The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1899-02-10
MUSIC AND DRAMA
JOSHUA sIMPKINS.


A goodly number OF persons sought
shelter last evening at e Portland thea
tire from the freezing atmosphere ana
witnessed the first production of piece
entitled Joshua Simpkins No extended
review of the story is necessary Tor the
play is first rate running mats OF Way
Down on the Farm" which was produced
here not long ago save that some OF the
rural scenes are not quite so realistic.
There is thrilling scene in the third act
at Uncle Josh's saw mill, where Que I'M
fortunate member of the cast rarely es-
capes death at the teeth of buzz saw In
full operation.
Danny Mann was in the title role and
gave portrayal of the old New England
farmer which was quite true to life,
and Ned Curtis got right into the skin OF
the country tavern keeper. The leading
female character was an old maid Sam
antha Twiter. and Margaret Rice inter
preted 1t on truly conventional lines.
Dolly Mann made an acceptable waif
and during the evening sang pleasingly
and danced gracefully. Of course there
had to be villain in the play, and the
part fell TO Harry Lorraine, while the adj
ventures was impersonated by Myrtle
Edwards The various chipks in this
buooliu play were filled not very ade.
ouately, however, and candor compels the
suggestion that such plays as this might
meet warmer reception in smaller
places where not quite so much is expect
ed along the line Of dramatic action.
The play will be repeated at today's
matinee and evening performances.
AL FIELDS MINSTRELS.
One of the strongest attractions of the
season viii be that which comes to the
jefferson theatre tonight and Saturday
nights, Saturday matinee, Al q. Fields
Greater Ministries This organization is
the strongest that Mr. Fields has ever nar-
ried anu includes, Charles Ske lcher, Ar.
thur Rigby, Harry sheldon, Doc Quigly,
Dan Quinlan, tommy Donnelly, Eddie
Fox, the Exposition Four, Patton, Cart.
mel, Hyde and fairman, singers and
dancers; the Faust Family. six in num-
Der, acrobats Lelliot, Bush and Lelliott,
monarchs of melody; EyerheaIt, expert
juggler, and Grnet, Beers and Grue. in
novelty act, entitled, Gone to the
NJ oon "
The advance sale Of seats shows that 1t
would be advisable for those who intend
going to secure their seats now and avoid
the unnecessary rush at the door.
BURRILL COMEDY COMPANY.
"Infatustion, Ii. ;. TayIors comedy
is the first play that will be introduced
by the Burrill Comedy Company, which
will be at the Portland theatre all next
week, ana it will also be the first appear
ance of that company here. y ISIS Laura
Hubert is the star of the company. She
will assume the part OF Ollie Summer
yilJe in "lnfatuation, which has won
Tor her great praise wherever the play has
been given. An earnest actress and a
woman of marked intelligence, she is said
70 lend dignity to the performance
The supporting cast is claimed by the
management TO be one of the very best.
Clever specialties win be- introduced be-
ween the acts. The company has its
avn orchestra, which is under the direc-
ion of Professor Berg. Daily matinees
will he given commencing Tuesday and
reserved seats 20 on sale Friday morning
Popular prices prevailing.
KATHERINE ROBER.
During her weeks engagement at the
Jefferson Theatre. beginning next Mon
lay evening, Miss Rober will be seen in
repertoire of plays the star Ioies of
which suit her admirably. Two OF the
pieces "Ihe Deaoon's Daughter" and
'She Couldn't Marry Three" are new TO
Miss Rober this season, but 1t is said, so
we'll adapted are they 20 her talents that
they might have been written for her.
The popular actress and her company will
doubtless be welcomed by large houses.
SONG RECITAL.
Miss Villa Whitney White, as has been
previously announced, will appear with
the Rossini club. at Kotzschmar,,hall,
February nth. Miss White has a lovely
voice, flexible, true, rich and versatile
n musical temperament N command of