The Portland daily press., 1895-03-02
MUSIC AND DRAMA.


Funny Joe OFT in the Star Gazer
Popular Joe OFT, in his new play,
"The Star Gazer,n filled the theatre last
evening, and it was an audience that
came to be amused. The new play is
practically but vehicle to introduce the
comedian with his expressionless face,
his amusing sayings, and his catchy
songs. The play is full of brightness,
and the comedian has surrounded him.
self with some very clever people,
Among the songs were ITS all right,
but It's awkward" and Turn Over" by
Joe OFT. Ofcourse they caught ON, as
anything else that he said or sang did,
The ladies' quartette was feature, and
the solos by its mem bers were heartily
received. Miss Dorothy Gray has voice
of marvellous depth and power for a
woman, and her rendition of Rocked
in the Cradle of the Deep" was given a
a sweet voice and her selections
were enjoyed. Dainty little May
Jordan, in her dances was favorife,
and was obliged to respond to encores.
Phil OFT and Matt OFT were not forgot
ten III the fun making, and did justice,
to their name. The play will be repeated
this evening and there will be a matinee
performance this afternoon. Those who
enjoy q bright entertainment and one
that leaves pleasant memory should
not fail to attend.
The SawteIle Dramatic Company.
The attraction at the Portland Theatre
every evening and every afternoon, be-
ginning Tuesday of next week, is to be
the SaWtell Dramatic Company, and the
Imperial band and orchestra. This com
jpany is said to be the strongest organ
ization on the road playing at popular
prices. Certainly mo company that has
been booked in this city has ever an
nounced sach All admirable repertoire of
standard comedies and dramas. Their
business throughout New England has
been something phenomenal. In Fall
River and Taunton they broke the rec
ords for attendance, both for the total
number Of people in the week and for
single performances. "True as Steel" is
announced as the initial bill of the en-
gagement here.
Media Concert.
No musical event in recent years has
aroused such interest as is manifested in
the Melba concert, to be given at City
Hall next Tuesday evening, and there is
hot &c ho
premium before the day Of the concert
arrives. Madame Melba, the young Aus
tralian prima donna, has made herself
supreme favorite during the present
operatic season in New York and Bos-
ton. and her popularity seems to in
crease with each additional appear
ance. This fiattering accounts of her
superb vocalisn, (Which preceded her
arrival in this country, have been more
than verified by her record this season.
Miss Edmands, MIR. Watkin Mills, Mr..
Adamowski, Mons. Mole and the Adam
owski Quartette, all artists of high re-
pute, compose the company which will
support Madame Melba. The programme,
which has already been published in
these columns, is most attractive, and
will provide an evening of great musical
enjoy ment to all who are fortunate
enough to hear it. A magnificent audi
ence is already assured. Orders come
from all parts fthe state, hut there are
few seats remaining unsold.
1.-THE NewBoy.''
I he New Boy" comedy of irresistl-
bic laughter, will be the attraction at
the City Hall Monday next, March 4th,
presented by Charles Frohman's compa-
ny, with the well known and really fun
| ny comedian, James T. Powers, as the
central figure of fne cast 1.-THE New
B oy" is an English comedy, by Arthur
Law, and HIS just finished the second
year of its run in Lopdon, where it is
classed as comedy success with that
famous gem of laughter, "Charley's
Aunt, in fact it is described as COM
panion play, and a worthy successor to
that quantity humorous old lady that
"came from BRAZIL" 1.-The New Boyn is
original in locality and atmosphere, the
laughter is all evolved by legitimate
methods from a well told, consistent
story, which, in its entirety constitut ties
study in laughter. The cast is IN
doubleday one of the best ever gathered
together for the illustration of the farci-
cal side of life, including as it does,
such well known people as Y. Powers,
Frederic Robinson. Helen Kinniard.
& rgeBackus, R. T. Cotton, W. r. Shirley,
Rachel Booth, Charles Greene and 9TH
ers of like prominence.
GI Iigonia Lodge, 10. O. T.
| A q N eafInn Of this Iod GA held Last