The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1894-05-19
GRAND DRAMATIC ENTERTAIN
MENT-SCARF DRILL.
THE EVENT OF THE SEASON.

pleasantly and successfully as possible.
Both nights the spacious Armory Hall was
filed with large and appreciative audi
ences. whose marked attention to the diff
ferent features Of the program was mani
tested by the rounds Of applause that
greeted the various performances.
The first thing ON the program was
the scarf drill, in which seven of Provi-
dence's most beautiful maideus partici-
pated. 1t was a trusly pretty sight to see
them in their white garbs, with flowing
hair and rosy cheeks, gong through the
varied evolutions of the drill, keeping time
to the measured waltz. and in every move
ment showing grace and ease. We cannot
do justice to this part of the entertainments,
but will ask our readers only to remember
these seven maids as they were last Mon
day night, and that viii suffice.
The next feature sof the evening was a
song by Miss Jomay Egelly. For little
girl, Jomay has wonderful voice. Her
singing was well applauded.
An exhibition drill, composed of four OF
the crack soldiers of the Military Company
WAS the next thing on the program. 1t is
useless to say anything of the excellency OF
the boys in blue, as the entire parish knows
of their efficiency.
A mandolin solo, by Miss Ethel Egelly,
was next. For beginner MISS Ethel dis
played marked progress; and her skill in
handling her instrument showed that she
has decided talent in that direction.
The next thing was song by Miss
Kittle McCulloch. 1t would be a feeble
effort TO here attempt anything like q
description of the excellency of this young
lady's singing. With voice as sweet as
hers, any young lady could well afford to
feel proud and it is no wonder then that
Miss Kittie is considered one of our finest
singers. The applause she received, to say
nothing OF the bouquets of flowers. was an
evidence of the audiences appreciation OF
her talents.
The program wound up with farce, en-
titled: sThe Cool Collegians." To go
into this laughable little piece, and to try
to present the characters as they appeared
on the stage. would be too hard a task so
we Will bring our criticisms to conclusion
by saying that Miss Susie Taylor, in her
rendering OF Mrs. Huntoon, came up to her
usual standard Of excellence.
The program of the second night has
been kindly written up by Mrs. M. Louise
Graham, winch it gives US great pleasure to
publish, knowing that it will be doubly ap-
preciated, merely from the fact that it
comes from the gifted pen of one of Lou
isiana's former leading journalists. and
especially that the good lady was once one
among us.
The following are her criticisms
In spite of the reasonable expectations
aroused by the steady preparation and faith
rehearsals. we think few IN the audiance
on Tuesday evening expected the finished
and artistic performance that delighted
them from the rise to the fall of the curtain.
We shall not dwellupon the disinterested
devotion of the ladies, who were instru-
mental in inauguratiDg and carrying this
entertainment to successful conclusion.
We feel assured that the triumph which
crowned the issue, was in itself, their COM
plete reward. Mrs. +. Nj. Taylor in the
management and Mrs. G. r. EgeIly, the
accomplished musical accompanies, de-
serve an especial vote of thanks.
THE SCARF DRILL,
Was one OF the most beautiful moving
tableaux, that ever graced any stage.
Miss Mary Montgomery sdiyinely
tall and most divinely fair very fittingly
contrasted with the houri-like beauty OF
Misses Dollie Kennedy, Ethel Egelly,
Nellie Montgomery, Ella Rous, Carrie
Hall and Bessie Guerin, a group which
might have served for Tennyson's Dream
of Fair Women, or with their fieecy drap-
cries. recsll.the picture OF Titian's Angel
faces in Cloud-land.
SO soft so lovely did they seem.
T'were like the substance OF poets dream.
HIcK'RY FARM
Is one of those dramas of the simple life
of New England folks, which touches the
popular heart, and brings cut those touches
of nature which makes the "whole world
akin" 1t was rendered in a manner which
few amateur troops could excel. When
considered that tie majority of the cast
were inexperienced young people, the
results were remarkable.
Mr.. Clifton Davis made capital Ezekiel
Fortune, the old farmer and trusting
father, he won the sympathy of the audi
enee from the start.
Uriah Skinner was exceedingly we'll per-
sonated by Dir. Albert Brock.
Gilbert Darkwood was made a living re.
atty by Mr.. j. M. Kennedy, Jr.; It's more
the triumph of his art, that one of his noble
character could so forcibly portray the WI.
lain Of the play. His death scene in the
finale, was splendid effort and electrified
the audience with the realization that the
young actor had flashed a stroke of the
genius of a true tradgian. A shower OF
flowers fell spontaneously around bis bier
The pathetic scenes were relieved by the
genuine roilicking comedy OF Mr.. s. B
Kennedy in the role of Lawrence McKeeg.
an. His makeup was such complete
disguise, that the audience could enjoy I'm.
disturbed. the delusion of the pompous
and jolly Alderman. Mr.. Kennedy was in.
imitable in the role, he absolutely left moth
ing to be desired.
Mr.. W. B. Keene evinceG decided talent
in his portrayal of Jack Nelson. His stage
presence is easy and graceful
Mr.. T, b. Davis brought out all there was
in the character of Detective Rankin.
Miss Maggie Schneider was mnch adj