Arizona weekly citizen., 1884-02-16
THE LOCAL DRAMA.
Rendition of "An That Critters is not
 Gold"

Gold"
 The Nortons' comic drama of "All that glitters is not gold" in two acts, that has been undergoing preparation by local amateur performers for the past month. was successfully produced at the Opera House last night. Tie audience present was large, every seat in the auditorium being occupied, and was composed mainly of the best people in city. Financially 1t in every way resulted according to the desires of its promoters, while the actors, without exception. creditably performed their various parts. The choice of piece to suit the tastes of modern theater-goers could have been better made. This contains none of the stirring situations or constant "business" which the production of the society drama of the present age has taught the American mind to crave. If there were scenes last night that drag ged, and oftentimes rather embarrassing conditions of the players, 1t was entirely due to the character of the piece, and not to any lack of merits of those on the stage. The plot in itself demanded no unbounded enthusiasm from the spectators, or effective stage scenery.
 To the actors themselves only praise can be bestowed.
 Certainly the best part was taken by Abel $. Dungan, as Toby Twinkle. The al. aarFosrAN unEcneEn1 thn nH vantage of belng the greatest favorite with fine audience. Ali comlc parts at tract the people, but hslde from this Mr. Dungan admirably exhibited a thorough appreciation of the cast, and in makeup, pantomime and dialogue, showed more than ordinary ability as a dramatic amateur.
 Mir. Charles H. Frye has long occu- pied a prominent place In the estima- ton of the public as a conscientious and versatile actor. lie IS more of a profes- s sonal than amateur, and his appear snce on the stage in this city is always received with satisfaction. The part allotted to him, Stephen Plum, became especially distinguished under his rendi- ton of it last night. To this gentleman also must be given the credit of 6dmira- bly, fulfilling the duties oi stage man. ager. To Mr. George W. Brown, Gs Jas per Plum, is also due the same compll- mentary criticism. lie has appeared before Tucson audiences in the past, and his reputation for rendering his particu- lar character in an artistic manner was established long ago. Everyone said he did excellently.
 This entertainment also brought forth much latent talent, which might have remained dormant for years longer had not AIr Erye's professional judgment prompted him 10 make merltorious se- lectiors. Reference IS made to Lieu tenant KiDgsbury in the character of Sir Arthur Lassell, aud Mir. Ben Heney as Frederick Plum. The former espe- cially personified the william" of the play in a commeudable manner. Cool, self-possessei, elegant iu manner and deliberate in conversation, he proceeded with his interesting ilaisOn with the con- fidence and perseverance of a perfect "iady killer
 To the ladies of the play especially is due more than ordinary credit. Of these. two had never before appeared on the stage here. but the anxiety among friends as to how they would succeed in their initiative entrance upon the dramatic field, was dispelled before the evenings entertainm- mt had far ad- vsnced. The part assumed by Mre. Edward Hudson, Martha Gibbs, emo tionsl through ut, and constantly the cn'ral attraction in many quickly sue ceeding pathetic scenes, was persOnlted with such perfect naturalness, unin- c.. and r.tfa.favra l-uf nf ffr taste. that the lady ht once steps tC the front rank of local amateurs. Miss Minnie StOvell as Lady Valeria West endleigh had very attractive part, and the young lady possessed the personal grace and the elocutionary experience to sustain the character admirably.
 Mrs. Anna Livingston in the part of Lady LeatheTbridge was highly cOmpli- mented for the dramatic powers she showed. The character in itself allowed but little opportunity for a display of the ability she is known to possess, but what there was of 1t, as produced with the effect and interest only within the province of one who has perfect knowledge of the art of pleasing.
 All in all the rendition of thIs minor drama was creditable to Tucson, and 1t now behooveS these amateurs to choose some piece of more life, and with a modern tendency. and again favor the people.
 The programme of the evening was rendered complete by the orchestral se- lections. The musicians of the Sixth Cavalry band, under the leadership of Professor Worbes, have for several sea- sons past added much to the pleasure of Tucson people. The repertory for this entertainment was carefully chosen and well rendered. The violin solo, Meek ing Bird" by Professor Worbes proved an original production of pleasing merit. He received hearty encOres.