Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1879-06-10


tertainment given in Staunton than did the
ton Theatre on last Wednesday and Thursday
nights. All are loud in their praise of the ad-
mirable manner in which it was put on the
stage and Of the excellent singing and acting
OF the choruses and the whole cast. Those who
have seen 1t played in Richmond, Washington,
and Baltimore unhesitatingly prom ounce its
performance here equal to that of the best pro-
fessional troupes, in either of those cities and
far superior to some of them.
To Mr.. Gilbert Firth is due the credit for the
excellent scenery and setting of the stage.
His conception, which was excellently work.
ed out, was that the whole theatre was the
"Pinafore,' and that the audience were seated
In the fore part of the ship and the stage repre-
senting section of the stern, back of which
was to be seen the harbour of Portsmouth, fill
ed with shipping. The stage was in every way
properly fitted up with cordage, cannon, hal
yards, &C., and the mainsail was SO adjusted
as to be used for the drop curtain.
Ofthe performance itself NJ. words of ours
could convey any adequate conception to those
who were not present of no W delightful it was,
and to those who were there it is useless to
say anything, for they en- now speak "off1ci-
ally and we are sure that all the highest
| VOL LIS VI PidASO tuat VIZ COulQ use would meet
the hearty response, "That is So"
Many persons. not acquainted with the musi-
cal talent and determined energy of those who
had undertaken tolaunch in Staunton the cele-
brated ship 'Pinafore," predicted failure, and
some on the night of the first performance went
with the expectation of seeing burlesque bur-
lesqued, but they left filled with admiration
and proud as proud can be of the unexpected
and unequalled success of the entertainment
OftSe cast we are at a loss to say which Of
their parts is the most deserving Of special
mention. for from beginning to end all sustain
ed their characters most excellent.ly
Mr.. John McQuaide as the "Admlral" polish
ed up his part SO naturally and carefully that
now he Is called the admirable Sir Joseph Por-
ter, X. c. B. No wordscan describe the mimi
table manner in which he presented the digni-
fled and pompous "Ruler ofthe Queens Navee.''
The characters of Josephine (Mrs. w. L. Bum
gardner.) Little Buttercup, miss Lizzie Daniels)
| and Hebe miss Cora Turner) too high praise
| cannot be given. for even those who have often
| heard their excellent and highly cultivated
| voices were no little surprised and delighted
with their magnificent singing in their various
parts.
| In the character of "Ralph Rackstraw" the
| sweet and well modulated voice of Mr.. Charles
Cooke was greatly admired and his rendition Of
his character met with the highest appreciation
| and hearty applause of the audience on both
nights. To Mr.. w. II. Daniels, of Washington,
our people are much indebted, not only for the
pleasure he gave them in his admirable rendi-
ton of the character of "Capt. Corcoran," but
also for the many useful suggestions and stage
knowledge that he impaired to the performers
which went far towards making the "Pinafore"
a success.
Mr.. Joseph Shirley as "Boatswain" acted his
part remarkably we'll, though his first appear.
ance on the stage. "Dick Deadeye," which we
regard as the most difficult character in the
performance, was played by Mr.. ]. Herbert Stiff.
and was highly commended by every one. The
| character of Sergeant of marines was taken by
Mr.. Philip Francisco and his by-play and char
acter acting frequently brought forth bursts Of
applause from the audience.
The orchestra admirably led by Prof. A. J.
Turner, and Prof. Ide at the piano, rendered
most perfectly the nondescript, yet charming
and bewitching, music of this unique compost
ton.
Among all the other characters none excited
more admiration and delight than did little
Willie Bumgardner in the character of the
"Midshipmite." She was perfect in her part,
and seemed as much at home on the stage as
though she had acted for years.
We are glad to announce that 1t is altogether
likely that another presentation of this most
delightful entertainment will be given shortly
with the same cast. We would advise those
who failed to see it last week to 60 and see 1t
when performed, and can safely promise them
most delightful evening, and $50 do our sis
tiers and our cousins.and our aunts." The time
when will doubtless be "officialy' announced
by his Admirable ordshlp. Sir Joseph Porter.
K. G. B.
2. S.-Since the above was put in type, we
learn that the "Pinafore'' will be repeated ON
Thursday and Friday evenings next for the
benefit of the Staunton Artillery Company
and the Stonewall Brigade Band. Don't fail
to attend,
The most useful articles at CENTS can be
had at GLADKE'S. may6-u