The Portland daily press., 1901-02-05
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
NELL ewYNN A sUOCEss.

Nell GWynn,' the play bhaJ mas
achieved a great vogue ali over tns coun-
try this season, was succeasfully produced
by the New Portland Theatre stock
company last night before an audience
OF about COO persons, remarkably large
considering the very bad weather and
that reflected the great interest aroused
In the new company and the famous
play. The Importance OF the presenta-
tion 20 the company Is one that could
not he overestimated and naturally
Wien OF nervousness was apparent that
gave intensity TO the strong dramatic
scenes of the last two acts, but that was
accountable for some little delay In the
comedy scenes Of the earlier portions OF
the play. The production. however, de-
mands the highest praise in its entirety
and will compare with any first night
performance that has been seen In this
city by any other company. The various
players who compose the organization
are good ones and that all are experienced
actors and actresses In stock work was
apparent In the lack OF stammering and
elimination of lines. when the cue did
not come correctly there was no confu-
sion apparent, but the speech was taken
up and spoken with a decision and dis
tinctness that denoted q thorough ia
miliarlty with the work in hand. Wnen
the company has played together few
times and taken each others measure, so
to speak, it is safe to assert that the
amusement lovers Of Portland will find
M n attraction
that would do credit to any theatre or
any audience. Nell Gywnn" depends
wholly on the acting and reading for its
SUCCESS. An Inferior company could
easily mar the fine beauty OF the play
and too much credit cannot be given for
the artistic presentation II received last
evening. In every part some member OF
the organ ization did exceptionally good
work and the acting OF MissBrowning de-
monstrated In her scene on the steps
with King Charles In the third act was
one of the most artistic things seen on
the local stage this season. For several
minutes the scene lasted and the quiet
ness that prevailed in ali parts OF the
theatre spoke volumes for the ability of
the artistic who could by her simple, but
etfectivs, reading command such oompi1.
mentary attentlon.s Miss Browning
plays "Nell Gwynn," and In her por-
trayaI displayed vivaoity, depth OF feeling
aud spontansity that marked her tor a
great favorite with local audiences. Jack
Drumeir, tine leading man, appeared as
King Charles, and his performance en-
Titles him to the highest praise. All the
members OF the company acquitted them
selves with credit and deserve the warm
est commendation. 1t would not be fair
to the company to attempt a criticism
of their ability by last night perfor
nance, owing to exacting conditions of
the oocasion, and the PRESS will
reserve such review until later
From any standpoint 10 be
considered the production reflects
credit OF ali interested. The management
showed its appreciation of the impor-
tance Of giving the most careful atten-
tion to the pleasure Of their patrons by
tastefulIy displayed numerous potted
palms about the lobby and auditorium
and perfuming the theatre with beau
tiful scented perfume. This was an in
novatlon in local theatres and was SO
we'll commented on by the patrons that
1t will be continued. "Nell Gwynn" will
be continued every afternoon and eve
ming during tne week and the box office
suggests q series of large audiences.
The play Is the most important dramatic
production made on the local stage this
season and deserves the patronage of
every amusement lover who wants to see
interesting and entertaining attractions
offered in Portland. The management
need not doubt the success OF the ven
ture as this company Is gooo enough to
appear in any city or any theatre.
Al THE PARIS EXPOSITION.
At the City hall on Thursday evening
OF this week, MIR. Burton Holmes win
give to his audiences the best possible
answer to the oft expressed question
"How did the Paris Exposition compare
with the Worlds Fair" AS result of
his daily pilgrimages to the Exposition,
MIR. Holmes has returned with his mind
tIled with vivid Impressions ana his
camera crowded to overtiowiDg with the
negatives obtained by him within the
E xpositions walls. In illustrating the
Paris Exposition, Mr. Holmes has
brought back many more delightful
glimpses OF the Paris fair than he can
possibly show in one evening, After the
strictest elimination of all not absolutely
pertinent to the incidents of his daily
visits to the Exposition. he Etill finds
so many pictures worthy to be shown
that their projection upon the screen
must Of necessity occur vt intervals OF
20 seconds during the entire evening.
These pictures are magniticently oolored,