Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1900-03-20
The Merchant of Venice.

Perhaps the best entertainment in
the history of St Patrick's Literary
and Dramatic society of the Sacred
Heart college was that of last Friday
night, when The Merchant of Ven
ice" was given at Concordia Opera
house to large and appreciative au-
dience. 1t was a very faithful and
intelligent presentation Of Shakes
peare's famous play, in nearly every
instance the cast being capably filed,
while the costuming was elaborate
and handsome and the other details
all that could be desired in strictly
amateur performance. Much study
and care had been expended to bring
about this desirable result, and Prof.
John A. Devanney, who had the drill
ing of the players and the entire pro-
duction in charge, as we'll as assum-
ing the difficult role of Shylock, is en-
titled TO the highest credit for the
successful termination Of his efforts.
1t was particularly TO be noticed that
every player had his or her lines 80
perfectly committed that the blunder-
ing and dragging of the average anna
teur production was entirely elucidated
"a condition which made the audience
doubly appreciative.
The society was assisted by Miss
Blanche Webb and Miss Mayme Stacy.
both OF whom enjoy high regulations
as elocutionists. Miss Webb sustained
the difficult role of Portia in most
effective manner, her Interpretation of
the part where Portia makes caustic
reference to her many rejected suitors
and then softening when the name of
Bassanio is reached being particularly
good. Again in the court scene she
was at her best. showing very strong
conception of the character. She was
richly gowned. Miss Stacy assumed
the characters of Nerissa, Portals
close companion and collaborator, and
Jessica, daughter of the Jew. Her
charming manner and correct reading
, rendered each very picturesque, and
her work was among the best of the
evening. The society was certainly
fortunate in securing the assistance of
these two young ladies.
AS Shylock, the Jew, Prof. De-
vanney met nearly every demand of
the part-by the way, a most difficult
one and generally estimated one of
the foremost character creations of
the stage. His Interpretation made
the Jew person rather to be pitied
than to be condemned. He strived
to bring out forcibly the prosecutions
suffered rather than the revengeful
spirit which actuated the jew He
gave an eloquent reading of the lines
and the only criticism that might be-
| offered was his failure to make the
scene wherein Shylock raves over the
loss of Jessica strong enough.
One Of the most artistic character.
izations of the production was that of
Bassanio, portrayed by M. j. Hierlihy.
He fitted the heroic part splendidly
and his well-known histrionic ability
was used with his customary fine dis
| crotion. He also made a most pleas
| ing and graceful figure, and may in
truth be said TO have been all that
could be desired.
The comedy role of Launcelot Gobbo
was capably filled by Richard Salmon,
who succeeded IN vulsing the au-
dience with his witticisms and clown
ish antics. Clement Stacy also had a
congenial part as Gratiano and made
the most of his opportunities. Thomas
Pierce as Antonio, George Casey as
the Duke. William Luby as Salanio,
Thomas Brew as Salerino and Joseph