The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-01-21

were JumDled Iogether IN q m0st
Ludicious way-Scranton Young
People Displayed Much Cleverness
in Their Interpretation of the
Roles Production Great Success.
Last night chronicled an event in
in the history of the Scranton Country
club, and not only as connected with
this organization, but in the history
OF amateur theatrlcals in this CITY,
Early in the week the members of the
| country club were mouestly Informed
that "Burlesque Comedy in three
acts would be presented, but it was
scarcely anticipated uy the friends in
terested in the performance that so
elaborate an AFFAIR was to be given.
The big dining room of the club was
| crowded to the doors with an appre-
ciative audience. The cozy window
seats and corners were filled with pic
turesque groups, beneath the glow of
the Moorish lamps. The conception OF
the comedy was extremely funny. 1t
was the "Shakeepear Water Cure" and
many old friends appeared in the most
astonishing medley. Imagine Hamlet,
Macbeth, Romeo, Shylock, Othello,
Lady Macbeth, Ophelia, Juliet, Portia
and the Ghost all in one tumble at a
water cure establishment.
The funniest feature was the glimpse
into the future, as it were, for Mac
beth and Lady Macbeth are there for
economical reasons" Romeo and Jul
let quarrel like cats and dogs, and she
berates him because he refuses to buy
ner new gown. AS they are dis
owned by the Montagues and Capulets
they are obliged to take to the stage
with one night stands.
PoRTIA AND BAsSANIO.
Portia and Bassanio seem to dis
agree considerably, and when Shylock
makes the bargain with the Macbeths
to murder Bassanio so that he may
marry Portia for her money, Portia
seems to find no difficulty in drying
her tears of widowhoou for the smiles
of the bride
Doubtless the most ludicrous feature
of the entertainment was the surpris-
ing manner in which the characters
recited Shakespeare. 1t was a matter
of indifference whether Hamlet quoted
remarks from the conversation in the
original attributed to Iago, or whether
stately and regal Lady Macbeth re-
lated thoughts supposed to belong to
Juliet or Desdemona. The utter abb
surdity of the situations continually
appealed to the audience.
Miss Belin was magnificent as Lady
Macbeth. She gave a brilliant inter
probation of the half comic, half tragic
role, and made a picturesque effect in
her black velvet gown, which was the
cause of much envy on the part Of
Juliet.
Miss Linberg, as Ophelia, displayed
perhaps the most dramatic possibilities
in the cast. She was superb as the
mad girl, and put In the touches of
comedy with inimitable grace and
cleverness.
Juliet was charmingly impersonated
by Miss Clare Reynolds, who looked
lovely in her white robes, and her nat
ural manner elected much applause.
Miss Anderson's Portia was delightful,
giving many indications Of dramatic
ability.
MR.. WATSON'S EFFORT.
Nothing was more enjoyed than Mr..
B. L. Watson's Henry Irving-like
Hamlet In which the improvisations of
the comedy were comical enough in
their incongruity. A. L. Hunt, Jr., gave
Shylock as an original creation in many
respects and was among the most ap-
plauded characters of the evening. The
musical touches in his impersonation
added much to its clever presentation.
Selden H. Kingsbury was a canny
Scot, indeed. in his role of Macbeth.
His costume was gay indeed and his
comedian work was excellent. Not the
least pleasing feature was his solo in
the first act.
James Blair, Jr., was the handsom-
est Romeo imaginable, and his con-
ception of the part was unique. Mr..
Harry w. Kingsbury as Othello was
the blacklist possible African and his
comedy work was not surpassed in the
entertainment. 1t was he who arrang-
ed the wedding feast and it's details
were funny beyond description. In
cidentally he smothered Desdemona in
the kitchen while the wedding party
awaited his service at the table. His
topical songs were greeted with uproar-
ious applause.
Among the varieties in the pro-
gramme We're the intricate banjo and
mandolin selections by Lawrence Full
Ter and Reynolds Bedford, which gave
much pleasure. Miss Hunt aided as
prompter during the evening. At the
conclusion of the play refreshments
were served.
THE GUESTS.
Among the guests present were: Mr..
and Mrs. e. B. Sturges, Mr.. and Mrs.
+. L. Fuller, Mr.. and Mrs. N. C. Rob-
ertson, Mr.. and Mrs. A. II. Storrs Mr..
and Mrs. A. II. Christy, Mr.. and Mrs.
G. II. Welles, Mrs. r. @. Powell, Mrs.
j. A. Price, Mr.. and Mrs. A. e. Hunt,
DR.. and Mrs. G. d. Murray, Mrs. Will
liam Matthews, Mrs. T. c. Won Storch,
Mrs. James Archibald, Mr.. and Mrs.
George Sturges, Mr.. and Mrs. II. B.
Reynolds, Mr.. and Mrs. F. l.. Phillips,
Mrs. ]. l.. Crawford, Mrs. w. G.. Full
ton, Mr.. and Mrs. II. NJ. Scranton.
Miss Dale, Miss Welles, Miss Kate
Scranton, Miss Pennypacker, Miss
Howell, Miss Matthews.
Messrs. Fuller, Brooks, Bedford, Re-
Mt