The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1899-04-27
.THE MIDNIGHT FIRE"
Two Splendid Performances by Local
Talent.

=
Talent.
When ii was announced that
Messrs. Bertram & willard had been
induced to present their new play in
Henderson with the aid of local talent,
there was feeling Of satisfaction by
all who are interested in such mat
tiers. Previous engagements here
established their reputation as capa-
BILE and successful exploiters OF the
best and purest in histrionic art and
literature, clever and conscientious in
their work. besides being very
courteous and agreeable gentlemen;
and when they promised in their
latest effort. The Midnight Fire,
as great success as Captain Dick,
the public knew what to expect.
Nor were they disappointed.
At Cooper Opera House last Thurs
day and Friday evenings two very
creditable and thoroughly enjoyable
performances were given with the
following cast Of characters:
Jack Clark, Mr.. Brooks Parham
| Harold Malcolm, Mr.. Eugene Bertram
George Baker, Mr.. S. P. Cooper
Major Blunt, Mr.. Bassett Willard
John Merrel, Mr.. Robert Powell
Fritz Poppenheimer, Mr.. b. s.. Aronson
Pat McPhin, Mr.. Maurice O Neil
| The Stranger, Mr.. Walter j. Powell
| Abe, Mr.. Robert Lass'ter
Bobby Potta, Mr. Benz. Powell
Helen Merrill, Miss Charlotte Young
Jessie Clark, Miss Bessie Shaw
Roxey, Mrs. J. H. Bridgers
Mrs. Jeremiah Potts, Miss Edna O'Neil
Dinah, Mr. John Horton
The Rube Road Whangdoodlers-A de-
tail from the Fire Company.
Where all did so well we should
not particularize, and it is impossible
to bestow praise upon each one in
dividually as he or she deserves.
The parts were evenly balanced, the
characters faithfully portrayed, the
acting good all through. The play is
a realistic comedy drama. pure in
sentiment and moral in tone, and
appeals to the noble and generous
| side of human nature rather than to
the patriotic as does Captain Dick. "
1t gives opportunity for clever acting
and this the ssplayers' OF last week
took full advantage of. ''Jack Clark, -
poor but honest fireman, proved him
self to be man possessed not only OF
character and heart but brains as
well, and the working out of the love
story serves to bring in the eternal
feminine, in the person of "Helen
Merrell,'' and adds the necessary
touch.
Mr.. Parham in the first named
character and Miss Young in the lat
ter, deepened the pleasant impress
sions made by them on former occas-
ions. Mrs. Bridgers gave an excel
lent impersonation of the bright,
vivacious "Roxey," as did Miss Shaw
that of "Jessie Clark" the true
hearted sister and ideal friend, while
Miss ONeil as s.Mrs. Jeremiah Potts, y
in makeup and acting could not well
have been improved upon. Mr..
Aronson was fine comedian and
played the part OF Fritz Poppen-
heimer'' to perfection. Mr.. Cooper
did some good work in the character
of ''George Baker, and was as gener-
Gus with his means as he was with
his affections. Mr.. Robert Powell
essayed the role of John Merrell' in
manner to make the most out of a
difficult character, as did Mr.. O'Neil
in that OF "Pat McPhin," the police
man. Mr.. Walter Powell as 1.-The
Stranger, made typical tramp and
sustained his part well in this and
the character in which he appeared
afterwards. Benny Powell was the
personifcation of the small boy who
has penchant for mischief, but with
a heart in the right place and head
in which there was something else
beside an inventive genius for playing
pranks and scheming for all sorts oil
deviltry. Mr.. Lassiter as "Abe," and
Mr.. Horton as ssDinah," the faithful,
and ever ready colored servants, were
quite amusing and contributed their
full share to the success of the play
and the enjoyment of the perform
ance. Messrs. Bertram and Willard
were of course good. That goes
without saying.
Altogether the performance was
highly creditable and successful from
an artistic point of view, and the
young ladies and gentlemen as well
as the authors themselves are to be
congratulated upon its pleasing and
enjoyable character. And to them a
vote of thanks is due for the willing
and unselfish spirit shown in con-
tributing to as worthy cause as that
of the Circulating Library.
A very enjoyable feature OF the enter
tainment was the music, by Lehman's
orchestra. The selections were good.
the numbers beautifully rendered with
spirit and finish. In musical culture
as in other things Henderson is equal
to any occasion and abreast of the
times and towns of like size any
where. And what is said above as to
the cheerful and voluntary assistance
rendered applies here also.
Henderson hopes to have Messrs.
Bertram & Willard with us again at
some future time.
|