The Portland daily press., 1899-07-10

self with one Of his shows and again be-
cause In his Judgment this is the best
company he has organized. With recol-
leotions of what has been offered in the
past at Riyerton park for the public
amusement the patrons may anticipation
exceptional treab next week. Among
the artists TO appear ara some of Ameri-
cas- representative vaudeville stars whose
acts have have presented in all the leading
theatres In the largest cities AmoEg
thosc OF particular note may be mem
toned Gushing and Merrill, yocalists and
instrumentalists; John Barker, comedy
entertainer and champion story teller;
La Petite Blanche, the wonderful child
artistic, In character songs and dainty
dances, and Madame Barutio, the prime
favorite in New England. who is un-
doubleday the most popular prima donna
that has appeared before park audiences,
Other acts, ncrobatio and interesting,
complete full evenings bin. Two
performances win be given daily, COM
mencing Monday afternoon.
AT THE GEM.
The tastes Of. theatrical audiences are
oftentimes hard to fathom. Despite the
cry to the contrary. there are plays enough
on the market and managers would pro
duce them Willingly enough could Ithey
be assured their patrons would honor the
production with their presence. James
o. Barrows Of the company'at the Gem
seems to have a happy knack Of selecting
just the material the clientele of the
Gem requires Brother john" "The
Wife, "The Gog'nor'' and "A Man with
a Past" have all found favor and have
drawn brilliant and responsive audiences.
And now comes what Is perhaps the hest
Of the modern society dramas. ''Men
and Women" which is to be given this
week with the full strength of the Gem
theatre company Of twenty-on people.
"Men and Women" is by the late Henry
G. DeMille aud David Belasco and is the
third of a trio Of plays which really set
a new standard for American dramatists,
The Wife" and "The Charity Ball. be-
ing the others. 1t was the first real sue
cess Charles Frohmsn, now the Napoleon
of producing managers, enjoyed and
really made him what he Is today. Most
plays nowadays are written for stars,
hence they contain one good part and the
others are all made subservient to this
one. "Men and Women was written
with the intention of exploiting dozen
of the best actors this country has ever
known who were especially engaged for
it. Hence it follows that 1t contains
many good parts. Indeed 1t has always
been question which are the leading
male ami the leading female characters.
There are several which might I'LL this
definition and 1t has come about that
stage managers in casting the play gener-
ally allow their principal people to choose
their characters. AS its name implies
"Men and Women" Is a story Of men and
women, peopleiwhom We can see about
MS every day in this busy world Of onrs;
people who have their temptations, their
heart breaking love affairs and their lit.
tie rays of Sunshine. William PRESCOTT,
cashier of New York bank, loves and ia
loved by Agnes Rodman, daughter Of the
governor Of Arizona. Prescott's assistant
IN the bank. Edward Seabury is in love
with Dora Prescott, sister Of william. In
an evil,moment PRESCOTT listens to the
request of a Wall stroet manInamed Kirk
who wishes to have in his possession for
a few hours only, certain valuable securi-
ties Of the bank amounting to 500, 600.
Kirk wishes to impress some financial
men with his wealth by displaying the
bonds and paints brilliant picture of
future prosperity for himself in which he
promises to share his prospective good
fortune with the cashier. AS may be sup
posed the bonds slip through Kinks
hands and he removes himself from the
scene of trouble by taking his life. Soon
the bank directors become aware Of their
loss. They suspect Seabury. A solemn
meeting Of the directors is held at mid :.
night and the accused man stoutly denies
his guilt. Agnes has LEARNED through
the widow of Kirk of her lovers act and
she comes to the meeting TO plead os-
tensibly for Seabury but really to plead
for her intended. When William learns
that Agnes knows all he determines to
give himself up. He hears the officers
arresting his assistant In 30 oztsr room.