The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1900-08-18

theatre by the production Of a play whose
atmosphere and scenes are so redoIent of
New England and whose characters vivid
y represent persons who exist in flesh
and blood IN a corner OF our own state.
such play Is "Old Jed Proutyss ana
since its last Offering here, about eight
years ago, some changes have been made
that heIghten the dramatic effects. The
theme and motif remain the same and
the thread Of the story is unchan ged.
One change is specially TO be noted and
that is In the second act where the child
Is put IN the custody Of the father instead
Of being permitted to choose between him
and s'OId jed
In the revival Of this play which for
many years was one OF the marked sue
cesses IN the dramatic world the closest
attention and care has been given to
scenic effects. The curtain rises upon the
Office of prouty's tavern at Bucksport
and In the distance is fine perspective
view of Fort Knox and the blue Penob-
scot with the village in the foreground as
true IN detail as a photograph itself. In
act third the bridal fat in Boston is a
+ pretty set and another innovation in the
new production which was presented for
the first time en- any stage last evening.
Is the feature made OF the fourth act
which has an unique setting showing the
old chimney and fire place with the walls
OF the parIor decorated and large win
dow through which the village houses are
distinctly seen- No accessory in staging
is lacking and IS for the cast with whom
Ar. Golden Is surrounded It should be
observed that many who created the
original characters are still with him,
and among them are Mrs. Frank Tame
hin, Henry Rich, Harry Morse, Anna
Philips and of course Katherine Kittle-
man.
Richard Golden in the title role was
the overshadowing figure ana his art as
Of yors is on the sure foundation of
naturalness, sincerity, quaintness and
droIIery. His identity Is completely lost
IN the character OF the venerable tavern
! keeper aud he lent effectiveness to to
role BY his facial expression, gesticula-
6 tions, make up and witty sayings. IN
every act he not only reached the high
= standard he set ne years ago but ex-
called in q part with which his name is
3 indissolubly linked. In short the decade
has seen but one ssOId Jed Prouty'' and
that is Richard Golden, and that he re-
turns TO the characterization in such
splendid condition viii be source OF
qualification to theatre goers throughout
the country.
BESIDES Mr.. Golden character particu-
lar mention surely is due Harry NJ. Morse
who gave US a characteristic Zeb Hardy
and Maurice Pixies Joe Slower was
quaint in makeup and true to life. Zack
Wilcox was well personated by Robert
Craig and the Boston Drummer fell to
the competent hands of Mr.. Collins.
Henry kich made an impressive village
justice and the other male parts We're well
taken.
Mrs. Frank II. TannehilI was the same
good ''TribuIation Prouty," as in the
previous production and the sBelle of
Buckspor6t' received a mer1tor1ous
portrayal by Katherine K1ttleman.
Lillian Claire took the part of Little
Tretty,' in a very pleasing captivating
manner and Annie Philips and Grace
Mcleod deserve mention.
The fourth act was enIivened by
specialties introduced by the company
which called out the Ioudest kind of ap-
plause. There was singing by the
'sChampion Church Choir" piano work
by Mr.. Collins, song by Lillian Claire,
while the wonderful baritone voice of
Miss CorDin electrified the auditors.
Mr.. Golden added a song and dance
with the country cake walk in which all
indulged.a
The audience was a very large one and
called the curtain after nearly every act
Without going further into details which
lack Of space forbids it can be- safely said
that the revival Of "Old Jed Prouty" is
an unqualified success in point of pro-
duction and action and is destined, we
think, to meet with the greatest popular
favor.
The play win be repeated this afternoon
and evening. The matinee prices are 75c
90 and % cents.
THE FREMONT THEATRE co.
The last two performances of the pres
emit company will be given this afternoon
and evening But the season at the Gem
is right at it's height. Never has the
beautiful theatre had such full houses as
has been seen there this week. Manager
Cooling wanted to give the patrons OF the
Gem surprise ana they will lind 1t
when they go to see the fremont Theatre
Stock Company next week. 1t is a sum-
mer company that has been playing to-
aether for ten weeks at the fremont
Theatre. Boston, and Providence Opera
House, in the plays that will be produced
at the Gem. There will be no dress re-
hearsaIs on the first night. They are all
perfect and the Mon1ay night perform
nrna- ,rrfII. Io % cr1anf as every other after