The Portland daily press., 1901-02-06
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
NELL ewYN.

There seems to be orazs just now for
Nell Gwyn plays and the pretty, witty
orange girl who had King for lover,
has proved the central figure of plays
| and operas az well. London is Interested
In "Sweet Nell of Old Drury," and
"Engiish Neli," while in New York
"Mistress Neil'' has proved . succsss.
| The type Of character whom Pepys
has pictured, appeals to many classes for
the woman though lowly horn, raises her
self by hard work and training to high
rank among the actresses OF her time
and becoming the mistress OF q King,
uses her powers in kindly aots. This his
toric ckground has been fertile field
for playwrights and many versions have
been offered. The one chosen by the
New Portland Theatre Stock company is
BY Marie Doran, and is gradually being
whipped into shape and received two
presentations yesterday, both afternoon
and evening.
IL is hardly necessary to partlcularizs
the story Of the play. The first act is laid
In sitting room in Nell's lodgings,
where she first meets the madoap,
Charles III. The second act takes place
in Mitre Tavern where a banquet is in
progress, while the scenes Of the third
and fourth acts are in the Kings cham
ber In the palace at whitehall. The first
two acts are not especially interesting,
but thsy are fairly well put togsther,
while the last two acts contain some
effective scenes, notably so that ct the
foot of the stair casa where Nell reoites
the dream which leads 20 the erection
or Chelsea hospital. 1t is on the last
two acts that the Duchess of Portsmouth
appears and there Is an occasional stir
| in the situations, incongruons though
| they be.
The acting is far better than the play
and with the material provided, the COM
pany gathered together as this one has
been, socomplishes good work.
Eleanor Browning as "Nel, " Is OF
course the predominnting parsonage,
and that Charles should have been
charmed by her is easily credible. In
the first act she 10 given an opportunity
TO show her abilities and this opportuni-
| ty she improves to the utmost. Her
| scene with the King is exceedingly well
done and II her dialogue Ii closely fol-
lowed many bright comedy lines will be
discovered. In the end she Is almost
| overwhelmed by the gratitude of the
many persons whom she has helped In
affairs of state, war and love. Evelyn
| Carter did all that was possible with the
part of the Duchess Of Portsmouth. She
1 nNt afa nd
| invests her portrai ture with becoming
hautuer, giving one the impression of a
strong reserved dramatic force. Carrie
| Ward Clark as Mrs. Snowdrop, gave us
| q good character sketch, and the Merry
Monarch received a satisfactory imper'
| sonation by Jack DrumeiI. The scenery
and the costumes are good and the scene
at the palace in White hall reflects ored-
il on Mr.. BROKERS well-known aptitude
to stage settings. The play will be pro-
duced afternoon and evening during the
| week.
"UNCLE TOMS CABIN"
Leon W. washhurn' ''Stetson's Uncle
Tom Cabin" Company will begin an
engagement at the jefferson theatre
Friday afternoon next. "Uncle Tom" is
portrayed by Fred Bennett, Stetson's or
iginaI "Uncle Tom," probably the best
known impersonator OF this celebrated
character In the world. There VIII be
two Topsies and two Marks in the great
double cast. The work Of compel ent
players is further enhanced by beautiful
stage settings, and new electric devices
Col. Sawyer's celebrated pack Of Siberian
bloodhounds is one OF the features with
with this company, as we'll as the prizs
shetland ponies. New and novel special
ties are introduced by the Creole Ladies'
Quartette; John Loery, champion buck
and wing dancer, assisted by the Mississ-
ippi singer, Lu Octette, ''The Lone
Star" Quintette, In superb vocaiiz ltions,
and the grotesque Timber Lee. The
parade will be worth going to see.
PHELAN STOCK COMPANY.
Commencing next Monday, Feb. llth,
Managers Calm g. Grant announce the
engagement at The Jefferson for week
at popular prices of the L. V. Phslan
stock Company, in repertoire. Mr.. Phe-
Ian, through Ethe excellence of the
conn panies he has sent on the road In the
past, has established the reputation OF
being ons OF the foremost managers In
this particular line of entertainment.
Special scenery is carried for each play,
and company OF ability has bean Sc
lectsd. In addition to the dramatic por-
ton OF the entertainment numerous
vaudeville features are given at every
performances. MIR. Raymond Moore,
i Americas greatest tenor, has been spec