The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1899-07-04
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
A MAN WITH A PAST.

A MAN WITH A PAST.
The patrons OF the Gem theatre viii
revel this week in play which has a
pure comedy tone, and high comedy at
that, never degenerating for moment
to melodrama.
Its title Ia "A Man With Past" and
is associated with the name Of the Hol-
lands and Richard Mansfield. and its
story deals with an East India merchant
who while absent In Madras assumes the
name OF his partner and Is guilty OF man
ifold transgressions. In fact he was the
gsyest kind OF Lothario and when
brought TO bay he saddles his escapades
on a young married man who magnani-
mously adopts them and thus humors his
newly made wife in her conviction that
no man has a blameless past. And real
~ she does not seem TO care at frat
whethor her husband has such past or
not but as, the play develops and sins
after sins are heaped upon him even to
the suggestion that she Is a dual wife
she shows signs of resentment. He loses
patience and makes an expose of the
whole matter much to the discontinue Of
Abe old geDtieman for whom. at the end,
,he clouds brighten for in many respects
te has teen the victim Of swindIe.
The scenes are laid in England and
lhe stage setting is gem of it's kind. 1t
Is country home furnished with the rich
est kind of Indian rugs and in the dis
tance a garden where on fine perspective
Is seen a fountain with other appropriate
surroundings. The play went with re-
markable smoothness considering ii was
a first night production and the lines are
notably bright There was a snap, a
touch and go to the acting without which
no comedy can be success. There was
also an oriental splendor about many of
the costumes.
Mr.. Barrows was in the role OF the old
fellow who got gay in India and was in q
peck of trouble from start to finish. His
impersonation was full Of JUNCTION and
humor. His facial expressions and clever
dialogue caused many hearty laugh.
Mr.. Craig touched up his part in true
comedy style. His methods last evening
were full of dash and his lively action
CAoNeA1 oaASou eAO AOAcs 0COs RAIfbu Ia
always good and sshis portrayal of the
frantic Portuguese gentleman was a hit.
Mr.. Lancaster as the English officer was
excellent. Mr.. Bass WAS acceptable and
the makeup of Mr.. Eddinger as the aged
East Indian is notable and the quaint
character was well assumed. MIR. Ritchis
and Mr.. Leonard met the requirements
Of their roles.
Maud Winter was. at her best last eve-
ming and as the wife scored decided suo-
cess. She investedithe character with her
usual charm and winsomeness. She gave
the part not the slightest touch of exag-
geration and her self-reposeful style was
indeed refreshing. Miss Helen Tracy is
a most g xcellent actress and her strong
and effective portrayal of Mrs. Josiah
Hooper should be warmly commended.
Miss Stone was gorgeously atitred as the
Indian girl and shone brilliantly. She
was very dramatic. Surely Miss Warning
ton won her curtain call as Mrs. Major
Buff and did an excellent bit of work IF
not exactly emotional certainly it was
marked with intensity. Miss Eddingsr,
probny anu caphuloS 10 eHbleieu 10 6nhr6
OF last nights honors, and Virginia
Tracy and Little Ethel Winter are deserv-
ing of favorable mention.
Ws believe the pisoe will grow in popu-
lar favor as the week advances. and low
srs of English comedy will make no mis-
take in attending the Gem theatre where
this play will be presented at matinees
and evening performances during the
week.
RIVERION PARK.
An audience composed OF thousands
of persons representative of the most ex-
slusive society of Portland and Wsstbrook
visited Riverton park yesterday. Cor
mans Ideal Minstrels were the attraction
In the theatre. The company consists of
fifteen clever comedians, dancers and
Tocalists and an orchestra of six pieces.
The entertainment given by these artists
consists OF an old fashioned regulation
first part and good olio and the differ