The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-09-20
MUSIC AND DRAMA.



to be presented here by the Rich 81 Har-
ris Comedy Company on this even
ing where, at the Jefferson it Will IN
doubtedly succeed in successfully catering
to the risable side of local theatre-g oers.
1t has been conclusively proven that as
q laugh producer "Courted Into Court
is one of the best tarcieal plays exploited
in the past few years. The truth of this
assertion is found in the fact that its run
in New York city last year was protract-
ed for period of five months, lapse of
time never before accorded to plays of
this order in Gotham. "Courted Into
Court will be presented here by one of
the most capable companies possible to
secure from the ranks of the theatrical
profession. The principal members are
Marie Dressler ard John c. Rice. These
clever people will have the assistance of
Jacques Kruger, Billy Clifford, Maud
Huth, Sally Cohen, Glare Palma, James
F. Callahan and other clever fareeurs.
"Courted Into Court" abounds IN laugh
able situations, bright, wittily punctuat-
ed dialogues, musical numbers galore and
some particularly effective and convinc-
ing specialties.
The Boston press was very compliment
tary to Mr.. J. j. McNally's play which
las just concluded u most successful en-
gagement in that city. Marie DRESSER
will be remembered here as one of tho
popular stars of the Baker Opera Co. a
few seasons ago. She possesses most
original style, her songs are of the kind
that delight the critical, as we'll as tie
most popular ear, while John G. Rice
is one of the funniest men imaginable in
his line of business. Jacques Kruger
is an old favorite here, having been seen
in several popular successes. @S!
There is one thing to be borne in mind
i'd that is that "Courted Into Court ,
cln be seen here only tonight and tickets
should be secured as quickly as possible
during the day. -
Ell Captain.
DeWolf Hopper has most persistent
lady admirer By actual count she wit
messed the performance of "El Captain, :"
at the Broadway Theatre New York city
46 times, and on the opening nights of
the comedians engagements last season
in Baltimore, Washington, Harlem,
Brooklyn and Newark, she was largely
in evidence, and again at the initial per-
formance of the opera at the Chestnut
Street Opera House, Philadelphia, in
November. This mysterious female ad-
mirer was the central figure of a party of
ladies who occupied one of the stage
boxs. Sometimes she would be seated in
an orchestra chair, sometimes conspicI-
Gus in an upper box, and at other times
she would be in retirement in the rear
rows of the theatre. On every possible
occasion she was on hand to drink in the
melodies of Sousa's score, and to gaze to
her hearts content on the elongated
comedian in the centre Of the stage. One
evening during the run of the opera in
New York city an acquaintance re-
marked to the comedians dainty little
wife; "Oh, Mrs. Hopper, should think
you would be awfully jealous of that old
lady who comes to see your husband SO
often. y 'sNo indeed" was the merry re-
spouse, I'm always delighted to have
her come. You see she is Mr.. Hopper's
mother Mr.. Hopper will make his first
stellar appearance in Portland to-
morrow evening, at the new
jefferson Theatre. He will present
Sousa's sparkling opera, Eel Captain, ;"
and will be supported by his entire organ
ization numbering forty-fve people.
A Breezy Time.
Pittsburg, Penn, has the reputation of
being the smoky city of the United
States. and ideas are as much of a rarity
down in Pittsburg as is clean linen, and
yet one will OCCASIONALLY find both there.
Last May well known comedian was
passing through the city and stopped over
night at one of the leading hotels. He
was assigned to room, and when he
stepped before the dresser to fix up for
supper, he was struck dumb by finding a
spotless white towel on the rack. When
he recovered from his surprise he was as
tonished to find small card pinned on
the towel rack, on which was written in
a dainty, feminine hand the words, "a
Genuine Novelty"
The comedian was E. B. Fitz, the
manager and proprietor of GA Breezy
Time Company, and the word 'Nov-
city, caught him. He appreciated the
fact that the decadence of musical farce
comedies was due to the lack of novelties,
and in organizing his company for this
season he has taken for his watchword
the word Novelty" and SO faithfully
has he carried out this idea, that there is
not scene or line in this piece but
what is new and original. The play is a
farce comedy. the plot of which is not so
intricate that it requires any great men
tai activity. The piece is in three acts,
and the author has worked on the princi-
pie that action is the soul of farce. and
ia Breezy Time is all action. ga
Breezy Time will be at Portland Thea
tire tonight, for one night only.
Good Templars.
The semi-annual session of Good Tenn
plers will be held at Pennington, Oct