The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-12-21

AOIIuai WAS oitSH tuBJ anu ooAea"iS w
the spirit of the music On the other
hand there was an evidentsattempt to
sing with expression. and the attempt
wss not always futile. The size of the
chorus, however, and the volume were
ludicrously disproportionate, and 1T is
not to much to say that the society could
spare easily one-half, if not two-thirds
of its present membership
THE THEATRICAL TRUST.
Francis Wilson vigorously attacked
theatrical trusts in New Haven last
Tuesday night. After the.expiration of
the second act of Half a King" at the
Hyperion theatre, he was given cur
tain call and expressing the thanks OF
the company for the generous applause
OF the audience, said: "This may be
the last opportunity which shall have
OF appearing before you because of the
EFFORTS of the trust. Now, there are
trusts. and some good trusts and some
bad trusts The theatrical trust firm
II believe to be q bad one. It's purpose
is purely a mercenary one, and if it is
the first TO enrich the members at the ex-
pense of the players and the proprietors of
the theatres, and the other to degrade the
art. The trust exacts a percentage of
earnings of companies and another per-
centage from the house; it works bot b
ends Of the game. repeat that this is
an iniquitcus trust endsshold that twill
lower the art of acting, for in order to
meet their demands the companies must
be made up of poorer actors, supplied
with cheaper scenery and with inferior
costumes. There are few of us nobler
spirits who will not submitsto the dicta-
ton of.the trust. ssSome. of those who do
not wear the yoke Of this combination
are Richard Mansfield, James A. Herne,
Mrs. Fiske and some three OF four others
A DELIGHTFUL MUSICAL.
A delightful musicale which called out
gGodly gathering representative of the
musical talent of the city was given at
90 Hampshire street, last evening at
which thu following classical and very
interesting programme was offered:
Piano Solo, Miss Florence Best
Tenor Solo, Aida,
Sig. Ernesto Baldanza
Soprano Solo-Roberto II DiayIo,
Mile. Nelletti
Baritone Solo-Toreador Song.
Mr.. McAndrews
Observation-Disclosures.
Recitation, Nile Nelletti
Bass Solo, Mr.. g. A. Thomas
| Tenor Solo-Sa1ve Dirorah, Sig Bnldanza
| Soprano Solo Gondoliera,
Mile. Nelletti
| Soprano and Tenor Dute,
! Tenor Solo--A braceaine
| Mile. Nelletti and Sig. Baldanza.
Piano Solo, 8. Miss Best
| Sextette, Lucia.
| The different musical numbers were ar
tistieally rendered. Mile. Neiletti, who
is pupil of Sig Baldanza, sang in bril-
liant soprano of extraordinary sweetness
and of broad range. Her yoica had power
and her high notes.were we'll sustained
throughout. OF her numbers, "Gondo-
liera'' with violin obligato, is especially
noteworthy. 1t was its first rendition in
this country. having been written for
the King and Queen of Italy.
Sig. Baldanza has robust, highly
cultivated tenor, and his opening num-
Der "Aida," and his f'Salve Dinorah, %
were grandly rendered. Mr.. Thomas was
pleasing as usual. Mr.. McAndrews has
rich baritone and used it with dramatic
force very effectively. Miss Best has
delicate touch and her piano solos were
acceptabIy received. The recitations by
Mile. Nelletti enhanced the pleasure of
! the evening, while the programme in its
fentirety afforded a treat to the listeners
who gave expressions of their approval
by frequent demonstrations and hand
clapping.
GALA WEEK AT THE GAIETY.
The Gaiety's gala week attractions
include many novelties in the vaudeville
line The best bill evar seen at this thea
tire will draw crow ded houses every day
for the week. Among other things offered
is Japanese troupe which is whole
show in itself. The acrobatio acts of
these little people are worth going a good
ways to see. Then the sensational dancers,
Drake and Hughes who captured .7sthe
town at their last appearance are back
again this week with new act. Other
favorites on the bill are O'Brien, Jen-
nings and O'Brien, comety trio; the
Brook team will do funny turn; the
Four Sterlings. the doll dancers; Martin
Hepnessy who sings songs of his own
writing and has some new stories to tell.
The after piece. this week is entitled the
cake walk and as a burlesque will make
decided hit. The prices at the Gaiety are
10, 20 and 80 cents.
Willis A. Gates. jeweler, has choice