The Portland daily press., 1896-06-16
Opening of Pavilion Theatre.

Despite the threatening weather ana
tho cold of last evening the theatre-go-
ers Of Portland paid a glowing tribute
to Bartl ey McCulum and his excellent
Pavilion theatre company, in turning
out by the score and pa cking the the atre
solid full, even to the doors. In fact such
an enthusiastic audience az that which
gathered last night to testify to the ever
growing popularity of Mr.. MoCullum
and his company Of artists has seldom
been equaled here and it was genuine
pleasure to the on-lookers, as it must
have been to the company itself, to see
how thoroughly David Belasco's great
society drama "The Wife," was enjoyed
by the large audience
As rule the first performance of new
company in an entirely new piece, is not
q thing that can be greatly praised but
with all frankness, it must be confessed,
that the smoothness, the vim and life
and the artistic work which Mr.. McCul-
lum's people threw into the first produc
ton OF ''.The Wife" last night is worthy
Of much commentator, and shows oet-
ter than anything else could have done,
the strength of the Pavilion company
this season and the treat that those who
patronize the Peaks island theatre have
in store for them.
The play which Mr.. McCullum selected
to open his ninth season at Peaks island
waa one of David Belasoo's greatest pro-
auctions. 1t is a charming story which
Envelopes itself with strong and ever in
oreasing interest from the opening scene
until the curtain tails on the last act,
the chef-d' oeuvre of the whole Work.
Through it runs the threads of comedy
SO skilfully entwined and SO oharmingly
disclosed amidst the startling revelations
Of the plot itself that the whole forms
one of the most interesting and enter
tainingR dramas that Portland theatre
goers have ever had an opportunity at
witnessing for long time.
In tThe Wife, the Pavilion company
has an opportunity of displaying their
cepa bilities to their best advantage.
Miss Maud Edna Hall, who is pleasant
ly remembered here as the leading lady
OF Mr.. McCullum's company of two
years. ago, was given very hearty well
come when she stepped before the foot
lights for the first time last night in
the ch araoter Of Helen Truman or 1.-THE
Wife" This character is most eXacting
one and demanded the most careful por-
trayal but Miss Hall responded to its
demands with much credit to herself,
aud again and again won from the au-
diencs appreciatlive applause. The COS
tunes which she wore during the even
Ing were charming creations and brought
forth murlnurs of delight from the fe-
male portion of the audience. The gown
worn by her in the first act was of white
satin, trimmed pearls, and set off Miss
Halls handsome figure and face to the
best poss ible advant age.
Miss Helene Robertson, seen for the
first time by Portland audience, made
a decided sensation. She is not only a
graceful artist, but is also an artist of
great beauty and magnificent stage
presence. Her work last night tested
her capabilities to the utmost and in the
character of Lucille Ferraut, crafty,
treacherous and designing, she was seen
at her best.
1t was to be expected that Miss Beat
rice Ingraham, yivaoious, pretty and
popular, should be given big reception
by her admirers, but when the bouquets
by the dozen wore handed to her at her
first entrance, the audience gave that
Young lady most fattering ovation.
Miss Lillian Andrews also came in for
generous share of the applause and
played her part in her usual finished
and perfect manner.
Mr. James Horn had part we'll suited
to him in John Rutherford, the Senator,
and was seen at his best.
Mr.. W. H. Pasco's appearance In the
first act WIS the sign for long con-
tinued applause and he delivered tho
character of Robert Gray, the unhappy
laver, the merited the recognition he
received.
Mr.. Will F. Garfield, a most graceful
artist. in the part of Matthew Culver.
Mr.. J. r. Armstrong in the character
Of Sils Truman, and MIR. Howell Hansell
as John Dexter, added to the strength of
the production, while Mr.. Bartley Nc
CulIum himself as Major Pullman, was as
delightful as evor, and won frequent bursts
of applause for his excellent portrayal
of the cha racter.
Ward and Curran, very funny team,
ia ised roars Of laughter before the cur
tain was called for the piece itself
Taking it all in all ""The Wife, was
o dacid ed hit and is certainly worth see
ing. 1t will be repeated every night this
week with Wednesday and Saturday
matinees at the Pavilion theatre, Peaks
island.