The Portland daily press., 1898-03-24
MUSIC AND DRAMR
JAxoN OPERA COMPANY.

give u proper representation OF Verdl'S
nouuIar work, to one or two of the prin-
cinsl scenes given by great artists with
ont the accompaniment of proper or
chestra and chorus. last nights per-
Torrance, however, by the Jaxon com
pany was a most satisfactory all-round
presentation. IL was a wonderful per-
Torrance for the moderate price of ad-
mission.
Mile. Diard was the Leonora and she
brought to the character thorough ap-
probation of its requirements. She acted
the part sklfulIy, presenting the various
phases of the role with power and digni-
ty. She sang the music in a manner that
would have thoroughly astonished her
audience if many of them had not heard
her Lucia on the Monday previous. Her
aria that preceded the miserere, was most
beautiful, her voice was SO true. her
phasing SO admirable But why try to
enumerate all the numbers in which she
gave pleasure? 1t would be necessary to
review the opera page after page.
Mr.. Clarke as Manrico was another de-
light At one time his voice seemed
little husky, but it soon cleared and
came out in great shape in the ''Di quella
pira," and the prison song. And speak
ing of that great scene of the fourth act
the audience was SO quiet that the tradit
ional pin could have been heard to drop.
The work of Leonora. Manrioo and the
chorus, was superb. Of course the scene
was repeated. Mr.. Golf was capital
Count di Luna, and he sang II balrf"
with such taste and excellent method
that the audience insisted on a repetition.
Miss Louise Engel was very good
Azncena and acted with much ability.
Mr frederick as Fernando and MIR.
Holly as Ruiz are entitled to praise.
The chorus and orchestra, as before, gave
the greatest pleasure, the chorus work
in the second act-where the anvil chorus
is introduced with peculiar electrical
effects-and in the fourth act. being
especially good. The yelled chorus of
women deserves praise. 1t was a great
quality. The enthusiasm was marked
and the curtain called after each act
In the afternoon a very large audience
enjoyed ERA D1avolo.' Mr.. Clarke
was q fine ,Diavolo as may well be
imagined, Messrs. Deshon and frederick
made much fun as Bippo and Giaoomo.
and Mile. Diard was delightful Zerlina.
THE BOHEMIAN GIRL.
There seems to be something perennial,
and perhaps deservedly SO, about the score
of the Bohemian Girl, and whenever it
is announced popular tastes are touched
and good attendances, are assured.
So it was yesterday at both matinee
and evening performances, given at the
Portland theatre by the Wilbur Opera
company.
For several years, this opera has been
strong card in the repertoire of this
company and its presentation was
strengthened yesterday by May Baker |
in the role of Airline, the Bohemian |
Girl; she acts intelligently and sings
sweetly. Mr.. Clark, an old favorite, was
Count Arnheim, and Mr.. Conley, Thad-
deus; Lille Taylor, Gypsey Queen; Gus
Vaughan, Captain of the Guards, and
other parts acceptably filed.
The old familiar airs such as "The
Heart Bowed Down." "Fair Land of
Poland" etc., won the encores usually
accorded them.
The strength of the company in ensem-
BILE effectsi showed to advantage and
prettily costumed, handsome girls and
effective stage settings made an attrac-
tive. back ground.
The living pictures, always feature
of the Wilburs, were similar to those de-
scribed yesterday and the Spanish dance
by Miss Gunderman and Miss Nellie
Richards the latter Portland girl, by |
the way, deserves special mention.
Between the acts, "On the Wabash %
by the quartette was taking number
and loudly applauded. A. G. Lamar's
ballad "Jack, How I Envy You,' and
Gus vaughan's whisper Your Mothers
Name,'' deserved encores and got them,
For today's matinee and evening per-
formance "Mascotte'' is selected.
RossINI CLUB.
This morning at II O'Clock at Kotzsch-
mar hall, the Rossini club will nave it's
usual Thursday morning recital.
a Tonight at o'clock at the same place,
Miss Villa Whitney White, who has
gained such marked reputation as n
singer of German lieder, will give de-
lightful song recital.
BOWDOIN GLEE AND MANDOLIN
CLUBS.
The concert by the Bowdoin clubs in
Portland next Saturday night will close
with that most famous of all Bowdoin
songs. historic "Phi Chi.' In addition
to this and coupled with it as closing
number, is "Bowdoin .Beata, 's which is
always sung at every gathering of Bow
dom mer. Among the members of the
clubs are several Portland boys, among
them Messrs. Jos. W. Whitney, j. DIV
son Sinkinson, Robert +. Chapman,
Henry P. Merrill, Jr., Arthur B. Wood,
Willis B. Moulton, Nm. l.. Thompson,
all of whom are graduates of the Portland