Blackfoot news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1891-1902, 1896-02-22
THE STAGE.
BIackfoot Dramatic Clubs Play to
Crowded Audiences and Make
Splendid Hits.

gave the members of the respective
clubs the very best possible opportun-
ities to assert themselves in their own
peculiar and, in some instances, spark
ling and vivacious ways.
Every seat was taken In the Opera
House and many were left standing
during the evenings OF those plays.
The numbers present and the enthu-
siasm OF the audiences dispelled all
doubts about the successes OF the even
ings. The actors were given inspira-
tion from the splendid and enthusiastic
audiences before them, and the audi
ences will treasure in pleasant memory
the enjoyment for which they are
grateful debtors TO Mrs. Col. Hanna
ford and Mrs. w. Z. Banhart, at whose
suggestions the bright performances
were given.
IMoGENE.
"lmogence, or the Witch's Secret
was played Friday evening, the l4th
inst. The scenes were absorbing in in
terest and the play itself, in parts, in
tensely dramatic.
Mrs. w. Z. Barnhart represented
Mother Mundy, the Witch, and sus-
tanned her part admirably from begin
ming TO end. Miss Edna Fife, as Mrs.
Mansfield, by the requirements of her
role, was In the most exciting scenes
such as always have their climax in a
burst Of passionate fire and carry audi
ences by storm. Mrs. James Stevens,
as Susie, had plenty OF abandon and
made the decided hit OF the evening.
In her free but sparkling and vivacious
way she captivated the audience and
through all her hoidenishness was
graceful and chic. In the role OF Imo-
gene, her impersonation was faultless
and presented one OF the most beautiful
scenes OF the play.
The supporting cast OF gentlemen
was fairly good all around. Bob os-
born, as Snooxs, the newsboy, Mr..
Poynter as DR.. Harris, Mr.. Mcintosh
as waiter, were effective and sustained
their parts well. Mr.. Ayling as Charles
Mansfield was a triHe heavy but withal
was received with manifestations Of APP
proyal. Ed Hsrtdegan, Deacon Austin,
was one OF the most realistic charac-
ters Of the evening. His makeup was
that OF typical New England deacon
OF ye olden times and his appearance
was always signal for applause.
James Stevens made good Attorney
Reed and was thoroughly effective and
satisfactory in his character. Mr..
Barnhart played Dennis o'Brien, the
red-headed Irishman, ,splendidly and was
counted one OF the strongest characters
Of the play. The performance through
out was generously applauded.
CASTE.
On Tuesday evening the opera house
stage underwent a transformation for
the presentation OF CASTE" by the
amateur dramatic club of this city. The
play itself needs no comment, the lines
being such as would have been accept
able even under less skillful manage
ment than that displayed by Mrs. Col.
Hannaford, and those who participated
were excellent material in her hands.
Miss Abbie Stevens as Esther, added
to her original charm Of grace and
beauty by her conscientious work which
was full of warmth and pathos.
Miss Nan Gallagher, of Pocatello, as
Polly displayed much more than an
amateurs talent; she caught the house
at her entrance, and the interest never
tagged; the part was a difficult, al
though a grateful one, and Miss Nan
made everything tell.
Miss Blanche Jones as the Marquise,
was magnificent, carrying herself with
unusual ease and dignity and speaking
her lines, which were many and diff
cult, In clear, true voice, and forming
striking social contrast to the Eccles'
girls.
The gentlemen in their several parts
were all good. Mr.. West as old Eccles,
was inimltable and had only to come in
sight TO create an uproar.
Mr.. Jenkins as Geo. D'Alroy, certain
| ly did not lack for fervor; his presence
was pleasing and his portrayal of u true
hearted lover defying the laws of caste
was excellent.
Col. Hannaford looked and acted the
swell from top TO toe, and Charlie
Brooks maiden effort surprised and de-
lighted his friends.
The affair was characterized by an
elegance that showed 1t to have been
gotten up regardless Of expense, The
music which comprised five pieces, two
OF which were brought from Pocatello
was the best ever heard In Blackfoot
The programmes We're dainty and in
closed In envelopes, made pretty
souvenirs Of the occasion. The cos
tunes were attractive and the tw'