The Portland daily press., 1896-04-24
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
A Buch of KEYS.

A Bunch OF Keys With is a comic sit.
nations and pleasing songs, was per
formed at Portland theatre yesterday
matinee aud evening. The fup-proyok.
ing powers of this farce are so wei
known that it is almost superfuous tc
say it kept the audience in continuous
state of amusement. Produced as it is,
by company that fully enters into the
spirit OF the peace it conld not fail in its
mission to entertain. Ada Bothner max
es vivacious and pretty Teddy, and her
sprightly acting and clever songs and
dances contributed much to the enjoy
ment of the occasion. The Frest Of the
company is very evenly balanced and
contains some very clever people.
Sousa's Band.
The playing of Sousa's soul-stirring
marches by his own band, is totally un-
like the playing of any other musical or
agnization, inasmuch as the vital quailty
and magnetism of those compositions are
only to be compared to the playing of
Strauss waltz by Strauss himself. Sou
sa is the Strauss of America. and his
wonderful marches are found wherever
the love of music prevails. Other bands
are occupying the musical field, but be-
tween them and Sousa there is no rival
nv. Sousa and his band stand alone in
the estimation of the press and the pub
lie, as the peerless leader and the peer
less organization of its kind. Sousa's
concert will be held May 9th at City hail.
and tickets are ready at Stockbridge's.
Kat harine Rober Company.
The little favorite Katherine Rober
with her own excellent company, band
and orchestra, will be seen for one week
at Portland theatre, beginning Monday
evening The plays will be finely staged
and costumed and the support will be
all that could be expected.
Oratorio of St. Paul
The oratorio of ST. Paul will be given
by the Haydns at Kotzsohmar hall on
April Goth. The tickets can be procured
at Stock BRIDGES or of the members. 1t
will be great treat to hear the celebrated
basso Mr.. Beresford in one Of the solo
parts. The others will be assumed by
Mrs. White, Miss Plummer and MI. Will
Stockbridge. guarantee of their excel
lence. Kotzschmar of course, will con-
duct.
The Old Ho mestead.
Denman Thompson's celebrated play,
"The Old Homestead, will be seen at
Portland Theatre next Friday and Satur-
day. The humorous simplicity which has
made this healthy wholesome play grea
favorite, is evidenced by the reception
accorded the company during former en-
gagements. 1t is an undeniable fact
that no m after how many times one
spends the evening in the company of
these pleasant, good-natured, honest
representatives of New England's sturdy
characters, one never tires of the little
family episodes and of the sweet singing of
the farm boys. The company comprises
many members of the original companys
cast, whe have all been criticised and have
stood the test. The favorite actor George
Wilson, will be the Uncle Joshua
Each member acts as if the respective
parts were part of their own lives.
The scenic surroundings are all new, and
many novel effects will be introduced,
and the sweet harmonies of the singers
will be as pleasant to listen to as any
that have been heard. The famous
double quartetUe will be heard in two OF
three new arrangements written for the
play. The usual Saturday matinee will
be given.