The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1899-05-16
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
YATES COMEDY COMPANY.


james B. Waite, the pioneer Of popular
priced amusements, after an absence o.
three years from this city opened las
evening a two weeks' engagements at thu
Jefferson, and the company vas greeted
BY very large audience. The perform
ance was good one and is given at q
low rate of prices within the reach Of
all. Mr.. Waite's own orchestra begin'
with special music after which the antics
of the cleverly manipulated marionettes
amuse the crowd.
The play presented was Counselor
O'Flynn which afforded good opportuni'
ties for the different members of the cast
and the strong individuality of 1.-THE only
Kelley" made him a bright and shining
light. Fred Armstrong and II. W. Fen
wick were suited to their parts and Liiiie
La Rose, Marie Warren and Bertine hoo-
inson were sincere and earnest in their
playing.
How MIR. Waite gives so much for SO
little money is secret which he has Ion
kept for this is the 10Th annual tour oil ms
company. Besides the play there was
u long string of specialties which inoiua-
ed vocal duet by the Williams sisters.
Hugh Flaherty is nimble buck dancer
and after him came the little LaBiancs,
two pretty, clever and most forward chill
dren who gave some dainty songs and
dances There was an electrical dance
by "Lira," the renowned transformation
dances anil a series OF motion pictures OF
the war and other topics that were much
superior in interest of subject to many
such pictures that have been seen here.
Kelcy's topical songs are calculated to
the audience and 1t was the verdict
of every one that Mr.. waites repertoire
organization had not gone back In attrac'
tiveness since its last appearance here
when it was such big drawing card.
At today's matinee 1.-The Sultans'
Daughter, will be played and tonight
"Cheek" will be presented. piece made
famous by Roland, Reed and In which
Kelley appears to the very hes advantage.
THE GEM THEATRE.
1t is pleasant to note that among the
competent members Of the new Gem
Theatre Stock Company, besides the
leading lady, Miss Radcliffe, are Mr..
John Craig, and Miss Helen Tracy, both
prominent Metropolitan favorities.
Mr.. Craig, the leading man, has just
closed a successful season, having sup
ported Mrs. Minnie Madden Fiske, one
of the brightest stars on the American
stage The excellence Of his work has
been received with enthusiasm and praise
every where. He has been seen to advant-
age in "Tess of the D'Urbervillss, "A
Bit of Old Chelsea Love Finds the
Way" "Magda,'' "Frou Frou," and
Mrs. Fiske's newest play, "Little Italy. +"
Though an excellent all-round actor Mr..
Craig is seen to special advantage in
romantic roles. MIR. Craig is said to
possess fine stage presence. He first at
tracted the attention of Metropolita
critics when he became member of Au-
gustin Days company. where he was
identified with u large number of produc-
tions, in which he invariably proved him
self to be an actor of unusual ability
MIR. Barrows will come here the first
Of next week when arrangements will be
perfected for the opening of the theatre
which-as has been published-wili be
Monday evening, June 1ath. 1.-The Wife
has been selected as the opening play OF
the season.. a bright: sparkling COMEDY
in whjcn every member of the company
will have an excellent part.
The same plan will be in vogue this year
that has proved so satisfactory in years
past There will be sale of reserved seats
two weeks in advance.
SOUSA TICKET SALE.
There was great sale of Sousa tickets
yesterday morning at Stockbridge's piano
rooms. Two fine houses are assured. All
desiring good seats should call at Stock
bridges' lover Owon s. Moore) at once.
half fare on the railroads.