The Portland daily press., 1898-07-19
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
MIXED PICKLES AT MooULLUMs.

MIXED PICKLES AT McCULLUM'S.
Last evening Manager McCullum and
his splendid company presented farco
comedy in three acts, new to the theatre
goers, entitled, "Mixed Pickles" If the
piece was presented with an idea OF dis
playing the versatility of this talented
organization, the results must have been
most flattering to Mr.. McCullum and the
various members of his company, as it
is doubtful if ever an audience INDUCED
in more constant laughter than the one
which witnessed this initial perform
ance. mixed Pickles" was announced
as a farce, constructed for laughing pur-
poses only, and how near correct this
statement is, can be answered by every
one fortunate enough to witness last
a funnier play has ever been seen in this
city. 1t is different from "Charley' IS
Aunt" or "My Friend From India"
recalling more particularly "Too Much
johnson, land seemingly Emore funny
than either. There is no particular
plot, it being more of series of Incl
dents evolved through the efforts of on
Mrs. Brown to rejoin her husband, who
INDUCES in an occasional spree. In this
she is aided by professor of theology
and the efforts of the professors brother
to marry Mrs. Browns daughter, whose
mother is set on her marriage to the
professor. Incidental to the performance
thor 0harsa a
have ponchant for matchmaking and
the many complications arising from
their efforts in this direction are most
amusing. The work of the clever COM
pany iii their representations of the
various characters elected frequent and
enthusiastic applause and kept the audi
ence in the merriest humor during the
entire evening. The dialogue is partiou-
larly witty and refreshing and free from
any suggestiveness. The situations are
worked out most naturally and are hap
PLY devoid of horse-play or vulgarity.
Following is the cast of characters:
Hiram Brown, BARLEY McCullum
Babylon Jordan, Norman Conniers
Prof. Arthur Percival, Stephen Wright
Joseph Percival, w. II. Pascoe
Mrs. Hiram Brown, Lillian Andrews
Cherry Brown, Estelle Dale
Lucinda Sniggins, May Davenport
Susie, Beatrice ingram
All the parts were we'll sustained, every
member of the company rendering most
meritorious representation. Space does
not permit of detailed mention in this
Issue. Suffice it to say that it is the most
enjoyable entertainment presented this
season and is worthy of the. patronage of
every lover of amusement.
Reserved seats are on sale at Steinert Il
Sons music store, 517 Congress street,
and can be secured before any perform
ance,this week.
THE BUTTERFLIES.
An unusually large audience for first
night performance assembled at the Gem
theatre, last evening, to witness the pro-
duction of Henry Guy Carleton's beauti-
full comedy in three acts, entitled The
Butterflies, by Byron Douglas company.
r his was the cast of characters:
Frederick Ossian, Mr.. Byron Douglas
Andrew Strong, Mr.. Francis Byrne
Hiram Green, Mr.. Scott Cooper
Darlington, Mr.. Walter Thomas
Roscoe Bilser, Mr.. Robert Lowe
Coddle, Mr.. Charles GiblyI
Servant Mr.. j. Lester Wallacl
Miriam, Miss Larsing Rowan
Mrs Beverly Stuart Dodge, -
Miss Agnes Procto
Suzanne Elise, Miss Myrtle Ma,
Mrs Ossian, Miss Virginia Johnsol
The essence of the play is romantic, ant
= fba Low M al
and Miriam, which runs not smoothly be
cause of the bitter and for the nonce
seemingly implaoable opposition OF tn
high strung, proud and mercenary minded
mother, Mrs. Beverly Stuart Dodge
whose feelings at the end are completel
changed through the persuasive power o
gold which is happily used by Fredericl
to shield her at a most critical time iron
the harsh opportunities of creditor
This is not the only love affair in the pla
for the cold and practical man OF tn
world, Hiram Green, falls victim tt
the sedate and somb re Mrs. Ossian ant
the final curtain falls on their happ
union.
The lighter phases of life are deal
with, and young harrington IL made t.
feel that there is practical side to hu
manaffairs through the disciplinary effort
of his guardian whose rigid measure
lead to the sons donning the "Nav
blue''
Throughout the play are incident
which are true to life and serve to miro
scenes not unusual in society of today
and they are set forth in a manner whic
enllsts appIeciative interest from Start
finish. There are,,no dull moments to tt
listeners for the action Is rapid, yet dc
iightfully smooth, and there is grateful
absence of that farcical element which to
often is foisted into pure comedy, robbins
it of it's quiet charms.
The stage settings are deserving of tn
very highest praise and Mrs. Eberle's ex
csllent taste and discriminating judgmen
never showed to better advantage. an,