The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1899-12-02

The Amateurs.
The Use Of Questionable Play
Is Now Being Dis
oussed.
BAD EFFECT ON THE PLAYERS
Booth Company Will Re-
peat Comrades This
Week.


Amateur theatricals nave K q frhner
| hold on Jersey City in the past year IMAM
ever before. There is now some real m
terest felt insthis sphere by others tnan
the friends of those concerned in h pro-
auctions. While there has been no new
organization added to the ranks, those
which have existed for the past lew
wears. mostly in hope of better days
have become generally known. There are
now a number Of inexperienced young
people anxious to. join. the. amateur COM
NAMES for various reasons. Some have a
desire to gain the benefit to be derived
intellectually. while. others see an excel
lent opportunity for fun. The former
class win be taken as seriously as their
ambitions warrant, while the latter viii
be laughed at for their efforts.
In theatricals there are more chances
for serious thought and lard work than
in any other profession that brings the
workers before the public view conspieu-
ously. The amateur actor will have
enough to engage his attention in the
careful study Of characters and scenes
even If he has a knowledge OF the more
simple details of the general work. Ihose
who make the greatest successes at the
public performances are py III AASNN7 sASs
who laugh most at rehearsals.
The tendency of young people to get
into the companies now organized has set
a few of the more conservative and ma
tured minds thinking on the question OF
amateur theatricals generally, and in
many circles there are lively discussions
on other questions than Didn't she look
lovely?', Some of those whose support is
most desirable are discussing the probable
effect certain classes Of plays have upon
the minds and morals Of the actors. The
general opinion in circles outside Of the
amateur companies themselves is that
only such plays as avoi questionable in
cidents should be placed in the n of
companies composed of young people who,
if successful, must be for the time the
characters they portray. The Argument
is that the effect of such plays as We're
popular in the Robertsonian day and
which are now popular with amateurs,
is not good on young people. These peo-
pie argue that there are plays adapted to
amateur work that lack these objectiona-
Bile features. The theatrical people con-
tend that these plays afford the best
opportunity for the development and ex-
hibition of talent.
The play. Among the Breakers" was
repeated last night at St. Luey's Hall, by
St. Lucy's Junior Tfaespians. and another
success was scored. Quite a large au-
dience enjoyed the performance. the
Young players did admirable work on
both evening and were applauded gener-
ously.
Every member Of the cast did so well
that individual criticism would be hardly
faira Yet James Keenan, ana David Muir
ray and Harry Harris as Bruce Hunter
deserve especial mention.
Interest is now centered in the coming
production of May Blossom by the
| Senior ~Thespians.
Mr.. Miah ]. Sweeney will nave charge
of the Catholic Club Dramatic Union for
the remainder Of the season. He will fill
out the ~unexDired term Of Mr.. N. Pala-
deau, who has resigned because of pres
sure of business. Mr.. Sweeney has had
FIVE years experience in amateur the
| atrical matters and is qualified to assume
the responsibilities of the position. He
has been a member Of the union since its
organization and is fully eonversant with
all the details of that department.
In addition to being a prominent figure
in the executive department of that
branch Of the club, he has also been in
the cast Of almost every play that has
ever been produced at the club theatre.
His line of work Is in comedy part and ne
has enjoyed many successes. 1t is IN
likely that any production will be made
until March Is. II and Is. when an appro-
pirate drama wiz be presented.
The Booth Dramatic Society attracts
attention just now as it will produce the
only amateur play to be presented by a
local company this week. The piece to be
PLAYED is sComrades, and the proceeds
will 20 to the Catholic Club of Bayonne,
under whose auspices it will be produced
Wednesday and Thursday nights.
It will be remembered that this com
pany was seen in this play at the Jersey
city club Theatre last month, and it then
showed to good advantage. There has
been a number Of rehearsals since that
time, and under the careful guidance of
Harry O'Mealia an improvement is prom
ised. The cast will remain the same and
a successful performance is expected. The
advance sale of seats is large and spec
ial accommodations have been made for
the comfort Of a big audience.
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