The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-04-05
MUSIC AND DRAMA
THE PASSION PLAY.


turer, John l.. Stoddard, delivered his
admirable lecture on the PASSION flay
or Ober-A1nm ergau, beautIuily Illus
trated by the aid of the ste1eoptlcon.
Last night at The Jefferson, the Anne
rican cinematograph representation OF
the play was given to large, ana ludg-
ing by the perfect quiet that prevailed
a COMPLETELY absorbed audience In
fact that was due to the character of the
entertainment for the audience seemed
TO feel that it would not be any more
proper to applaud than it would be in
church
The cinematograph presents on large
screen series of tableaux quite like
stereopticon views, except that, as the
name of the instrument implies, move
ments are delineated The. human figures
move to and fro, after the fashion of the
diorama, and their motions are easy,
graceful and natural. The % scenes are
of scriptural character, q few of them
representing events in the. infant life of
Christ and in the career of John the
Baptist, and the remainder scenes OF
Christ's betrayal, arrest, condemnation.
cruoifxion, resurrection and ascension.
auctions of the principal portions OF tue
Passion Play. The performance OF this
play in New York by living actors and
actresses was prohibited by the consclen-
tious sentiment of the people, the intiu-
ence of the press, and the action OF the
authorities. But to the rendition OF II
by these pictures there can be no obJec-
ton. Intensely realistic they are, and 1t
is this feature which gives them truth
fulness and makes them instructive.
brief, serious and well,delivered explana-
ton precedes the presentation OF each
view. 1t would be no violation OF Lenten
discipline for the most deyout church
man to visit this exhibition. In fact, it
probably would prove an incentive to
the quickeuing of the piety and the en-
largement of his charity. Children may
properly and advantageously be taken
to it. We cannot conceive OF more
impressive object sslesson for Sunday
School scholars.
There will be matinees. for the children
today and tomorrow, and performances
this and tomorrow evening.
THE PRISONER OF ZENDA.
A play that can attract large audiences
for three successive seasons must possess
driving qualities and, merit of high
order. "The Prisoner of Zenda, as pre-
scented by Daniel Frohman's superb COM
pany has not only achieved that reputa-
ton, but each successive engagement has
proved more successful than the preceding
one. The production, which for
elaboration and briliancy is said to be
unequalled this season, will be seen in
this city shortly, at the Jefferson and will
no doubt draw out of the largest and
most notable assemblages of the year.
Additional interest is impaired to the
production at the present time on account
of the very successful lecture tour of the
principal cities of the country, by The
author of the story, Mr.. Anthony Hope
Hawkins.
HEART OF CHICAGO.
"The Heart of Chicago which was
successfully launched at the Lincoln thea
tire in Chicago last year to the largest house
in the history Of that theatre will be the
next attraction at the Portland theatre
Wednesday. 1t is said to be one of the
Lest sensational melodranas produced in
years and to contain some absolutely and
startling mechanical effects. The Chicago
newspapers pronounce the new railroad
effect to be an absolute novelty and claim
for it superiority over anything of the
kind ever attempted. The Chicago fire
scene also came in for unlimited praise.
Other important works Of the scenic
painter and stage mechanics art are the
night illumination in the Court of Honor
at the Worlds Fair Grounds, Masonic
Temple Roof Garden at night and piano.
ranic view of the South Side business
district and Lake Michigan. The inter-
preaing company is said to be very strong.
ORGAN RECITAL AND CONCERT.
The organ recital and concert to be
given at Chestnut street church on Thurs
day evening will include much of our
bert musical talent. Mr.. George F.
Sa 1glier will preside at the organ. There
will be chorus of twenty-five picked
male voices. Miss Blanche Adams of
Boston will recite, Mr.. Fred Given will
play violin solos, and Miss Lizzie M.
Brown, MT. Frank L. Gray and Mr..
James P. Coombs will sing. Mr..