The Portland daily press., 1900-01-19
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
LITTLE NELL AND THE MARCHIoN-
ESS.


ESS.
Not alone our regular theatre goers az
such, but svery lover Of ID okens as well
have n veritable treat In that mnftsrfuI
portraiture Of the characters OF "Oid Gu
riosity shop" wildly and most artis-
ticalIy portrayed ss thsy were In pro-
duction OF "Litsls Nell and the Msrchion-
ess," which was given at the JefTerso-
theatre last evening,
We use the word portraiture a1visedl-
for this new version Is totally dissimi-
lar from any previously In vogue In that
10 preserves most consistently the gen.
eral atmosphere OF the stoty and brings
10 the fore the principal characters just
% they wsrs described and originated
by the novelist And how notably these
characters drop into the action. They
are not dragged iu, but always ut into
an appropriate spot.
Thsrs Is of course Tree adaptation Of
the book. but at the same time coherenoy
10 preserved and oil OF the situations are
throughout the integrity Of the story.
Thus briefly we commend the version.
And touching the settings, we can con-
soientiously say that from beginning to
end the painstaking efforts OF MIR. Sey-
mour are most manifest. Dor months
he has been dsiving into old libraries.
searching every book OF authority that
he might surround the play with 40
cessories chronologically correct. Well
has he succeeded. He makes one aim ost
breathe the atmosphere OF the "old
Curiosity Shop as far as possible, for
we believe II has never yet been ascer-
tained to certainty In Just what part of
London the "shop" was located. Many
have been pointed out. not authori tative-
ly, however.
The first act opens on the "Old Curl
osjty Shop" where is displayed an al
most bswiloering collection of furniture,
armor, brick abr ok, draperies, curlos
and paraphernalia all serving as n most
fitting background for the action of the
play.
While the setting Of the first act Is most
elaborate, others are to be noted. There
is the office OF Sampson Brass at Bevis
Marks, and on the road to Southam pton
appears the inn Of the ''Ihree jolly Sand
boys the final act shows Dick Swiveller's
lods ings with Quiip's Office on Quilp's
wharf. The third act brings to view q
typical old English roadside inn and here
Is introduced the celebrated Mrs. farley
with the Punch and Judy and puppet
shows, the curtain falling on this act on
that crisis In Little Nell's life which ends
In her tragic death. The costumes are
not less appropriate than the settings and
the make up of the several characters
show the most careful study and attsn-
ton to historical accuracy.
The SUCCESS Of an adaptation like this
rests mainly. Of course, on the impersonH-
tions and very naturally all eyes were d.
reoted on Miss Mary Ssuders when she
lrst appeared to assume the dual role Of
"Little Nell and the Marehionsss. She
achieved most brilliant success and
along this line can shars laurels with
III adame Janausoheok and Lolita. As
Little Nell she was an Rffectionate, tender
and sympathetic child. In her love for
her grandfather and in her efforts to save
him from his besstting sin she showed a
wealth Of pathos. How different, how
ever, as the Marchioness, wild, exotic and
almost hilarious under the intlu3nce Of
beer and MIR. Swivsller's society. She is
bound to win favor by her artistic versa
tility. Max Figman interpreted Dick
Swiveller In a happy go-luoky way. He
81 . stnt1 10
characterization for there was becoming
vein of philosophy which he deftly In
jeoted. Thin, spare In personal appear
ance he really seemed as II built for the
part. No one could have got right under
the skin OF Grandfather Trent rs did
John Jack. His was well considered
He acted with quiet
dignity anu with emotional fire when o.
casion required. Not man in the cast
appeared to better advantage than Charles
Stanley. His obsequiousness In his rela-
lions with Quilp who has been In his
grasp was notably good. Throughout the
play his work was altogether commend
able.
=. Aug. Anderson gave US an intArpIe-
tation Of Quilp which everyone will re-
member. And why shouldn't her He
played the part with Lolita and knowing
the full meaning OF the word We say he
was absolutely great. william seymour
as Mr.. Garland was conscientious In his
work and acted with suppres sed force,
the value of repose. Harold
Ii artsell was especially good rs Fred
rren. and all the minor male characters
were In capable bands.
Miss Annie Carsley gave a strong and
of Sally Brass-a
masculine sort OF II woman. They was con-
vincing Throughout ana very effective in
the cellar scene and up to the traditions
of the part In the final act. Mary
Mackenzie was delightful and won the
sympAthies of the audience at the very
start by her simplicity Of action. Shs
proved her ability as an actress beyond
the merest shadow of q doubt.
Lily Eidredge. daughter BY the way
of AUNT Louise Eldridgs" of pleasant