Pleasantville weekly press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1890-1911, 1896-01-22

has taken deep interest Ill the play and
all the early rehearsals were held in her
parlOrs. Mrs. Lake also loaned her fine
piano. Mrs. Large has also helped to
make it success and has given large
part of her time to helpful work. Several
hundred tickets have been sold and the
hall will be packed. The members of the
cast are perfect in their parts and a
thoroughly delightful performance is
assured.
SYNOPSIS OF THE PLAY.
The play deals with eighteen charac-
ters, besides villagers, singers, etc. The
first act opens in the kitchen of the
parsonage of the pastor of Pumpkinville
parish, when the Rev. Mr.. Baxter and
his wife and Aunt Jerushy are discussing
the parsons poverty and commenting
on the fact that he has only one small,
lean turkey and a few beans in the house
for Thanksgiving dinner the next day,
at which time good many of his par
ishioners are likely to drop in. In the
course of the conversation, Squire Apple
bee, who is one of the villagers and
Aunt Jerushy's admirer, calls and mildly
reprimands the parson for letting his
salary 90 SO far unpaid, and at the same
time he let's Phoebe, the colored girl, into
the secret that he has brough several
turkeys and mass of other tempting
edibles for the dinner the next day. In
the next act, the parsons daughters
arrive, and son who went away many
years before as missionary and
who was supposed to have been lost at
sea, also turns up, though for a long
time after his arrival, has identity re-
mains undiscovered. When he makes
himself known, however, he is received
with open arms into the bosom of his
family.
The pivotal point Of the play seems to
be that while the household, excect
Phoebe, is on the verge of despair as to
how all tho guests are to be fed, it is
discovered that the fifty odd people have
each brought a donation and formed
themselves into impromptu donation
party. Thus everythings ends merrily.
There are several incidental parts to
the plot which gives spice and flavor
to the main story and the lines of some
OF these are extremely laughable. Of
course the squire succeeds in winning
Aunt Jerushy and the group of farm
hands who come in the last act, furnish
some excellent music.
Phoebe, the little negro girl, is quite an
odd character, though Pete, "the chore
boy, who requires great deal Of steam
and much time in which to say any
thing as he stampers dreadfully, is by
no means an inconsequential character
Marin Brown, ''who is deaf but not
dumb" makes some very ridiculous an
swers in conversation as the result of
not understanding what is said to her.
The comedy was written by Martha
Russell Orne, q writer of considerable
prominence who is also the author of
''The County School," "The Black Dia-
mond,' "a Limb O. The Law" and
other plays. The lines are cleverly writ
ten and the play abounds in funny sit
uations and humorous dialogue.
PERSONNEL.
Roger Collins needs no introduction to
our readers, he has been here so long,
but as Squire Applebee you have never
seen him. You will be more than paid
to hear the whole souled man, rectifying
the mistakes of the deacons. Mr. Col
Inns is superb actor.
Walter Frambes, who is to play Pete,
is the youngest male in the comedy, and
if his present abilities stick to him we
predict bright future for him. He will
lose himself entirely in his character OF
Pete and will be "a suffering coon."
Herbert Freeman, who will take the
character of Herbert, the lost son of the
Rev. Baxter, is native of Kentucky and
displays the histrionic abilities Of the
'blue grass region. His part is difficult.
Wilbur Reed is also q comparatively
new man, but when you know Brother
Smith, whom he characterizes, you will
doubt that they are the same man. He
does well.
William Collins, is another old stager
and Old Peters, which is his character
will cause much merriment. He also
sings tenor as Seth in the quartet. In
both of these characters he will acquit
himself gracefully.
Chas. Lutz, an Rev. Geo. Baxter, is very
well liked by his associates, and hat
lived in Pleasantville long time.
Edwin G. Crap is known but by few
here, but as Joe he is dead gone" or
Samanthy. He will also act the part o
Mr.. Smith and will endeavor to anus
you,
Eugene Lake, who has only a mino
part, it deserving of better lhings. Hi
Interpretation Of the Tramp is excellen
and he will create no little excitement.
Samuel Reeves, one Of Pleasantville'
BEST citizens, will assume the role Of Josl