The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-10-25
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
THE SECRET ENEMY.


play is laid in France and Italy during
the present time and depicts the trials
and tribulations of a beautiful young
maiden (Marcelle) who is accused of a
crime, perpetrate1 by her father.
Mr.. Elmer Grandin. young romantic
actor and Miss Eva Mountford considered
one OF the most beautiful as well as a
most finished actress before the public to-
day, are the stars and have been sur
rounded by an exceedingly strong com
pany of metropolitan players. The scenery
and effects used, were especially designed
for this beautiful production and no ex-
pense has been spared to make this play
second to none in point of completeness
and finish. The Boston press were unan-
imous in their praise of this latest sue
cess and bespeak for it a most prosperous
career. The company after playing here
go to New York and Philadelphia for
extended runs. This engagement is a
special one and should be taken advant-
age of by all lovers of the romantic
drama. The company is here for one
night only, Wednesday, October 20.
FREDERICK THE GREAT.
81 -r e.
No greater historical figure than that of
Frederick the Great lives in history.
Not alone is he the idol of the German
race, but his grand achievements on the
destiny of Germany, have given him a
place in the eyes of the world contempor-
aneous with Napoleon" and ''Peter the
Great of Russia" When Theodore Kremer
the aathor Of Frederick tho Great" had
finished that drama, and began to look
around for some manager to produce it,
he found that while managers were en-
thusiastic as to its possibilities of success,
they did not see their way clear to give it
production on account of the peculiar
strength of the leading character Freder-
ick. Mr.. Kremer read the play to Mr..
Morrison and at the conclusion of the
reading Mr.. Morrison arranged on the
spot to produce it, He quickly saw it's
strength and the possibilities of its lead
ing character as applied to him. The
character combinds the sardonic humor of
Mr.. Morrison's Mephisto and at other
times rises to heights that are command
ing and inspiring.
At the Jefferson next Thursday evening
Mr.. Morrison and his excellent company
of players will give this play it's first pre-
sentation on any stage. 1t will be an
event of great importance In the theatri.
Gals of Portland and will undoubtedly
call ont an exclusive audience. Promi-
Dent critics and managers of Boston and
New York will attend its production.
RHEA'S ENGAGEMENT.
A most notable engagement is the COM
ing one of Mile. Rhea in the powerful
plays, Frou Frou and Camille, at The
Jefferson. on Friday and Saturday next.
A pleasing personality and full of mag
netic charm that holds such sway over
her auditors, 1t is no wonder that Rhea
on her entrance Immediately wins her
way into the hearts of her audiences. A
perfect example of the good and true
woman, Rhea always is and will be
looked up to by society. Whether on or
off the stage her company, one and all
speak of her as most lovaple soul, an
indefatigable worker and perfect artist.
The company was this season picked with
care and attention to the special ability
of each artist and is decidedly one of the
best upon the road. The interesting and
delightful Frou Frou is announced as the
LII for Friday evening and Dumass
masterpiece, Camille for the matinee and
evening on Saturday.
PORTLAND THEATRE.
If the people of Portland wish to see
how well opera at popular prices can be
sung, they should attend one of the per-
formances of the Waite Opera company
which makes its second appearance in
Portland. This evening opens a
weeks engagement, which promises to be
successful, both artistically and financial
ly. 1t is not stretching point to say
that the Waite company is the finest low
priced opera company that has ever ap-
peared here. The principals are more
competent, the chorus is fresher and more
musical and the settings are fully in
harmony. Then, too, the company carries
its own orchestra, which is an important
consideration. But people get more for
their money than the mere singing of the
opera billed for any particular perform
IAASS' All Woiuo pcuWScu dClS are 6ll1Qln-
ated by the introduction of first class
specialties, SO that the audience does not
grow tired.
Fra Diavolo" will be the opening bill
when the company will be seen at it's best
for this is one of the strongest and best,
operas in the repertoire. Marion Lang
don, the prima donna of the company, is
an excellent singer and finished actress,
and she is ably supported by one of the
strongest repertoire companies ever seen
here.
Between the acts there Willie number
of choice specialties. The Lily gu artette,
composed of Misses Sanford, Powers, Ash
ton and Riggs, sing number of seleo-
tions. Mildred Dempsey, q very graceful
da1cer, and a pretty young woman,
dances several times while the musical
selections and whistling solos of E. J.
Brown, sthe whistling coon' are hard to
surpass. The seats are now on sale at
the box office for the entire engagement.
GAIETY THEATRE.
I he Gaiety Theatre offers this week a
bill of good drawing qualities. The
"Glees" famous musical stars will hold