Eureka daily sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1871-1887, 1881-05-15

brilliant Success of the Eureka
Dramatic Climb i'm ssDipIomacv.,,

0aLCESS VI the EuEEAh
Dramatic Club i'm DIPLOMACY"
An immense concourse greeted the anna
tours in Diplomacy" at the Opera House
last night. We are told, indeed, that few
larger audiences have ever assembled in
that temple of Thespis. Taken as a whole,
we venture to say that no finer amateur
performance was ever witnessed anywhere.
There were Of course some few balks and
bitches, but not nearly so many as was to
have been anticipated on the part of per-
sons almost wholly unused to the stage.
The most serious objection that can be
urged was a general lack of animation and
fire. With Two or three notable exceptions
there was apparent in the entire atmos-
phere of the play a want Of promptness in
the dialogue. All knew their respective
lines well enough, but the absence of
vigor detracted materially from the excel
lence of the piece. This defect would no
doubt give way under thorough discipline
and practice, which amateurs are never ex-
pected to possess, at least to a degree ap-
preaching perfection. 1t must be ad-
mitted, however, that last nights en-
tertainment was q brilliant and deserv-
eddy appreciated success. There was not
a person present who did not 90 away
satisfied and experiencing a feeling Of
agreeable surprise over the splendid tri-
umph of the ameteurs. Where all did so
well it would seem like righteousness to
make special mention, but at the risk of
mourning this charge we must particu-
larize with reference to some Of the more
prominent spirits.
There were five ladies in the cast: Mrs.
f. w. Cole, Mrs. Il. L. Chase, Miss Daisy
Wendell. Mrs. w. p. Haskell and Miss
Grace Pardy. They were all handsomely
and richly dressed in costumes appropriate
to the several parts and scenes, and several
OF them were resplendant in diamonds and
precious gems. Every one OF them ap-
peared to the most charming advantage.
We believe that if the question were left
to a vote Of the audience, Mrs. Chase, as
Dora" would carry off the laurels Of the
evening. She not only surprised but cap
tivated all by the natural and easy grace
OF her movements, and the clearness and
excellence of her acting. She was adapted
to the character and certainly sustained it
most acceptably and admirably. First ap-
p%earance considered, it would be difficult
to suggest an improvement. We have wit
messed many professional leading ladies
who did no better.
Mrs. Cole as the Countess Zicka fairly
shared the honors with her hated rival
"Dora." Her part was o most difficult
one, the most difficult Of the whole plot,
but she sustained it to the entire s~atisfac-
ton Of her friends, and elected frequent
encores from the large and delighted audi
ence. In the closing scene where the
Countess is confronted With the evidence
of her duplicity, she rose grandly to the
requirements Of the occasion, and fairly
carried the house by storm.
Miss Wendell as the Marquise de Rio
Zares, mother Of Dora, was at home
throughout the piece. She has a fair con-
ception Of the proper intonations and
modulations Of the voice, and is never
wanting in vigor Of expression. She ac-
quilted herself with great credit.
Lady Henry Fairfax, as presented by Mrs.
Haskell, was all that could be made out
of the character. Mrs. Haskell seemed
dead letter perfect in her part, and carried
it with ease and grace, only articulating
a trihe too rapid if any fault at all may be
found.
Miss Pardy made an excellent Mon.
What little was required Of this minor.
part was excellently performed by Grace.
Among the gentlemen, Messrs. Allen,
' Niuci icitus ItOblustu anu AuiUdCu were
the stars. In the third act, where Captain
Julian breaks with his charming bride,
Dora, Mr.. Allen reached the climax, and
gave the audience a taste of acceptable
acting. At the conclusion of this scene, he
and Dora were rapturously called before the
curtain.
Mr.. Vanderleith was charged with more
stage business han any member OF the
company. He was before the footlights
almost constantly, and his speeches were
OF remarkable length-long "takes" as
the printers would call them. But he
pulled through in good style, winning
fresh laurels.
Ed Robinson's i~mpersonation OF Algie
Fairfax was easy and natural. Ed was
evidently at home. In one Of the scenes,
where he Is in charge Of a desk running
weighty matters Of State, his surroundings
looked very much like the inside of the
Albion Office, only lacking q map Of the
big bonanza in the disputed territory out
side Of the st. George patent.
II we followed our inclination we should
"pi" the +" form" Of "Baron Stein" But
there is really very little opportunity to
"press" him with adverse criticism.
Hence we must adhere to the "rule" and
treat him fairly. Mr.. Aulbach had a vii
latns part anu piayeu IL Nlilatiousiyj tnat
ia to say, we mean that he made a flrst-class
willy villain, though a little prone to the
influence Of the "sack," as exemplifed in
the surrender OF important correspondence
for coin. But the Baron got away with his
part Of the business in good shape, and
retired amid the prolonged plaudits of an
appreciative and admiring audience.
E. R. CARRIER showed considerable Of the
right kind Of dramatic metal as Count
Orloff.
The minor characters by Messrs. Pull
ing, Welsh and Gordon were fairly taken.
The lateness of the hour at which the
curtain dropped precludes a more critical
notice. As stated in the outset,
the entertainment was a magnificent sue
cess, and we have no doubt that the piece
would bear repeating after a brief period.
The sum netted to the fair beneficiary must