The Portland daily press., 1900-07-24
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
THE GEM.

The performance of ''The Idler, y at the
Gem theatre last night was witnessed by
a large and fashionable audience, and the
performance was worthy in every way of
the large attendance. The Idler Is a
clever play written In strong and we'll
pointed English. The situations are in
teresting. A gentle vein of comedy with
touches OF sparkling sarcasm runs
through the four acts. The fable while
simple and not new, is we'll told, and the
situations are so involved as to keep the
interest sustained to the end. 1t Is a very
serious story that the ''Jdler' tells, but
it is spiced with clever comedy, which
runs all the way through the web. Mr..
Granger, who appeared as Mark Cross,
dominated the play, both by reason Of its
structure ana his own artistic work. In
the character he proved himself to be an
actor of strong emotional power. His
work was always refined, subdued and
intelligent. The part gave him greater
opportunity for the accomplishment of
difficult work than any other role this
season. Teresa Morrill, gave us her first
emotional portrayal this season in the
character of Lady Harding. She handled
the part last night sympathetically nd
with a grace and mobility of expression
which stamps it easily her best work thus
far this season.
Richard Bennett as Sir John Harding,
played his part with finish and ease
William Stuart as Simeon Strong proved
himself again a valuable acquisition.
George Osborne again added to his de-
served reputation as a clever and artistic
actor in the character of General Merry
weather.
Myrtle May gave US charming and
natural performance Of Mrs. Stanmore
Carrie Clark Ward's personality added 60
her charming impersonation OF Mrs.
Cross. The others played IN their usual
convincing style
Frank Callahan and his clever orchestra
deserve praise for the clearness in which
they handled the difficult and classical
music.
UNDERWOOD SPRING.
The Fadettes are now entering on their
sixth week at Underwood and up to this
time they have not repeated a single
number. Three new programmes have
been played each week and al have been
Of high order of merit from musical
standpoint, From this time on, however
Mrs. Nichols viii entertain requests for
special numbers, provided they are sent
to her a week in advance and the music
is included in the library of the orches-
ira Yesterday afternoon and last even
ing the following programme was given:
RIacrh-The New York 400, Valid
Overture-Der TambOur der Garde, It'll
Waltzes-ATtist' S Life, Strauss
Selections from 81 Captain, Sousa
(a( Serenade. Moskowski
ID A Niger Frfcassee,
Herbert Clarke
From Broadway to Toxic, Sloane
Ths Strauss waltz and the Sousa selec-
tions were perhaps the most liked by the
audience, but the overture was stirring
piece and was played with a good deal
OF life. 1t was a popular programme and
many words of praise were heard from
the people as they returned to the city.
The same music win be given today,
afternoon and evening.
vERTON PARK.
The International Vaudeville company
commenced weeks engagement at
Riverton Park yesterday afternoon and
evening before two large audiences and
scored an un qualified hit. There are
several acts on the programme far above
the average and every one win compars
favorably with any OF the same style that
- - -..,x~s o.,,es~v eao,, toro utho foa f.
ure of the performance is the acrobatic
act Of the ''Three Onris, a European
importation brought to this country by
Mr.. K. e. Rice. These artists present a
most remarkable acrobatic act, 1nasmuch
as they perform all the most difficult
feats of other artists together with many
more that no other performer attempts.
Balanced ON large globes two members of
the team give a clever Juggling exhibit
ton, and afterwards introduce a startling
series OF head to head and hand to hand
balancing feats. The act closes with an
exhibition of Arab body throwing The
entire speciality was greatly enjoyed and
won frequent and hearty applause. Iegge
and Daniels present one of the best Dutch
specialties ever seen at R1verton. The
wooden shoe dancing of Miss Daniels be-
ing particularly good. Niger" dog
with almost human intelligence does
many new tricks and was one of the most
interesting features of the programme.
Niger has been taught to answer ques-
tions asked by the audience, do examples
in arithmetic and other wonderful feats