National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-03-16
AMATEUR THEATRICALs.
The Benefit of the Children's HOSPITAL.

On the evening OF Saturday last an amateur
theatrical entertainment, remarkable for its bril-
liancy and success, was given at Willard's hall
for the benefit Of the Children's hospital. The
hall on this occasion was filed almost to the
limit of accommodation by an audience apprecia-
tive and enthusiastic. 1t is not necessary to say
that three Of the young ladies taking part were
d6butGHfeS, but the event was so surprising that
this fact, which might have served for an apology
IN ease OF lesser success, can only serve to In
ment due them. 1t is also worthy Of remark that
the difficulties encountered in filling up the cast
difficulties only surmounted by the energy and
perseverance Of Mrs. Gen. Ricketts-delayed the
real preparation Of the plays until there remained
an interval Of only two weeks available for re-
hearsals. That, under such circumstances the
entertainment should have surpassed mediocrity
is q matter Of wonder; but when the critic goes
further and states that with this scsnty allow
ance Of time the players en- mGSse attained almost
the dd dstrG Of amateur acting, he states only
what those who witnessed the performance will
with the faPce PoppoR the Suess sG@me M.a
West and Miss Ray taking the initiative, as
Ellen Murray and Bobbin. The latter Very
Prettily acted the light and pleasing character Of
The arrangement OF this play is such that It
may be regarded as having several distinct
scenes. Mr.. Howe, In the character of Primrose,
played the comedian to perfection; and bis scene
with Mis- Gould-the latter in the character of
N s B H,S excellent iIs Inc appearance Of
lowed by one Of the most amusing parts Of the
play, between herself and Miss Gould, This
scene, If we may so call 1t, was characterized by
an individuality most notable, and was received
in the most enthusiastic manner In the audience
In this play Miss West and Lieut.. Payne labOred
under the disadvantage of characters which are
introduced by the author where sentiment is out
OF place, the very nature Of the play necessitat-
ing the sacrifice Of their characters for the pur-
pose Of the plot, which is purely comic. Through
out the play the acting Of the comedy was essen
TALLY fine, and displayed genius rather than
talent.
Between the farce and a second play, which
closed the admirable programme, a pleasing sur
prise was introduced in the shape Of songs and
reeitatiOns by Messrs. Hay, COWardin and Young.
ant Green, made not only pleasing variety in
the styles Of acting presented in one evening" but
also q great attraction in ITSELF The conception
ofthe character Of Mrs. Chillingtone was particu-
larry original. Moreover, few, even had such o
conception occurred to them, would have cared to
attempt to carry it out-a matter requiring more
sustained effort than would be imagined by any
but critic or actor; To say that this character
fcient. The play is uniform in both its dialogue
and purpose, and admits not OF particular crltl-
cism. Should we venture to designate any spe.
eial act of merit, it would be the waking Of Mrs.
ChillinRtone, or the acting OF her part at the
point where Sir Edward Ardent is about to leave
her, to enjoy his triumph among his friends.
No part Of the play, perhaps, was better acted
than that wherein Sir Edward Ardeur egotisti-
cally compares his conQuests with those OF Mrs.
Chillingtone. Lieut. Green's acting was quiet
and natural to degree most worthy Of commen-
dalton. A compliment, containing, like ladys
postscript, more matter than is appsrent-and
greater because we cannot close until It Is paid
is due to Mrs. Gen. Ricketts, not only for the
management which contributed to the success Of
the acting, but also to personal care applied to
the scenery and appointments Of the stage. The
close Of the affair leaves her meriting the con-
CALCULATIONS Of the audience and enjoying the
hearty thanks Of the actors.