The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1899-05-05
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
THE GIRL FROM IRELAND.

A gay and capable company Of fun
makers, headed by the effervescent sun
team of mirth, Katie Rooney, vivacious
and even more clever than ever, COM
menced three nights engagement ut
Portland theatre last evening in new
musical comedy in three acts entitled
"The Girl From Ireland" The presenta-
ton last night Was before large audi.
ence and the demonstration of approval
that marked the whole performances were
most pronounced and well deserved. 1t
is due Miss Rooney. her company and the
play to say that a more enjoyable enter
tainment has not been seen at Portland
theatre this season. Riotous fun prevails
during the entire three acts and the
engagement should be accorded the pa
tronage of every theatre-goer who enjoys
an evenings entertainment where not
one sign of coarseness or suggestiveness
is allowed. but where good wholesome
fIn, productive of many spontaneous
laughs, always prevails. In the charac-
ter of Honora q Toole, Katie Rooney is
seen in most congenial role, one that
offers unlimited opportunities to display
those remarkable talents that have
made her a famous favorite. The imita-
tions of her talented father rendered dur
ing the last act were inimitable, possessing
the quality of the born artist. Every
member of the supporting company was
in every sense satisfactory, each being
In thorough accord with the character
assumed. Special mention is due j. p.
Sullivan for an artistic representation of
Jerry O'1oole, the retired contractor.
Mr.. Sullivan was at oil times natural,
wholly free from exaggeration, and
was a yeritable treat after the numerous
caricatures lately seen here. Miss Maggie
Weston as Bridget Mccain, and Emma.
Ballard as Lucinda Gush, a society belle
of long ago, deserve special mention, and
both were great favorites with last night's
audience. The stage settings were at
tractiye, the costumes far above the aver
age in style and extent, and chorus of
IL pretty girls gave an Effectiveness to
the ensembles that was most pleasing.
THE WILBUR OPERA COMPANY.
There is no diminution in the large audi
ences which daily greet the Wilbur Opera
company at the jefferson ana yesterday
the Royal MILDLY and Grand Duchess
were given very satisfactory PRODUCTIONS.
The specialties are big drawing cards and
are a show by themselves well worth the
price of admission. The Grand Duchess
will be repeated at today's matinee and
the evening attraction will be that catchy
opera entitled the "Circus Clown"
SOUSA'S SOLOISTS.
Sousa and his great band will give two
grand concerts at City hail, May 23d,
when the assisting soloists Will be Miss
Mand Reese Davies, soprano; Miss Doro-
thy Hoyle, violinist; Mr.. Arthur Pryor,
trombone.
THE MAINE SYMPHONY CONCERT.
Lovers of music have only to look over
the programme for the concerts to be Civ
en- here on May 9th by the Maine Sym
phony Orchestra to see what IA treat is
in store for them. The selections chosen
are from the best works of the famous
composers represented. Two of the SOLO
lists are already favorites in Portland,
and Portland people who have had the
good fortune TO hear Bessie Silberfeld are
very enthusiastic over this child pianist
and say she is greater than Joseph Hotf-
man. The tickets are selling rapidly.
L ct City hall be filed at both concerts.