Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1900-05-03
WEBSTER. DAY COUNTY. SOUTH DAKOTA. MAY 8. 1000
COM1ONS s FLYNN.
They are ''the Real Stuff" The Ann
ateurs of Webster Appear in 1.-The
Great Diamond Robbery" A
Magnificent Piece, Elab-
Orately Produced.

Inc event of the season in dramatic
circles OF this city occurred in the presen-
tation of the comedy drama "The Great
diamond Robbery at the Opera house.
Monday night by a local cast. assisted
by Commons and Flynn, for the benefit
OF the Catholic church of this CITY. and
TWO orphans, G1 Commons and Flynn
i~epresenting the orphans. One OF the
largest audiences that has ever assem-
oled at a performance of this kind in the
city, greeted the players when the curtain
rose-the house was literally packed.
Everyone knew Webster possessed talent
an q expected a good show, but the pre-
sentation Monday night far surpassed the
most sanguine expectations.
Inc piece is a strong one, full ofdrarnatic
situations and startling climaxes, with a
VEIN St comedy running thro' the whole,
giving relief to the heavy dramatic and a
very satisfactory effect.
The east was an exceptionally strong.
one. Miss Bertha Derrick as Mrs. Hilder-
brandt, had a fine conception of the part,
sustaining the character with becomino
dignity, bringing put each feature of the
part in a manner that would do credit to
a professional. Miss Sherbino, as Mary
MARSHALL made a perfect appearance in
the part and her clear full voice, perfect
enunciation and easy, graceful carriage
w ere much appreciated. Miss Lizzie
Pitsor did Folly Mellon, a happy-go-Iucky-
de~vil-may-care young girl, to the entire
satisfaction of all, she has the faculty of
losing her individuality and converting
herself into the character mpersonated.
Iony Flynn, of course, did Julian Hilder.
brandt to the Queens taste. Otto weintz
played Mr.. Bland, a lawyer, to perfection,
and showed himself an actor of no mean
a bility. Frank Burns, Jim Brandon, was
immense, n to see Bobby in his part
would think he had spent his life as a
dead tough, cracking safes, stealing
diamonds and drinking squirrel whiskey,
He does the bum like an old timer. Sig
Egeland does the black face well and we
should like to see him in a part tina would
give more scope to his talents. Ed Milan
in the double role, Bridget Mahoney, a
French lady, as the name would imply,
and Hans. the Dutchy of the piece, did
some fine work in each part, his diIect
was perfect in both parts. John Commons
does Peter Grump, a lawyer, the real
comedy part of the play, in true profess
ional style, creating a laugh at each
appearance and for nearly every speech.
The specialties were good, MiIan's songs
and dancing were much enjoyed and at
each appearance was encored to the
echo.
A number of local gags were sprung and
they just made the audience fairly howl
they were all fine, aptly put and very
striking-did we say all? yes, all but one,
and that was a little flat like some stories
We ve-but never mind. The play was a
success in every particular, the receipts
were large and several hundred of our
citizens thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
The Webster Mandolin Club furnished
music for the performance, and proved a
musical organization of which Webster
may well feel proud. Since their former
appearance they have made a marked i'm
provement.
Messrs Commons and Flynn deserve
much credit for the perfect presentation of
the play. In the cast they proved them
selves actors of more than average ability
They will rank with the best who travel
up this way, while as critics, instructors
and directors they must certainly nave
had much experience and be well on to
their job to take a green cast and in a
weeks time work it up to the degree of
projection attained by our local talent on
this occasion. The boys are whole souled
jovial gentlemen and made many friends
during their stay in our city. Should
they visit Webster in the future they are
sure of a hearty welcome and we cheer
fully recommend them to any one contenl-
plating a home talent performance. The
Diamond Robbery was repeated by re
quest in this city Tuesday night and was