Daily new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1897-1906, 1901-06-13
ROSEDALE
Varsity Dramatic Club Made {
Big Hit.

OF IHe 8tay-f4tFgP AuuIente W.T.
messed II Prof Patterson Received
Fine Testimonial
A brilliant audience assembled at
the first performance of the Univer-
sity Dramatic club at the Opera
House Wednesday night.
"Rosedalea was the play chosen
for presentation as the clubs greet
ing to the public A play with such
a large cast is seldom undertaken
by other than professional compa-
ny, particularly as every part re-
quires good dramatic ability, and
many Of them not little talent, but
the production was triumph for
the players as well as the stage man
ager
The mounting OF the play required
an extensive assortment of scenery
and stage fittings, but despite this
fact, more perfectly mounted play
or one in more complete harmony
with the scenes intended to be de-
picted, has never been witnessed on
this stage.
"Rosedale'' is one of those stand
ard old English plays, full of literary
merit, yet Astounding in exciting sit
uations, and wit and pathos are del
ieately blended throughout.
As Primrose, Lady Mays maid,
Miss Stalnaker did very good work ;
she was bright and vivaeious. Farm
er Green's, although minor part,
was made to stand out well by the
clever acting of Mr.. Derbyshire.
Col. Cavendish May not only
played. but looked his part to perfec-
ton. be was most graceful and
finished villain, :eool and calm his
polished and refined treachery made
strong and most effective contrast
to that of the gypsy and convict,
Miles Mekenna, whose character
was played by Mr. O'Neil in a man
ner that brought him well deserved
applause. It is difficult role, re
curing physical endurance as well
as dramatic ability, but MIR. O'Neil
in every scene, from his first entrance
to Rosedale, to his final exit, sus-
tanned it without diminution Of sp:r-
it. His most effective scenes were
those in the gypsy camp, and his
last appearance at Rosedale, in
which he was particularly strong.
The character part Of the old
Squire, Burberry Cobb, was taken
by Mr.. Herod IN manner that
showed him possessed of great dra
matte ability: his appearance was
the signal for laughter, and his fine
work was thoroughly appreciated by
the audience.
Miss Craig played the part of
Lady Florence Nav in dignified
and charming way, exactly suited
to that heroine's character. Her YER
satility was shown in the contrast
between her ordinarily calm demean
or and her agitation, strong yet con
trolled, when Rosa brings the news
of Arthar's disappearance, again in
the scene with Lady Adela and Rosa,
a year later, and her 10y when Ar
thur is restored to her.
Much has been written about pro
fessional jealousy, but the players
were unanimous in declaring that
the success Of the evening was
scored by little Elizabeth Cook, as
the mischieyous, loyable Arthur
Her utter absence Of self conscious
ness and her charming naturalness
made her delineation of the charac
ter delight to witness.
No one who witnessed Miss Johns
Interpretation of Rosa Leigh would
have believed that she had undertaken
the part rather less than two weeks
ago. The part was cast for Miss Utt,
who, unfortunately was obliged to
throw it up on account Of illness, and
Miss John stepped into the breach,
her original part Of Lady Adela, being
kindly taken by Miss Wilson. Miss
John was light.a and very dainty, the
bandage scene was especially delicate,
aud provoked much amusement and
applause, and her despair at the loss
of the child was most natural; her
whole conception Of the impulsive,
affectionate Rosa, was perfectly nat
ural and artistic.
Mr.. Garrison took the part of Ell
lott Gray in a most satisfactory man
ner, his GOODNESS and courage in all
situations, some Of the them most
trying was very cleverly done. Mr..
Garrison deserves great credit for the
finished way in which he rendered
this character.
The part Of the village doctor, while
apparently not a difficult part, is so
in reality, and was well taken by Mr..
Leonard; his masculine helplessness
before the redoubtable Tabitha was
very realistic, and the love scene be-
tween him and Lady Florence was
beautifully rendered.
Miss Wilson achieved quite sue
cess as Lady Adela, and she, like Miss
John deserves the thanks OF both
comnany and audience for Undertaking