The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1900-08-28

FOR Fair Virginia" a comedy drama
IN Tour acts by Russ Whytal, Esq, was
presented at McCuIlum's theatre last
night before a good sized aud fence ana
scored a complete success, the perform
Anos eIlciting more laughter and ap.
piause than any other play presented this
season. The curtain was called two and
three times after every act and the strong
dramatic incidents OF the play awakened
tremen dous applause. The play was pre-
sented with MIR. Russ Whytal, the au-
thor,an his talented wife in the roles that
they have assumed in this play for four
seasons and both artists mala a most ex-
ceIlent impression with last nights criti-
cal audience. OF the play 1t must be
considered as one OF the strongest and
most interesting dramas that has been
seen this season. The principal theme Of
the story Is the separation OF a Northern
man and his Southern wife because of
the fact that he cannot see his q duty in
espousing the lost cause. While his wife
remains in her Southern home and with
her fortune and social position assists
the cause of the Confederates, her hus-
band joins the Union forces and in
course of time becomes a colonel and
reaches his home in Virginia with his
command just in time to rescue her from
the passion of a former sutton, a general
in the Confederate service whose army
has been defending the country around
Richmond and whose headquarters were
the home OF the woman whom he would
force to become his wife. The theme is
skillfulIy developed and the action
evolves some startIingIy dramatic cIimaxes
that are relieved by a vein OF the most
delicious comedy wrought from the love
affairs OF a clever Northern girl ana a
brilliant young Confederate officer. There
IS Ia the play part for child who has
considerable influence on the plot and in
this part last night was seen little miss
whose talent and bright MANNER made
her great favorite. This little tot S
name Is Isabel Barrifdale anu she is sure
TO prove a great delight by her clever
acting to ladies and children who attend
the matinees in such large numbers at
McCullum's theatre. When all the COM
pany do such excellent work as they do
in this play 1t is hardly fair to discrimi-
nate for all contribute to the general ex-
cellence of the performance. Mr.. Russ
Whytal as Stephen Dunbar gave a capt.
tai performance OF loyal young South
erner, who though his friends take ppo-
site sides to him on the great question OF
the war, is still true to those friendships.
Mrs. Whytal as Virginia Esmond the
wife, gave a graceful and well developed
portrayal and Maud Edna Hall as Nell
Esmond, Yankee girl who loves a
Southern officer, rendered an impersona-
ton Ia harmony with her previous sue
oesses.
PECK'S BAD BOY.
Hold fast to that which is good is a
sound maxim and fully explains the
strong hold upon the American public Of
that funny, musical comedy, ''Peck's
Bad Boy" That the mirth-provoking
and clever comedy is fully appreciated
is evidenced by the years OF uninter
rupted success. 'Peck's Bad Bay, "
though old, keeps pace with the times |
however, ana this year appears in new
dress of witty dialogue, interspersed with
first class specialties. It win be seen at
the Portland theatre Saturday afternoon