The Portland daily press., 1899-07-31
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
"vIRe1NIUs" AT MCULLUMs
THEATRE.

commends bis enterprise and literally
to the dramatic lovers OF this city more
perhaps than any other production that
he has offered in the twelve years that he
has catered to their amueement tastes
Since he became identified with the man
hgement OF summer theatres In this city
he has preser ted all kinds Of amusements
at his play houses, except the legitimate
drama. Vaudeville and comic opera,
farce comedy ana classic comedy, melo-
drama, society dramas and problem plays
and all other forms Of en-
rection Ia the past and this season no has
reosntly achieved one Of the greatest sue
cesses In his career with production OF
romantic drama. He has decided 10
present James Sheridan Knowless beau
tifui i've act tragedy "Virzinius," this
week, and then every recognized style Of
entertainment to be seen within the walls
OF theatre win have been produced by
him In this city. excepting grand opera.
IL is doubtful II there IL manager Of
theatre or stock company In this country
who can point TO so varied list of at
fractions In one city as Manager McCul-
ium can In this one, and his successful
career Is source OF much comment III
the theatrical circles of this country. In
making q production Of "Virginiusp at
his theatre this week, it Is with an anbi-
ton to have 1t prove the most notable
achievement Of his lite, and his efforts
are receiving the enthusiastic support OF
every member OF his company and staff.
Tho production OF standard drama is
notable event even when it oo.urs dur
ing the regular winter season, and the an
nouncement Of such an effort by Manager
McCullup1 could scarcely fail to arouss
an unusual interest, and be looked upon
by the patrons Of McCnllum's theatre as
an extraordinary dramatic treat. Although
"Virainius" is one OF the most exncting
TRAGEDIES in regard to the dem and Ii
makes upon the ability OF o company,
and the extent Of its scenic and oo-surne
appointments. 1t is withal the best a,ting
tragedy In the English language, except
Ing Ut course. Shakespeare. Manager Me-
Cullum has staged and rehearsed IL sever
al times in various cities with marked
success, last winter In Toronto for In
stance, SO popular was the presentation
given under his supervision that IL ran
two weeks attracting crowded houses ut
every performance. He is thus thorough
ly familiar with its every requirement.,
aud PROMISES to give more complete
production next week than any he has
previously attempted His company this
season has proved its talent and versetil-
ity In all manner Of plays, and Manager
McCullum confidently expects that their
performances this evening will sur
prise even the most ardent friends of the
theatre, by its artistic excellence. .sVir-
g.nius" Is one of the most beautiful OF
any known dramatic compositions, rich
er in poeticrl coloring and yigor than
my other standard drama. Tradition has
IL that the n ildent OF the story was the
immediate Cause of the downfall of one
OF the most execrable governments Rome
ever had Although much If the story
may be legendary, there Is much to it
that Is historical and Ia therefore in
structiye as we'll entertaining. The re.
Rod Of the story Is at the time that APP
plus Claudius, one of the most imperial
hoight Of his power. A Patrieian. he
had been elected to the Office of the first
Decemvir BY availing himsslf of q sim
gular crisis in public feeling he had OBJ
taiped the consent of the Commons 20 the
abolition of the 1ribuneship, and had
elected himself the chief of body
known In history as the Council of Ten,
to whom the whole direction OF the state
had bsen committed. In fsw months
bis administration had become UNIVERSAL
iy odious. until 1t was finally swept away
by the people owing to the act of the ty-
rant illustrated in this grand play, a
mere outline of which is as follows; Vir-
ginius, Roman citizen, and a centurion
In the army, has a beautiful daughter
Virginia, said to be the fairest maid OF
Rome, who is tetrothed to Icilius, a
noble young Roman. Virginius aud
Iciiius are at the front with the soldiers
when Appius Claudius sees Virginia re-
turning from school. Struck by her re-
markable beauty and purity, he resolves
to possess her, and unable by brides and
solicitations to attain his purpose he re-
sorts to one OF his numerous acts of IT,
ranny. A vile dependent of the Claudian
household seizss the maid on her way
from sohool and claims her as his slave
The case Is brought before the trlbu-
elearest proofs gives Judgment for the
claimant. Virginius, who has heen sum-
moned frcm the camp, hearing the decis-
Ion and determining to save his daughter
from servitude and dishonor, seizes a
butchers knife from nesrby stall and
of the whole forum. 1t can readily be seen
that a story SO admiralty adapted to the
purposes of the poet and dramafist offers
the greatest scope and beauty and the
skilled hand and imagination Of james
Sheridan Knowles has evolved from 1t
play full OF high passion, deep and deli
cate pathos, and intsnse energy. Maragei
McCullum will present 1t at his theatre
with every advantage of elaborate access
ries. The scenery will be massive and
beautiful. the costumes Will be histori-
cally correct, thus giving picturesque
ness to the production that will be inter-
esting and attractive. He has cast the
characters In manner that his judg-
ment tells him will produce \ perform.
ance Of Uniform strength and superior ar.
tistio quality. The various parts have
been allotted as follows:
Virginius, Stephen Wright
Appius Claudius, Robert Wayne
Caius Ciaudius, James Horne
Dentatus, A. III. Stuart
u. A