The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-06-05
a. M. S, Pinafore.

The good ship s'Pinafore,'' was launched
last night, with all ''her bravery on, and
tackle trim, sails filled, aad steamers wav-
ing" and the august Admiral in his official
capacity, would have pronounced it grand
success. The gallant officers, the crew, the
"cousins, the sisters and the aunts,' and
the craft itself more than realized the san
guine expectations that had been INDUCED
by our people. For weeks ''Pinafere" has
been the topic Of parlor and table converse
ton, and the expense and trouble incurred
in its preparation, coupled with the fact
that those who had undertaken the presen-
tation knew no such word as fail, gave as
surance of an entertainment, the equal Of
which had never been witnessed in Staun-
ton. That assurance was made good to the
letter, as ali who attended last night can
testify.
At an early hour the theatre was filled
with brilliant and intelligent audience
The handsome new chairs, used for the first
time on this occasion, added greatly to the
appearance Of the .scene, and the comfort
they afforded was novelty that found
ready appreciation. Under the management
Of Mr.. Firth, the large stage had been trans
formed into the deck of ship, and so thor
oughly had the work been accomplished
that nothing was wanting to make the de-
fusion complete. Life boat, mast and sail,
cord, tackle and rigging were seen on every
side, while from the port holes looked the
sombre, grim~inouthed cannon. So far as
scenic effect was concerned, it was equal ito
the best efforts Of the city theatre.
The plot Of the operetta is not in the
least striking. 1t is essentially ridiculous
burlesque. Its charms, and it is charming,
consists IN the vivacity Of the music, the alb
surd pomposity Of the admiral, and the rich
caricature of English sea -faring discipline.
The chief character, the Right Honorable
Sir Joseph Porter, K. C. B., First Lord of
the Admiralty, Ruler Of the "Queen's Ma
vee," etc,was sustained to perfection by Mr..
John McQuaide, one o. the best amateur ac-
tors we have ever seen, and vocalist Of
fine power. His thorough apprehension of
the part and the inimitable manner in which
the pompous old Admiral was presented,
would have sustained the play had all the
others failed. There was no fear, however,
of such emergency, for Mrs. Bumgardner,
the sweetest Of singers, was cast a jose
phine, and so well did she perform the part
that her splendid vocalism was almost sec
ond to her acting. So too, with Miss Lizzie
Daniel, as 'sLittle Buttercup,' and Miss
Cora Turner as s'Hebe." OF the male char.
acters, Mr.. VIM. II. Daniel, OF Wash ington,
a splendid tenor, made a most ad mirable
"Capt. Corcoran," while Mr.. Herbert Stiff
as s'Dick Deadeye,'' Mr.. Charles l.
Cooke, as ''Ralph Rackshaw,' Mr.. Jos cpl
Shirley, as "Bill Bobstay,'' Mr.. W. 0. Stiff
as ''Boatswain's Nate" DR.. Harris as "Ser
geant of Marines" and last but not least ir
talent, little Willie Bumgardner, as ''Tom
Tucker" the midshipmite, were every on.
OF them performances that would not have
been discredtable to profes SIGNALS. Tn,
legion of ''sisters, cousins and aunts'
formed as fine chorus as has ever beer
heard in st aunton.
The music was supp lied by the orchestr,
OF the Stonewall Brigade Band, with Prof
Ide at the piano, which is a sufficient guar
antee of its excellence.
Tonight the performance will be repeate,
for the last time, and none who enjoy
good laugh or desire to see fine presenta
ton Of an operetta that is now famous OF
both sides OF the waters, and which is per
haps the most popular ever put on the boards
should fail to secure seats this morning
There will no doubt be rush for them, TO
notwith standing the seating capacity Of tn
hall, excursion trains from Harrisonburg an,
along the line OF the Chesapeake and Ohio
Railway, may fill those most desirable. Ge
your seats early this morning and be sur
OF an evening Of pleasure.