The Portland daily press., 1900-06-11
4 Successful introduction Of the New
Company.
May Hosmer Makes a
Favorable Impression.
Island Theatre and Riverton
Open Tonight.

As he has done for years past, Bart
ley McCullum opened the summer thea
trical season Saturday night at his Cape
theatre. The long looked for festivities
of the summer season may now be con-
sidered as formally launched and from
this time out the lovers Of things dra-
matte will have an opportunity OF enjoy
ing themselves to their hearts content.
The audiences on Saturday which wit
messed this re-opening OF McCuiium's
popular theatre We're unusually large
and enthusiastic. To the greater portion
of the people 1t was the first trip to the
beautiful Cape Cottage park this year
and though the Cape line Is not unaccus-
toned to landing large crowds, that OF
Saturday evening gave them all they
could comfortably care for. The long
procession of open cars began to cross the
Portland bridge to the Cape shore soon
after O'Clock and from that time until
after there was a continual string OF
cars, all filled to their full capacity
rumbling across the bridge and climbing
the hill ON the other side from which the
ever beautiful view of the harbor and
city with the brilliant hues Of the sunset
sky Just fading away into the night as
a background, delighted these people
who never grow tired of the. scene. Past
he pretty homes and green fields, with
the blue waters of the bay ever in view
the cars rolled on, by the magnificent
summer homes OF the Cape shore colony
and then the cars swung into the Cape
Cottage park with McCullum's theatre
on the one hand brilliant with electric
lights, its broad verandah crowded with
gaily dressed people, while across the
sloping lawn and its pretty gardens the
Cape casino with its graceful architecture
stood out prominently on the hill over
looking the open sea.
All of this to the most Of these people,
was familiar, but never wearying
scene. There was smell of pop corn in
the air, the girl with the inevitable shirt
waist and sailor hat and the youth with
the yachting cap and white trousers
were much in evidence. In the city the
yening wa somewhat oppressive, but
out here on the Cape there was fresh
sea breeze which caused hasty donning
of jackets and coats AMI made the
young man with the duck trousers wish
he had not been so anxious to force the
season.
The curtain rolled up about half past
eight O'Clock on the opening production,
"Fanchon, the Cricket" Mr.. McCullum
selected this play for the opening night
because it afforded him a good opportuni-
ty to exhibit the charms and versatility
of the leading lady, Miss Mae Hosmer.
..Fanchon, the Cricket" is most diff
cult role for any actress to assume. Few
desire to attempt it because it demands
SO much. Unless this character is well
acted the play amounts to nothing. The
story centers about this attractive. love-
able, will-o'- -thewisp, who displays many
moods in the action of the piece and
whose troubles and final triumph and
happiness if well protrayed, are always
sure to please. In Miss Mae Hosmer, Mr..
MeCullum has evidently secured star
of no mean magnitude. She is bound
to become very popular with the patrons
of this house and much will be expected
of her. 1t was years ago that Maggie
Mitchell played this piece in Portland's
old theatre and to many who saw the play
last night it brought back to mind tn
days when Maggie Mitchell reigned SUI
preme in the hearts of the Portland pa
irons of the drama.
The story of Fanehon is one of the
tn lffapatnpa Whar
the play commences Fanchon is a young
woman in years and temperament who
has been brought up by an old grand
mother who is looked upon by the peo
pie OF the village as a witch. FanchoI
is considered in the same light and con
sequently has no companions among ths
boys and girls of the village, who sneer
at and ridicule her every appearance
Father Barbeaud, neighbor, has two
sons, twins, Landry and Didier, the lat
ter stupid, silly boy, the former man
Iy, courageous fellow and the handsom
est and most popular boy in the village
He is placed under obligations to Far
chon and promises to grant her any II
quest when or wherever she chooses to as
it. At the festival of st. Audoche day
Fanchon comes among the young peopl
of the village and demands Of Landr
that he dance with her. Although he
already engaged to another girl, he n
members his promise and besides dant
ing with her, he also protects her frol
the insults and jeers of his companions
He fell in love with the littl
wild flower and Fanchon promises
become his wife. There
the opposition of Landry's father, an
the grandmother Fadet to oyercon
however, and this Fanchon accomplish
In the most artless and fascinating maj
ner.
Little opportunity is afforded In Far
chon, the Cricket" for more than Il
display of Miss Hosmsr's abilities, b.