The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1899-04-15

On Thursday night the elite OF
Ridgeuay were delighted by the per
formance Of "Finuigan's Fort11e.'
The play was produced by the Ridge.
way Dramatic Club, which by the
way is bright aggregation Of theatri-
cal stars.
For long time expectation was on
the que vive and great interest had
been awakened in this play, and tho
effort of those engaged was fully re.
paid by the large audience which
greeted their appearance on Thursdsy
It was perhaps the largest audience
that has assembled in Ridgsway on
such an occasion for many day. Tho
house was crowded and enthusiastic,
and we'll might they be; the play was
in itself & strong one, and was in
every respect all that could be desired.
1t was. = good play we'll rendered.
Ons seldom has the good fortune to
sec 50 much good acting among anna
teurs. Taken all in all this rendition
Of "Finnigsn's Fortune" reflect great
credit on the performers and the town.
Mr.. McEachern, in the title roll, was
sminsntly success. His every word
and gesture showed his thorough sp-
preeiation and comprehension Of the
character he was impersonatins. At
timss he became pathetic and held his
auditors by the spell Of his tart, and
yet again he touched the springs Of
wit and humor, which brought forth
bursts Of applause.
Jake, tho kse~sr of a hrst-clas'
Duteh saloon, was without doubt q
most happy and artistic impersonation'
and Mr.. George Moore, in this chsrac-
tor, gave evidence Of histrionic talent
Of the highest degree. Jake's advent
wa, from first TO last the signal of
mirth and applause.
And now: what can We say OF pretty
winsoms little Katy that will do even
faint justice to the charming portrayal
Of this character as acted by
Miss Sarah Coleman? Ne can only
say that when she stopped before
tho footlights she 80 won the hearts
of the -entire-a audience
vhsn the curtain fell on the last act
tho whole house, like Patrick, was in
love with the sweat little Dutch girl.
Lady Hsnua, too, won laxrels for
herself, andit will be long before
those who saw Miss Marie Moore in
this character will forget the thrill Of
pleasure they felt whenever she sp-
peared. Gsssra. 4 T. Moore az Ruf-
,fety, I'd. Boyd as Patrick, r. NJ.
Bolick a. Count de Msrnsy, sustained
the different parts in which they we're
casted with great skill and are de-
serving of the highest praise. But
when all were so good, if it can be
said that ono excellkd, it is to Mrs.
Blair the palm belongs. In the role
of Mrs. Finnigan Mrs. Blair gave
evidence of theatrical ability of the
highest order. From the moment tho
curtain went up until it's fall she
caught aud held the sympathy Of the
audience. This presentation Of Mrs.
Blsir's was indeed the perfection OF
art assisted by beauty. It was diff
cult for the beholder. to decide whather
to art, beauty, or grace was due to the
sensations of pleasure, wonder and
admiration which ever and anon sook
possession Of the mind ~ We beheld
the foe performance. Love, anger,
pride and disappointment were each
in turn touched and portrayed by this
gifted performer. Neve, over done,
never under done, but always true to-
nature and to art she was.
The play was fine one well rend-
cred aud all praise i. due 10 those who
carried it to such q successful finish.
The success won in the past should be
an incentive for efforts in the future,
and we hope that 'fFinnigsr's
Fortune" will not be tho last Of tae
entertainments which We will have
the pleasure Of witnessing in Ridge
way.