The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-10-01
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
MORRISON IN FAUST.


1t was great night at the Je1eraon
last evening, for it was military nlgnp.
Mr.. Morrison, with marked courtesy,
having invited the Portland pattailon "
the First Maine Volunteers to attend his
admirable presentation of Faust. I" AS
a result the house was a sight Mr.. Goss,
the treasurer had decorated the theatre
with great good taste. The pillars were
wreathed with the national colors, glories
of flags were displayed about the
windows, and tbs front of the house was
a grand combination of bunting and
electricity very prettily arranged.
1t was after eight o'clock when, to the
music of the Maine Fife, Drum ana
Bugle Corps, the Portland battalion,
under command of Captain Dow of Co.
A. marched through Oak street, amidst a
blaze of red fire. theSdrum corps playing
lively airs, and the immense crowd OF
men, women and children, that nlled
Free strect in front of the theatre, cheer
ing with great vim. AS the battalion
entered the house in their service uniforms
and took the seats reserved for them, the
immense gallery crowd gave Them cheer
after cheer, while the great audience IN
balcony and orchestra loudly applaudeo.
Every man stood quietly in front OF ms
chair until the order was given "Atten-
tion, be seated. +"
At $50 p. m. the curtain rose on pne
first act of the play to the music OF Han
Columbia, the audience cheering the nag.
The company did not reach Portland
from St. John until D. ln., which ao-
counted for the delay. 1t was rapid WORK
to get scenery in place, and company
dressed within half hour of arrival.
Mr.. Morrison's Mephisto has been SO
often dwelt upon in these columns that
extended criticism OF the play is not
needed. The same wonderful representa-
ton of the arch fend, set of In such
strong relief by the lime light; the same
beautiful voice, so exquisitely modulated
that every word came to the ear with per-
feet information; the same tragic power
and humor combined, as exemphneo IN
the scenes with Faust and with Dame
Martha; and, running through 1t all that
satirical. deveish sneer and laugh SO asso-
ciated with Mephisto, all these made MS
impersonation something to be long re-
,nembered. All these traits OF MIR. Morrl-
sons characterization were heightened to
the last degree by the electrical effects In
troduced, and by the church music
rendered by organ, the vocal quartette
and the chimes.
Mr.. Morrison wa we'll supported. Miss
Mabel Morrison's Marguerite is sweet,
graceful, innocent maiden, such one as
Goethe pictured. MIR. Harry M. Blake
was good Faust, and the other parts
were we'll taken. This WAS the cast:
Mephisto, Mr: Louis MoITisom
Sycorax, witch, Miss marie Inal
Zendoe, witch, MISS Myruie Moruoe
Faust, MT narry IA, DioAo
Valentine, Mr.. T. Van Rensselaer,
Siehel Mr.. Searle Dawley
Wanger, Mr.. ". q ulraro
Brander, MI. y. HAooy
Altmayer, Mr. Wul: NICE hersuI
Martha, MRS. Seipy Iapsn1iu
Lisa, MISS rieen bhroeiio
Elsie, MISS MarklIie
Catherine, MISS Esie small
Marguerite, MISS Mapel-Morrisoa
The audience was extremely enthusiastic
and applauded the principal scenes most
vigorously. They called the curtain after
each act.
At the conclusion of the fourth act Mr..
Morrison was called before the curtain to
address the Portland volunteer companies
whom he had as guests. Mr.. Morrison
delivered speech in regard to the late
war and complimented the boys for their
courage in answering the call of their
country. A burst of applause was given
Mr.. Morrison's remarks By the large
audience. The boys who were tho guests
at last nights performance are high IN
their praise Of Mr.. Morrison and when he
appears in this city again he will be
royalty entertained by last nights guests.
MAINE MUSICAL FESTIVAL.
Mr.. and Mrs. W. r. Chapman had the
good fortune to hear Nine. Gadski and
Mr.. Williams at the second concert at
the Worcester Musical Festival. They are
both 10 fine voics and spirits and looking
forward with pleasure to their work IN
Maine. Mr.. Chapman was delighted with
the singing this season and feels sure that
they will give great pleasure to the Maine
audience. He is determined that the
performance of elijah at the Maine
Musical Festival shall be second to none
in the country, and with this great cast
Gadski, Kicker, Williams and Davies,
and the grand Maine chorus he feels sure
of success. Mr.. Chapman also had the
pleasure this week of listening to Miss
Rosa Green, the great contralto from Lon
don. She far exceeded his expectations
of her, and she has charming person.
atty as we'll as beautiful voice.
The management feel sure that every
concert will be surprise and pleasure to
every music lover, and they confidently
hope that everyone will listen to at least
one Of these grand concerts
Those who have not yet secured tickets
should apply at Cressey, Jones & Aliens
at once, for there are going to be crowded
audiences at the Auditorium during the
festival.