The Portland daily press., 1897-10-12
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
James O'NeiII.

great spectacular effects as the dramatic
version of this novel. When Charles
fletcher produced it some rs years ago he
not only put it upon the boards at lavish
expense, but also surrounded himself
with remarkably strong company. Since
Fetcher's day Mr.. James O'Neill has as
sumed the character of Monte Cristo with
great success, and hos favored Portlano
audiences several times with charac-
terizationf on which the PRESS has ex-
paitated at length.
On the boards of The Jefferson last
night Mr. O. Neill had wider scope for dis
play of his versatility and he took such
good advantage of his opportunity that
he created lit1Ie cyclone of enthusiasm
at the end of the third act, after the
death of Villefort, and not only was the
curtain called, but Mr.. O'Ne1ll was COM
PEELED to come out four times in response
to the enthusiastic applause. The cur
tain was also called at he end of the
other acts, especially when Edmund
makes his escape from the Chateau d. If
and utters the famous words 1.-The world
is mine"
Mr.. O'Neill has the face and physique
required for romantic actor. He has
a delightful voice, trained to the express
sion of the various emotions. He had
all the honest frankness and bright cheer
mess of the sailor in the first act, the
charm and lovableness of the good Able
in the third act in the scene with Albert
de Morcerf, that changes as by lightning
flash to the concentrated hate and re-
vengeful spirit of Edmund Dantes at the
death of Villefort. And, in the other acts,
other varying shades of passion were faith
fully portrayed.
There were several members of the
cast who deserve mention, Mr.. Hallet
Thompson was very good Nairtier, Mr..
Caderousse, Mr.. Il. L. Breese was an ac-
ceptable Albert de Morcerf. Miss Emily
Dodd was pleasing Mercedes.
Tonight MIR. O'Neill will appear in the
great French drama, "The Dead Heart"
!, There was very large audience present
last night.
The Star Course.
The finest of the Star Course attract
ions will make circuit of the New Eng
land cities, giving the highest class
amusemeuts for the same nominal price
which has prevailed in Boston. The sue
cess of this scheme, which is already as
sured, lies first in the fact that MIR. Fox
croft has secured not only popular but
high class entertainments; and, secondly,
that his plan for reviving in the New
England cities this modern lyceum sys-
tenn, has been Endorsed by the chief men
of each place, such as the Mayor, the
pastors of the various churches, the lead
ing society women and the prominent
business men, all advocating, over their
own signatures, public cooperation in
the plan. Recognizing the ge neral de-
mand for music. Mr.. Foxcroft has made
the most of his entertainments in the form
of concerts by the great bands of the
country, by the well-known opera singers
by the popular jubilee singers, by banjo
clubs, quartet artists, ETC., and with these
he has interspersed few of the most
capable lecturers and several odd novelties
fore seen in this country.
The Girl Left Behind Me.
''The Girl 1 Left behind Me- is a
thrilling military drama by Belasco and
Fyles, that was presented in this city
last season to the great delight of the
large audiences gathered by the extent
of its reputation. The New York Herald
spoke of it when presented in that city,
in these terms: "Never was there a
grander or greater success" The play
will be presented at The Jefferson on
Friday. Saturday and Saturday matinee
and the reserved seats will be on sale to-
morrow at the box office.
Maine Musical Festival.
Only week remains before the great
Maine Musical festival will he inaueura-
ted at the Auditorium. The sale of seats
st Cressey, Jones & Aliens, assures
large audiences. The children's per-
fora ance on Wednesday will be marked
feature of the festival.
Do the public realize what grand
affair this festival is going to be; what
5AoAO GA uiSUS Will APPEAR DIS SOfO1bIS, ana
what magnificent chorus and orchestra
Will interpret not only the greatest chorus
of the great masters, but every depart
nIent and school of music will receive
ample recognition. There Is no taste
that cannot be gratifed, for oratorio.
opera and song will each have place on
the programme. Nine. Nordica has al
ready arrived in splendid health and
ready for the festival. Then there will be
Blanvelt Williams and a host of other
talent Those who have not vet secured
their seats should procure them now.
Mr.. W. r. Chapman passed through
the city yesterday noon on his way to
Bangor via Auburn. He spoke in enthu-
siastic terms of the rehearsals held In
New York with tho soloists and music
ians All the soloists advertised to an
Free Pills.
Send your address to H. e; Bucklen
e. ~ frQa L.