The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1899-06-20
Music AND DRAMA.
ALARAMA Ar MouLLuM,s. I


In manner that was most decidedly
oommendable in every respect. The ex-
cellence Of the performance last night
proved beyond dou BIT that this company
IL the equal Of any ever see here, and H.
cal theatre goers win neglect a rare OPP
portunity II they fail 60 see this splen-
did performance, Alabama" was staged
in manner last night that would re-
feet credit to the most pretentious pro-
ductions and the performance was given
with smoothness and attention TO detail
that showed careful refseArssi and effiic-
ent stage management. All the scenes
were handsome and elaborate, but special
praise is due the settings of the third and
fourth acts. The moonlight effect on
the old gateway in the Third act and the
sunrise in the last act are two Of the most
beautiful effects produced in connection
with any drama seen here In years and
the audience showed its appreciation OF
the beauty OF these settings in the iiber-
al applause that marked the rise OF the
curtain. The company individually and
collectively emphasized the excsllent I'm
pEteoton CEthbutl Nuo Ahhb HC0Ns ettN ~
their splendid work were accorded cur
tain call at the end of every act. The
play offered every pmember Of the cast
excellent opportunities that were made
the most of in a manner that proved
highly enjoyable to everyone present.
AS Col Presron, MIR. Armstrong, was
seen to excellent advantage and gave on
Intelligent and careful portrayal Of the
old Soutnerner who still cherishes resent
mpt against the North. The Colonel
Moherly of A. II. Stuart was one OF the
decided hit of the play. His conception
OF character was refined, intelligent and
humorous in its phase and brisk In ac-
ton. BARLEY McCullum as Squire
Tucker contributed another of those
quaint character creations in the portray
al Of which he has become immensely
popular and imbued the part with an I'M
consciousness thas is very enjoyable.
Robert Wayne as Captain, Davenport
created even more favorable impressio
last week and gave to the character Wig
or and manliness that Was refreshing.
T. NJ. Reynolds was fully equal to the
requirements of the part of Mr.. Arm
strong and Robert Gaillard was eminent.
ly satisfactory as Lothrop Page. Stephen
Wright as Raymond Page had but few
opportunities, but those were treated
with the consummate skill that distin-
guishes this brilliant actor. A decided
hit was made by George Montserrat in
the character Of Decatur, his performance
being espec tally notable. Leslie Leigh
always artistic, was seen to excellent ad
vantage. as Mrs. Page. her dialect being
especially de hghtful. As Carey Preston,
Beatrice Ingram was seen to good advan-
tage, and played with her usual grace and
charm. AS Mrs. stockton, Miss Rey.
nolds was excellent her scene with Col.
Moberly being capitally done. Miss Bow
en- had but a small part ss Atlanta
Moberly, but did IL well, and the entire
performance can be said to be one of the
best that Manager McCullum has ever
given his patrons. Alabama" will be
the bill during the entire week with daily
matinees, commencing this afternoon and
deserves to play to crowded houses. Re-
served seats can be procured In advance
at Sawyer's. 465 Congress street.
THE GEM THEATRE
The visitor at the Gem theatre this
wesk will not go away dissatisfied, for
the high expectations which the brilliant
opening of last week excited are sure to
he fully realized. The play presented is
"The Wife, from this pen of Beiasco and
De Miles, and its initial performance
last evening was witnessed by good
sized and responsive audience.
1t Is not necessary to dilate on the
story of the play. for 1T h as been already
published. It is thoro ughly society
piece which holds up the mirror to cpl
sodes in life SO keenly and humanity true
that it holds you interest fast
The play is put on the stage In fine
shape with most appropriate scenery, and
with costumes which can be described as
dreams" The very excellent material
Of which this company is composed was
made manifest in last nights action.
Mr.. Barrows was in the role of Major
Putnam and his Interpretation was
broadly humorous one with not little
junction. John Craig's representation of
the Senator was fine piece of actin
throughout, and as finished type of vii
lainy as has been seen for many day
was the contribution of MIR. Farren. The
other male parts were aceeptably taken
by Ritohie, Eddenger and Lancaster.
Florence Stone acted the leading female
role with great refinement and with a
Eery keen sense OF dramatic proportion.
She was magniflcently gowned i n the
hrst act in ivory satin with white silk
Guile. Worth dress with diamond orna-
ments, and her other dresses were beauti-
full to behold. 1t should be noted that the
different female characters were all
dressed in an elaborate style Of great
richness
Ann Warrenton is entitled TO the
Observation-Disclosures