The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1896-10-12
Gs-a gEg MUSIC AND DRAMA.
In Mexico.

In Mexico
The large musical audience that at
tended the last performance given by
the Bcstonians at City hall Saturday
night viii not soon forget it. 1t was of
character far superior to anything We
can recall that this excellent oTganiza-
tion has done, for years at least, as far
as the acting of the principles was con-
cerned, while unsteady it took high
rank. "In Mexico" did not strike the
critics very fayorably when it was first
produced in New York and il must have
been altered considerably since then, or
else the performers must have improved
vastly.
Is is true there are long scenes unre-
lii v,d By glimmer Of light comedy to
break their sombre monotony, but they
are scenes of passion almost as lurid as
the climate in which they are located;
scenes so intense that ones hands in
voluntarily ache to seize the cool, indif-
fsrent Falcon and force him to do justice
to the wroDged Teresa. The story the
PRESS has published. As Teresa, Mrs.
Jessie Bartlett Davis not only sung the
music of the role grandly, she rose to
great heights as an emotional actress.
The simple rugged nature of the peasant
Felipe, was admirably presented by Mr..
Charles Cowles, whose noble voice and
perfect method added to the intensity
of his acting made this the most artistic
and thoroughly excellent creation we
have ever seen him in. Macdonald, too,
is entitled to great parise for his strong,
forceful, cruel personation Of the Mexl-
can. Mr.. Cole as Capt Sheldon sang
exceedingly we'll, but he is not yet an
actor. Miss Hilda Clark at Mariquita,
showed herself the owner of strong
agreeable and cultivated soprano and
personnel that was quite pleasing. These
four, Messrs. Cole and Oowles Mrs.
Davis and Miss Clark in the quartetts in
the second act where Felipe and Teresa
plead for the life OF Falcon, rendered the
music superbly and gained most en-
thusiasic encore. And this enthusiasm
showed itself all through the opera.
The ensembles by the principals and
chorus were also admirably presented,
the attack was always SO perfect, the
crescendoes and diminuedoes so skilfully
treated that little thrills were sent up and
down the back of the spectator, and
Surroundings were forgotten. The or
ohestra under Mr.. Studlsy did first rate
work and added to the general complete
ness.
Barnabee had queer character. about
as appropriate as fish out Of water,
that of sort of Uncle Samuel sutler
clerk in the American army of occupa-
ton. He managed to make considera-
bls fun, and his Mexican sweetheart,
Anita-well taken by Miss Grace Quiye
aided him materially. Barnabee's
singing of that venerable song The Cork
Leg" raised storm of applause, and
his illusions to the boy orator and to
Tom Reed, brought down the~ house,
Merit among the smaller people should
not be overlooked. and we may say that
Harry Dale, who took the parh of the
dragon tShorty," showed himself pos
sessed of many of the qualifications of
the comedian. With Mr.. Barnabee we
hope when we see the company and it
will be In the new. elegant and comfort
able opera house.
The Waite Opera Company.
Tonight the Waite Opera Company will
be-in weeks engagement at Portland
theatre. There will be matiness every
day but today. The company brings
very fattering notices. Speaking of
Tar and Tartar" that will be given
tonight the salem Gazstte says:
The opera chosen for the opening
night was Oigby Bells well-known sue
cess, Tar and Tartar, - and a most cred-
liable performance was given. There is
an abundance of comedy in the piece and
Milton Ahorn and James A. Donnelly
kept the audience in roars of laughter.
The prima donna of the company is
Marie Laurens, who is very well. remem-
bsred here through her connection with
the DEMONSTRATION company several
years ago. Her voice has Loaf none Of
its purity, and her rendition last eve
ming Of a selected air with variations,
incidental to the second act, was rich
treat, one which only an accomplished
soprano could be capable Of. In the sec-
ondary roles, Marie Biffin and and Hat
tie Arnold contributed several very pleas
Ing numbers. the solo of the latter at
the opening of the second act being one
Of the gems of the evening.
a Sn1N1