The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1892-06-09
nAmonc the Breakers =

1t was our pleasure to witness the rem
dition of the play entitled Among the
Breakers as given by the Covington
Dramatic Company in the Covington
Opera House on the evening of June lst.
Knowing something of the cast of the
characters, we went prepared for treat,
but not prepared for the splendid per-
Torrance it really was. To say the en-
tertainment was good very poorly eX-
presses it. The participants were hap
pilv chosen and gave evidehce OF con-
ception of the plot and a dramatic pow
or of execution seldom found in an anna
teur company. The ease and prompts
ness with which each performer imper'
sonated the assigned character bespoke
q thoroughness of training most COM
mendable The affair was planned and
shaped for execution under the manage
ment of Mr.. H. l.. Garrett, who has eve
nv reason to congratulate himself Oh the
outcome of his labors. Not only did he
| look we'll to the arrangement of every
preliminary detail, but took upon him
self the task of performing the most dit
ficult part of the play. To impersonate
David Murray, the Light Keeper, in a
manner at all presentable required more
than ordinary skill, but there is no ex-
ageration in saying that Mr.. Garrett &C.
| quilted himself in the realistic style Of a
| true tragedian.
Miss Skeen, as Bess Starbright, was be-
witching With artistic skill her beauty
and grace were made to serve her in the
faultless enactment of her part. She is
a born actress, and without training ex-
cells many an envied professional.
Miss Peck, taking the part of Minnie
Doze, was most suitable complement
of Miss Skeen, looking and acting hand
somely.
Mother Cary, the fortune teller, as
rendered by Miss May Mcdonald was
superb. Few could have done better
Never were we more tempted to fall in
love with an Irish girl than we were
when Miss Clara Mcdonald appeared OF
the stage as Biddy Bean. Her makeup
and execution were true to life.
George Rivercomb convinced us al
that when people cease to law he car
still make a living without selling rea
estate or negotiating for the location Of
plants' His impersonation of Peter
Paragraph was most refreshing. II
would be hard for him to convince those
who saw him that his stage courtshiL
was SO faithfully depicted without long
and earnest training. Indeed it is gen
orally believed that he is no amateur al
the business.
John Delany had the advantage of the
rest. 70 take the part of Larry Divine
the Irish lad, John didn't have to change
his brogue. His performance was good
all the way through, and so realistic that
some are of the opinion that the fire.
uuent kisses he bestowed upon Biddy
Bean were not so much of a sham as
they would have us believe. At any rate
if had never been vaccinated, | would
not want to get as close to a victim OF
smallpox as his lips came to hers.
G. b. Gushing, as Hon. Bruce Hunter
acquitted himself most creditably 1t
was unfair to him that he should not
have had share in the counting. 1t has
| an inspiring influence that is most help
full. Nethertheless, Cushing did well
without it.
Tom Peck makes better negro thar
| f,o 10 xu1 10 oYd no 6nniac !, 10
he is tirst>class fellow unblacked. His
acting of Sends part was faultless. Tt
him we were all largely indebted for the
enjoyment of the evening.
Covington should be proud of the first
appearance of their Dramatic Company
and should encourage its future eff
forts