The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-02-07
MUSIC AND DRAMA
PORTLAND THEATRE.

The attraction at the Portland theatre
on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings
with special matinee Wednesday at
D. m. will be a spectacular production
of the original big Black Crook. This
is the first time it has been presented at
popular prices. Speaking of q recent
production in Pawtucket, r. l., the
Evening Times says: "The spectacular
production, Black Crook, pleased good
sized audience at the Pawtucket opera
house last evening. The piece, without
doubt, is one of the best attractions of
the season at the local playhouse and the
cast is composed of clever and favorite
artists. Elaborate and handsome stage
settings and musical food of jingling
choruses go to make the performance
bright, fascinating and entertaining. A
fine olio of novelties is introduced.
Charles Ascot. whose strong forte is Jug
Cling and acrobatio feats, Is very clever
and won the instant favor of the audi
enoe Mason and Carrick in their illus
trated scenes taken from life are no.
table feature of the entertainment. Sill
yer and Sparks, in their comedy musical
sketch, were particularly entertaining
and their spenialties were received with
a good deal of applause. Jessie West
with pleasing voice in popular airs, made
q good impression. A clever coster singer
and trick acrobat caught the house.
The piece is well mounted and no &C.
cessory of scenery or costume is lacking.
1t is still an attractive and glittering
entertainment with handsome scenery,
an array of shapely women and good
specialties.
FRANZ RUMMEL.
To the Editor of the PRESS:
Since Franz Rummel has been adver-
tised to play here, so many people have
asked me concerning him, that am in
duced to send you the following sketch,
as likely to. of interest to the. readers Of
your paper.
Rummel, despite fisherman name and
musical training, is an tEnglishman by
birth, and loyal subject of Victoria,
whose English tongue he speaks with
particular correctness. His parents were
Germans who had settled In England,
He graduated from the Brussels Con
servatory in 1872 at the age of nineteen,
and is, accordingly, in his forty fifth
year. He appeared IN New York some
six seasons ago, in series OF HISTORICAL
reoitals, fat the Madison square Garden
Concert Hall. New York audiences were
am azed at his wonderful technical ao-
complishments, strong intellectually,
and impassioned delivery.
Philip. Hale, in the Boston Post of Feb.
3rd, 1891, says: "His technique shows
the highest Development of pianoforte
playing, of the modern school. His play
ing is marked by intense thoughtfulness.
He Is fiery, robust, passionate; but his
passions are under control.
He plays Bach, Beethoven, Scnumann,
and Chopin superbly. This combination
of keen intellectually and noble sensuous-
ness is seldom seen in pianists Of the
day He is veritable giant in piano
playing.
FRANK L. RANKIN.
NOTES.
Miss Ethel Hyde, soprano, and Mr..
Francis Rogers, baritone. will give con
cert at Kotzschmar hall on Saturday
next. Tickets at Cressey, Jones Il Al |
lens.
'sThe Girl from Paris will not be seen
at the jefferson, February II and ~, as
announced, but will appear later in the
season.
There has been a change in the CLASH
fication of seats at the Jefferson theatre,
and they are now know in the metropoE-
tan style as orchestra, orchestra circle, on
the floor, dress cirole and balcony and
gallery.