Waterbury Democrat., 1901-04-09
GOODMAN BLIND. '
St Joseph's Society Gave Very Pleas
 ing Performance Last Night.


 The names of the authors of Hood man Blind'' will never suffer in it's portrayal by the members of St Jo- sephis Total Abstinence society. This appeared to be the unanimous opinion of the two crowded houses that wit messed the rendition of this domestic drama at Polls yesterday afternoon and evening. 1t must be a delightful feeling to be member of the St Jo- sephs society this morning to know that such is the opinion of a few thou sand of his fellow citizens, for though they have appeared but once or twice Ill plays of this character, it was yet one of the most difficult they have ever presented. The dialogue is in places pieaslng and passionate; in others it IS wound round scenes of physical vio- ience, severe mental disturbances, the chlm1ng of wedding bells and the clink or glasses emptying to the health of the bride and groom.
 he story of 'sHoodman Blind" has been told ill the stories of the rehear- sals of the play. It is a story of what IS known as middle life' in England or the classes that are conspicuous for dropping and putting h's where they are not found i'll the correct pronuncia. tion of the language
 me play was put on under the di. fect1on of Edward l.. Maloney, assist. ed by J. J. Mcdonald, as manager. James II. Ffeney, assistant manager. NJ. ). Carney, prompt n; John !. Fitz. gerald, stage manager; J. Matt Sulli- van was the costumer; and Thomas Cofrlgan,l property manager. The working of the piece is very difficult. almost all the changes taking place with lights out. Revolving scenery was seen ill the movements of the first net and the stage hands ought to be congratulated for the rapidity and skill with which they handled it. From hrst to last not hitch occurred in the performance that would put the spec tator ill an unfavorable state of mind; It would appear, though, at one or two stages of the play that the audience did not appreciate what was going on. Considerable license is always given audiences at amateur plays, and that of last evening availed itself of this.
 The curtain went up promptly, a very good and somewhat unusual thing i'll amateur performances. If there is anything more bothersome than waiting for the cur tain to go up it has not materialized yet. The passing away of Frederic Lendon' Civilian F. Reiley) was the first scene, and the robbery of his cash box, which he brought with him all the way from Canada in search of his two daughters Nance" and .Jess,' which dual character is played by Miss Nell lie Hayden. The villain Mark Leg zard' NIartin Heanue) is introduced in this scene, and he is continually on the stage to the close He does not make strong appearance, for the on. portunity is not given until later, when he agrees with From Lattiker,'' a gypsy, (D. Francis Lawlor), and s.Jess'' to play trick upon ~Jack Yeulett'' (Thomas A. Maher), by which the hap. piness of Jack and Nance" is shat tered. Around this plot the play re wolves, and last evening it revolved with smoothness, which, as has been said above, must have been gratifying to every member of the society that gave the play to know that its au- thor's laurels will never suffer from the society's Interpretations of his plays. The curtain goes down on the first act after struggle between the dying .'Lendon'' and ''Lezzard'' and his partner, "Kridge" William Gull. foile).. They are in possession of his money and the secret of .'Nance's'' and "Jess'sv birth.
 The second act is one of life and dialogue. The marriage of Ben Chib. bles Civilian H. Delaney, brings all the villagers to the inn of "Joe Swir- rup'' (Henry Hayden). James Delaney as 'sNoah Quaddling" and Mad Will