The Portland daily press., 1901-02-28
mUsIC AND DRAMA.
THE oLpIHoMEsIEAp.

listen to asI did their predecessors many
years ago. Its scenes never weary and
while ita characters are rural types,
somewhat exaggerated, perhaps. they
never grow stale, but appeal strongly
TO the sentiments and emotions of every
auditor. The play was produosd at tne
Jefferson theatre last evening before an
audience which filed every seat--to be
brief, the house was packed.
The warmest welcome CRESTED Denman
thompson, and his Joshua Whitoomb
received presentation which only he
can give. 1t Is as artistic as ever with
no fraysd edges and the part which fits
him so we'll he plays to perfection. The
supporting company was thoroughly
adequate and the familiar character OF
Cy Prime was most inteliigently por-
trayed by that talented actor Charles
Carter, while with him as Aunt Matilda,
was Mrs. Louisa Morse, who did an ex-
cellent piece OF work in her character
sketches, bringing out the eccentrioities
OF the recognized spinster. Miss Annie
Thompson In the dual roles OF htokety
Ann and Mrs. Henry Hopkins was quite
versatile and Kept every one amused
Fred Glare showed every phase OF the
gentleman tramp as Happy Jack, and
Celia Baker contributed an inimitabie
Irish characterization, Gus kammelee
Henry Hopkins was clever bit and the
other parts were exceedingly well taken'
making up a oomDetent cast
The singing Of the double quArtette was
a feature worthy of special note and
touched a responsive chord In all hearts
such as 60 lead to numerous enoores
The sosnery WAS appropriate and one
set IN particular, that representing Grace
church by moonlight. was decidedly
reflective. 'The Old Homestead" will
bs plsyed again tonight and an audi
enoe as largo as that of last evening Is
talready almost assured.
PORTLAND THEATRE.
There WAS decided increase In the size
or ths audiences at Portland theatre yes
terday afternoon and evening and the
enthusiasm that was aroused by the
splendid acting of the company and the
strong dramatic scenes OF the play that
are enhanced by a series OF magnificent
stage sittings, was Of the most emphas
tic kind and the audiences demonstrated
their entire satisfaction with both play
and players in well meriied rounds OF
applause. One OF the members OF this
company who Ia becoming a decided ia
vorite with the patrons OF Portland thea
tire is Margaret Nelson, who portrsys
the engenue and soubrette roles in the
various plays. Miss Nelson is young
woman of pleasing personality, versatile
ty and nuch ambition and gives dis
tiucs individuality to each part she
assumes. She has been seen in but four
characters since the engagement OF this
company hogan and her work In each
instance has shown the stamp OF origi-
naity. Miss Nelson ia clever actress
who has already made many friends in
Portland who Will watch her further
I'm mpersonations with great pleasure, and
who Will also watch her work with
keen satisfaction.
WARD AND VOKES.
There lie a suggestion OF fun ana
laughter in the very names OF Ward and
Vokes Whether it is because these swo
fayorite comedians have become SO thor
oughly identified with fun in all its
Glasses or not, or whether one Immediate
ly thinks of that ridiculous "Peroy and
Harold" sketch they did SO long, 1t is
hard to say. Certain It is, however, that
these comedians have solidly established
themselves as experts in the fun business,
and the announcement OF their coming
generally means good business for the
theatre at which they appear. This thor
oughIy reliable attraction will be the
Offering at the Jefferson, Friday and Sat
urday and Saturday matinee.
WAY DOWN EAST.
One of the most substantial successes
scored in theatrioals in New York city
last season was the production of Joseph
X. Grismer's S laboration or Lottie Blair
Parker's rustic comedy drama, Way
Down East " 1t crowded the Manhattan
Theatre for seven months season before
last ana run for the entire seaEon at the
Academy oil Music last winter, and
nothing but the dog days OF the latter
end OF june caused Its withdrawal.
"'Way Down East" has duplicated its
New York success in Boston and PhiIa-
delphia, and II Will be presented at the JEFF
ferson all next week. The public Will be
pleased to know that Mr.. Bartley McCuI-
lum is playing the part of the squire. as
he did last season.
CARLO B6ONAMICI. I
The Boston Times says of Carlo
Buonamici: ''In the Beethoven num-
Der the young man was as an artist
OF the fullest maturity. His was an
ideal Interpretation, faultlessly rendered.
Better Beethoven playing from young
musician or even from an experienced
artist, we have seldom heard. 1t was
broad. clear and straightforward; scholar
ly, retineds and noble. Mr. Buonamici
has fine technique and he invariably
makes 1t the hNndmaidEof his art. He is
an adept in tone shading and produces
with subtle and impressive skill the
most orchestral effeot that oouId ba