Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-12-18
ADJUSTMENTS.
+ d /
s.Herminie. or the Cross Of Gold"

Something of a revelation in the
way of a presentation by repertoire
company was offered the Augusta peo-
pie who were present at the Opera
house. last evening. True, excellent re
ports have reached the city concern
ing the Alma Chester Company and
good work was generally anticipated
vet it is safe to say that no one ex-
pected work of so high a grade as that
offered in the presentation of the pow
erful and charming piece, Hermihle'
or the Cross of Gold" Judging the
company by it's work, last evening, 1t
has not been surpassed by any popular
priced company in Augusta. III inc
cordial greeting given this high class
company at its initial performance OF
the week. is any indication of its sue
cess, the Opera house VIII be crowned
with enthusiastic audiences, both al
ternoon and evening, throughout the
week.
Frequent applause, the closest atten-
ton and bursts of laughter marked the
entire evening. The play begins with
a military scene on the German IRON
tier. Herminie. the bright, brave wire
of Paul Durand, a noble and fearless
soldier of the French army, whom she
follows through all the horrors of war,
accused of stealing the gold OF the
miser Fabian by the real thief, the
traitor. Philip LeBarre. is convicted
unknown to her husband and sent TO
prison. Fifteen years pass and Paul
Durand. now a general and totally
blind and believing his wife dead, mar
ries the treacherouS Countess Ger
maine. who is the lover Of LeBarre
Freed from imprisonment Hermlnle
seeks Paul and finds him the husband
of another woman. For the sake OF
his son ana hers, who is about TO
marry into proud family, she con
ceals her identity from all but her
husband and the faithful Sergeant
Pablo as she is still known as thief
Herminie saves her husband from
death at the hands of the countess
while acting as maid to the latter The
cross Of gold. a part of the theft from
the. miser. is found in a letter from Le-
Barre to the countess. Paul Durand' $
sight is restored and he recognizes the
villain who springs at the general with
upIifted knife. A shot from the revol-
Yer in the hands Of Pablo ends the
miserable life Of the traitor and the
troubles Of Hermnie and Paul are
over.
Charming Alma Chester was the
heroic Herminie and she proved her
self star of the first magnitude, Miss
Chester promises to be a great favor
tie in Augusta and it will be only 4
Just reward for her display Of talent
and skill j. Irving White. as Paul
Durand, was an able companion to
Miss Chester on the stage, being Very
strong when occasion required ana
light and easy according to the nature
of the situation. Sergeant Pablo,
faithful and brave but too funny for
anything, was the role taken by VIII
j. Kennedy. Mr.. Kennedy is nat
ural born. comedian and does much to
ward adding TO the strength Of the
company II. 7. Lee, as Phillip Lee
Barr, was thoroughly detested by the
audience-a sure sign Of his great
ability as an actor-for he represented
one of the greatest villains that ever
walked. The support Of the remainder
of the company was first-class without
an exception.
one OF the great attractions of the
company are tnt SpeCldltltS- I4iSll
equal has not been seen in Augusta,
this season. All first-class. fine sing
ing. skilIful dancing, acrobatc trick
work and jokes that We're side-splitters
and no mistake, make up a line OF
specialties unsurpassed by any roper
toire company. Harry La Dell and lit
tie daughter Annie began the evening :
performance with a series Of acrobatic
feats that gave the audience a good
impression of the company's work at
the start. Everybody was delighted
with the cute little miss ana her Won
derful work. Fred Woodbury. won an
encore and much applause between the
verses by his rendition of The Holy
City" illustrated with the stereopticon
and little Joey Santley in songs and
dances made a great hit. Will j. Ken
needy, singing and dancing comedian,
was so funny that staid Augusta bust
ness men forgot their dignity and
roared at the top of their voices. Mr..
Kennedy is q comedian of the first
water and Will raise many laugh
before the week has passed. Dillon
and Garland offered a number Of new
jokes and executed some catchy
dances.
The company carries a large line Of
excellent scenery and is equipped with
beautiful ana appropriate costumes.
Doubtless a large crowd Will witness
the presentation Of "Hoodman Blind :
this afternoon. and, this evening, The
Diamond Rrp9kpr'' Will IL offered