The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-05-27
AT PEAKS ISLAND.
A O hat With Manager Douglas of the
Gem Theatre.

MIR. Byron Douglass, manager of the
Gem theatre, arrived here on the Man.
haitian Wednesday afternoon from New
YORK with IA of his company. and pro.
ceeded yesterday to Peaks island. Two
OF the members have not yet completed
eheir engagements in other cities, but
Will Join the company sometime next
week.
Mr.. Douglass was seen yesterday by a
representative of the PRESS, and was
profuse in his expressions of delight ut
the new theatre. He thought that the
| artistic finish of the interior made the
structure a veritable work of art; that
| 1t was perfect in its appointments and
would be a credit to any of the big cit.
| les.
He said that the stage manager Mr..
| Robert Eberle, is one of Mr.. Frohnan' S
well-known stage directors and that he
is now at work with an efficient staff
getting the scenes and stage ready for
the opening night.
Referring to his company. Mr.. Doug
thusiastic as himself over the beauties of
the Gen." and accounted it almost a
personal privilege to be able to be here for
the summer.
He thought himself fortunate in being
able to get together SO strong a company.
The ladies were among. thesinest dressed
on the American stage and noted for their
elegant stage presence.
Miss Rowan. the Leading lady. is re-
markably handsome young woman, de.
cidedly clever. and will be seen during
the season in q number of very strong
representations. Al Dora in Diplomacy,
our people will have chance to see her
in a character that will show her abilities
and forcefulness as an actress.
1t IL the intention of Mr.. Douglass to
give at least three or four very heavy
productions which will be put on with
scrupulous care and attention to
details which marks their presentation
in the metropolitan stage.
After Diplomacy, which is strong So
ciety play, will come Confusion, bright
and sparkling comedy.
During the third week Bronson How.
ards Aristooracy will be billed. The
play is a magnificent comedy and then
we are to have Shakespeare's great COM
edy GAS You Like II. - with Miss Rowan
as Rosalind, which is said to be one of
the best on the American stage.
This piece will be produced with stage
setting never before equalled in this
country. Mr.. Douglas has the right to
play two new pieces that have never
been played in this country and large
number of people from the theatrical
world of New York are planning to come
to Peaks island to witness them.
There ia another Portland boy besides
Mr.. Douglas, who will play at the g en-
this summer. Mr.. Lewis Morrison was
born in Portland and spent his boyhood
days here.
Yesterday afternoon Mr.. Douglas re-
sumed his rehearsals and active work
will progress from now until the open.
ing night in the preparation of Diplo-
macy.
Many of the company have been playing
with him in Secret Service, SO that they
are familiar with each others methods,
a fact which lightens in a great meas
ure the burdens of reheaIsals.
At present the company are quartered
at the Peaks Island house but later on
they will distribute themselves at the
different cottages adjacent to the theatre.
Mr.. Douglass is accompanied by his
mother who will remain with him on the
island during the summer months.