The Dalles times-mountaineer. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1882-1904, 1895-06-22
DAMON AND PYTHIAS.
The Rendition of this Celebrated Drama
by Mr.. W. Rasmus, Assisted by
Local Talent.

If The Dalles ever scored success
in the dramatic line it was last night
when the play of Damon and Pythias
was presented at the opera house. On
every occasion, whenever the Home
Dramatic club has appeared before an
audience. it has won applause;
but in the rendition of this drama the
members were under the careful train
ing of an artist, and the latent talent
was brought to the surface. The citi-
zens have not fully understood hereto
fore the merit of our local talent, but
this will be fully appreciated hereafter.
To say that Damon and Pythias was
we'll put on the boards would not do
justice to the appreciation of the excel
lent delineations of the characters,
and praise cannot be given in too laud-
atory terms to meet the approval of
those who were present. The most diff
cult part, Damon, was taken by Mr.. Ras-
mus, and his conception of the charac-
ter fully demonstrated that he is q
cultured artist in any role he may as
sumo. Mr.. Harry Lonsdale was
assigned the part of Phthias, and in
tone and gesture he displayed rare
sOdes with Cleantha portrayed fine
heavy scenes where he refuses pardon
at the sacrifice of honor was true to
the higher instincts of noble manhood,
and his acting was commendable.
Dianysius was assigned to Mr.. N. J.
SinnOtt, and his commanding presence,
deep intonations of voice, and the
play of authority and revenge-chief
elements of the character-on his
countenance was equal to any profess
sional. As a gentleman in every day
life there is no one who does not re-
spect Mr.. Sinnott; but he acts the part
of tyrant so realistic that no one can
see the drama and not feel like Joining
revolution against the tyrant. Miss
Minnie Michel as Cleantha was the
personation of the loving betrothed
of O noble man; constant in her.
affection and not willing that anything
should separate her from him to whom
she had pledged her hearts affection.
This difficult part was we'll taken, and
the expression of Miss Michell's face,
the pathOs of voice, and graceful ges-
lures were careful recital of those
traits in woman which has elevated
her in all ages to position far above
the other portion of the human race.
Miss Rose Michel, as the wife of
Damon, was a truthful picture of
human character. The unwavering
confidence, the pleasure at meeting
and regret at parting, of the true wife
and mother, were delineated in tones
and gestures so realistic that they fur
nished, apparently, panorama of the
better and higher family life. Miss
Rose has facility of expression, quick
adaptability to circumstances at the
moment which accord to her a high
degree of historionic talent. Lucullus,
by Mr.. John Hampshire, was q very
neat piece of acting, and in the ter
rible scene with Damon, when he
Graves his mercy for killing his horse,
could not be eXcelled anywhere.
Phillistius, Damocles and PrOcles,
taken by F. Menefee, Fl. 81. Riddell
and F. w. Wilson, are not heavy parts;
but every element in the characters
were carefully portrayed, and in q
truly artistic and dramatic manner.
Mr.. w. A. Crossen as Pythias' servant
and Daman's boy, little Miss Con-.
stance French, We're worthy OF men
tion, and the sedate senators and sol.
dierly guards were all in place to make
the drama complete. The costumes
We're, in many instances, very costly, |
and no doubt procured at great ex-
pencse for the play. 1t was after II |
o'clock when the last act was perform |
ed, and the audience were so well |
pleased that, by request, Damon and !
Pythias will be repeated in the opera |
house next Tuesday night, on which |
occasion there will no doubt be full |
house to greet these favorites.