Waterbury Democrat., 1901-05-17
WATERVlLLE.
A Very Creditable Performance Given
 Last Evening. X


 What feeling of pride and ecstacy must the members of the Waterville Dramatic club have experienced last night after the performance of sThe Lancashire Lass had been concluded. How happy they must or ought to have felt that they had afforded the resi- dents of Waterville an opportunity of viewing as finished and as we'll staged a performance as they had ever seen given by amateurs. After months of diligent and arduous labor upon the part of the participants, the time ar rived last night when the metal of their calibre had to be shown. And how favorable was the criticism of the large crowd that was present at Pyth- ian hall could be judged from the spontaneous and enthusiastic applause which now and then greeted some thrilling climax in the play. And the applause was deserved. The actors and actresses, amateurs though they were, crowned themselves with glory. Much had been expected of them and there was no disappointment. The play, the scene of which is laid In Liverpool, abounds with interesting climaxes and affords abundant OppOr- tunity to the principal ones in the play to show their abilities. But withal it is difficult. No one should be singled out for commendation inasmuch as all deserve it. True, some have more to do than others, but 1t is quality not quantity that counts. It is impossible to have leading part for every one, but it is not impossible that each one should portray in the most capable manner his part, whether principal or minor. The latter case may be ap-3 piled to the production of ssThe Lam cashire Lass, last night. Miss Jos-' ephine Moore as Ruth Kirby, the blushing maiden with so many lovers, was splendid. Whether as the beWitch- ing young maiden, returning the love of her suitor, or as the guileless and much wronged daughter who was dis owned by her father, she was charm ing and fascinating. She delighted the. audience when she was happy, and they were moved by her sorrow. Miss Moore has appeared in amateur the atricals before, but never to better ad- vantage than last night, Miss Ethel Edwards as Mary Milder, an office girl, though she did not have much to- do. enacted the role with such a charm and fascination that her acting may be considered one of the hits of the evening. The acting of the Misses Sara Barker as Kate Gorston, and L4il- Han Palmer as Fanny Danville, was characterized by a grace and facility worthy of professionals. Jean In-s graham as MT Clayton, the avowed lover of Ruth Kirby, was fine, as he always is. There is no need of laud- ing Jean to the skies, as his reputation as an actor is too well known to need much comment. Suffice it to say that he enacted the heavy role which had been entrusted to him in an admirable manner The portrayal of the william ous Robert Redburn by ". H. Ben ham was 8 surprise to even his most intimate friends. Though his part was not a favorite one, yet he gained the favor of the audience by his shrewd and capable acting. Robert A. Brown as MT Danville was the proper man in the proper place. No better person could have been selected for the role of MT Kirby than Edward Grilley. He. is a finished and graceful actor. Nell Kott played the part of Johnson to perfection and grand may be affixed to the acting of John Bride as MT Jel- lick and Bert Dyson as Spotty. The performance passed off without hitch, and much praise is due to the property man, Charles Thero. Music was furnished by an orchestra from Polls theater, Waterbury.
 A prayer meeting will be held at the Grace Methodist church tonight.
 Dr Ryder is spending a few days with friends in Boston.