contortionist; the Apollo
Ouartette, Messrs. Brooks, Gately, Des-
,nond and Ilsley; Mcmahon and King
premier black face comedians. All these
features were most excellent, and the APP
plause was loud and frequent during the
evening.