The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-11-08
MUSIC AND DRAMA
SHAUN RHUE.

Rhue at the jefferson. The Shaun Rhue,
tells the story of a bright witted but
meagrely educated lad named Larry
Donovan, the son of an Irish tenant, and
accustomed to hardship and adversely
Larry's uncle dies, leaving large fortune
to Larry's father, sister and himself, a
fact not known to the Donovans, but a
fact made use of by two Williams, a father
snd son named Calligan. Larry devices
to circumvent the Calligans, simply be-
cause they are scoundrels, and with no
knowledge of their scheming to swindle
him, furnishes good opportunity for
dramatic situations. and they are utilized
excellently. With this idea as base,
there is delightful loveIstory. interviewer
and the whole is SO seasoned with Irish
wit and repartee, so lightened up with
charming dances anu Irish songs that
the telling of the pretty history enchains
attention and creates pleasure from be-
ginning to end. AS Larry Donovan, Mr.
Murphy was seen at his best, and especial
" in his disguise as the North of Ireland
man sent to help the Calligans, his act
ing was an admirable bit of character
painting. He was we'll supported and was
called before the curtain with Miss West
brook at the end of the thiro act.
HoYT's"A COMMENTED WOMAN"
That The Jefferson next Tuesday aud
Wednesday evening and special Wednes
day matinee will have its seating capacity
taxed to it's utmost, there can be no
doubt, if one is to judge by the already
heavy demand for seats. That the occas-
ion will be a joyous enc there can be no
doubt when the announcement that
Hoyt's "a Contented Moman,' the fun
NEST work of this clever and successful
playwright will be the attraction and it
comes with its superb cast and wealth of
scenery, the same as used during its
phenomenally successful run at Hoyt's
theatre, New York. The cast will include
such we'll known players as Miss Belle
Archer, Henrietta Lee, Rose snyder,
Bonnie Lottie, Allie Perry, linda Palmer,
Gertrude Sage, May Bitin, Vivian Town.
send, John II. Brown, Charles Morrison.
Harry D. Byers, Mat Snyder, Barry Max
we'll, Jas. G. Marlowe, III. j. Scanlon,
Ed Craven, Frank Baldwin and w. j.
Lanthurn. Seats are now on sale at
regular prices.
FANNY RICE.
Artistic Fanny Rice is every body's fav-
orite. She brings new musical comedy
of exceptional entertaining qualities.
SAT the French Ball'''is the title and the
mere mention of it is enough to conjure
up anticipations of an evening of endless
mirth, music and frivolity. 1t is an
adaptation from the German "Three
Pairs of Shoes, the comedy made
famous by Geistinger. 1t is simple,
touching story of a woman's discomfort
with her lot, and the manner in which
she is reconciled to it amid laughter,
song and tears by witnessing the hidden
thorns beneath the roses of Others whom
lie had believed SO much moro fortunate
.han herself. The hard working husband,
a shoemakers at his wits END to undo
this bad influence, when by q happy in
spiration he sends her to deliver three
pairs of shoes to three of his wealthiest
customers. One is the wife of wealthy
stock broker, another naughty and pet
ted primo donna, and the third a dancer.
The visit to the latter is the occasion for
rte great French ball scene of the third
40 where Miss Rice. and the entire COM
..-sny are attired in many varieties of
fancy costumes. 1t is in this act that
the audience is treated to one of the
funniest scenes ever put upon the stage.
AT the French Bali will be presented
at The Jefferson, Friday and Saturday,
Nov. IL and 10.
PORTLAND THEATRE.
The welcome Bennett & Moulton
company commence their engagement
this evening, with grand scenic
production of the famous play Darkest
Russia. Manager Moulton claims that
this production is the most pretentious
yet attempted by a popular priced COM
pany, and as his promises in the past
have always been fulfilled, those who
witness the company's performances this
week won't be disappointed. The weeks
repertoire is entirely new, and comprises
well known plays, now presented for the
first time at popular prices. The COM
pany carrys their. own orchestra and car
load OF special scenery, and introduce a
number of original specialties. During
the past nineteen years this company
have played in this city thirty weeks, to
over 800, 600 paying patrons, a record not
equalled by any other company in Ameri-
ca.
GAIETY THEATER.
Another strong bill is offered at the
Gaiety theatcr for this week and
one that promises to be drawing card.
The bill is headed by the Column bian
Girls i'll new songs, stories, burlesques
and handsome costumes followed bv a
pleasing burletta entitled "Uncle Sans
reception, introducing the entire COM
pany. This is followed by Rench and
Kennedy, in acrobatic songs and dances.
and the performing giraffe, largo, the
only one in America; Hornmann, the
magician, in wonderful slight of hand
performances; the Misses Drake and
Hughes, in new and up-to-date dances:
Miss May Clark, the charming soubrette:
Grant and Phompret, musical artists and
comedians, introducing the latest musical
novelty, the miramaphone: FORESTER and
Black, in an entire new speciality; the
Shultzes, phenomenal vocalists; closing
with the pleasing burlesque. "The Royal
Huzzars. There will also be a guessing
contest for a fine gold watch to be given
away this week. See bills for particu-
lars.