The Portland daily press., 1898-01-24
MUSIC AND DRAMA
TpE TWO ORPHANS.

As tho years roll by ana Ine Two
Orphans'' plays to large houses always,
while other plays, good strong
plays too, are born and die in a short
time the question is often asked, Why,
ssThe Two Orphans" has outlived thous-
ands of other plays In a word, one
might answer, because it has all the ele-
,nents of success which other plays only
possess in a degree. There is scarcely
passion known to humanity that is not
shown in its utmost strength, both as
cause and effect, in this wonderful play,
and with all these fierce human passions
are so closely interviewer the threads
of the story that it forms O drama that
stands almost unrivalled as reRardspower-
full effects and deepest pathos. In eact
pathos is the keynote struck by master
hand in way that has drawn the tears
of millions of people since its first pro-
duction. 1.-THE Two Orphans" will De
seen at the Jefferson theatre on Wednes-
day and Thursday evenings next, with
Miss Kate Claxton, the famous star us
Louise, the blind girl and eompetenp
cast. Seats on sale tomorrow morning S1
the regular prices.
WHEEL CLUB MINSTRELS.
Since the phenomenal success OF their
first attempt In blackface mlnstreisy
eleven years ago, the Portland wheei
club has remained welded to that form
of entersainment The first show Yves
held May 1O.rBs7, and of it the Press said:
SIT was in every way equal to the pess
professional performances. Emboioeheo
by.thAs success the club ventured to Try
again Marsh 26th and 9th, of the follow
ins year. On this production the Press
commented. can emphatic success;
the Asrus; "a success with bouncing
big s."
The third and last show was given in
Portland theatre, January 14th, 10th.
1891, to crowded houses at each perfor-
nance.
The successes of the past will be ex-
pectsd at The jefferson, February 4th and
9th, The sale of seats opens February
Cd.
"VRE HEART OF MARYLAND"
One Of the most important dramatic
events Of the present season in our city
win be the first production here at the
Jefferson of MIR. David Belasco's latest
play, sThe Heart OF Maryland on Fri
day and Saturday. January 2s and goth,
special matinee Saturday at $780, MIR.
Belasco has tn his career as a dfamatist
brought forward nearly hundred plays
all Of which have been successful. But
of all these, IL all that has been said of it
we're but partly true, "The Heart of
Maryland is infinitely greater in con-
stpuction, finish, in the strength OF its
theme, interest in It's story, the force OF
its Characterization and the beauty and
picturesque realism of Its scenic illustra-
lions painted by two of the most eminent
artists in this country, Messrs. Richard
Marston and Ernest Albert.
The action of the play is supposed to
occur during the period of the War of the
Rebellion, but its military attributes are
Subsidiary factors SO far as main interest
and excitement of the story are concerned
The theme is illustrative of the heroisln
of woman's love and the courage with
which she struggles to battle the pursuit
of her lover BY his enemies, and rescues
him from the ignominious fate OF spy.
The advance sale of seats has already
reached that point which will leave little
else than standing room at any Of the per-
formances. condition Of success, winch
however gratifying to the management
does not afford very satisfactory outlook
for those who have been slow in taking
time by the forelook in securing seats
which.will sell at pvices from % cents to
81. 80 for the evening performances and
25 cents to s1.uo for the matinee The box
office will open next Wednesday morning.
ULE.IE AKRRSTROM.
Miss Utilize Akerstron, that bright little
star who gane SO naudh. pleasure at her
last appearance in this CITY, comes to
Portland theatre for weeks engage
ment, commencing Monday night, with
daily matinees during the week. Miss
Akerstrom Is supported by an excellent
company and carries fine concert or
chestra. New plays, catchy speoialties
and handsome scenery are promised the
patrons.
Miss Akerstrom and her company will
inaugurate what should be successful
weeks engagement judging from tho fol-
lowing kind words from the Meriden Daily
Journal:
"AH who have attended the psrfor-
mances of the Akerstorm company this
week vie with one another in praise of
the company. Miss Akerstorm's plays
are all original and varied in character
and one can feel sure of being we'll en-
tertained any evening. Miss Akerstrom
is essentially ladies' actress. She has
peculiarly magnetic presence and every
scope goes with a vim and snap while
she Is on the stage"
The following is the repertoire for the