Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1883-06-27
Fawcett Troupe.

The Owen Fawcett comedy troupe
commenced their engagement at the
Opera House last Wednesday night,
with the comedy "Dodging." 1t was
admirably acted, and is good come
dy. To fully appreciate the play, it
was necessary that the observer should
pay close attention to the acting, and
be also well versed in the scenes and
incidents portrayed. 1t was also nee
essary that the words spoken by the
actors should be heard by the obser-
ver-or else the play became monot-
onous and wearisome.
Arthur Sparkle, in order to escape
from the attentions of young
widow, Mrs. Bartlett Pear, changed
places with his servant, jeremiah
Dodge, and this change of social posi-
tions brought about many amusing
and laughable situations. The part
of Dodge was represented by Owen
Fawcett and was capital and yet a
natural representation. 1t was not
overdrawn, and was immensely anus
ing. 1t seemed hard for Dodge to
remember that he was master and not
mental, and his former condition would
show itself, apparently unconsciously,
by every now and them doing some
mental task--such as putting things
to rights on the table. Then he would
suddenly remember his position and
hastily leave off the work. If you
watched him closely you would he
well rewarded by seeing first class
comedy character sketch, full of
humorous situations. He strove hard
to represent the master and to forget
his former position but he could not
cast aside his servility. 1t was fine
sketch. When he had his encounter
with the Russian count, the scene be.
came very amusing, and especially to
one versed in the Russo-Turkish ques-
ton. The Russian took him for an
influential British noble and be-
gan to sound him on Turkey, but the
only turkey Dodge knew was the
thanksgiving turkey.
Dodge's Diplomacy became too
mixed even for Russian politician,
and the scene between the two was
well worthy of close attention.
Mr.. Fawcett was well supported by
the ladies and gentleman of his troupe.
The principal fault with some of them
was that their articulation was not
adapted to the acoustic properties of
the room, and thus much that they
said sounded indistinct to persons at
distance from the stage, and with a
comedy like "Dodging" it was neces-
sary that the words spoken should be
heard distinctly and understood. We
also desire to speak word of praise
for w. X. Fitzburgh, as "Arthur
Sparkle" John w. Powers, as "Count
Phireoff," Miss Grace Romine as "Mrs.
Bartlett Pear" and Miss Nellie Cobb
as Miss Charlotte Russo"
On Thursday night, "Everbody's
Friend" was represented, but the APP
pearance of the audience showed that
they did not appreciate the play.
Friday night "Dodging' was repeat
ed. The patronage received by the
troupe was very fair although it does
seem that a troupe like Owen Faw-
cett's should receive more patronage
than a miserable plays like the Uncle
Toms Cabin drama, whose principal
features consist of donkey, lawyer
Marks, who makes an ass of himself,
and invoice of niggers, an utterly i'm
possible Yankee, and lot of other
trash too numerous to mention. There
is one thing about Uncle Toms Cabin
that night commend it to some folks,
it does not require neither knowledge
or ability to understand it, for there