Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1902-05-22
Home Talent Drama a Big
Success.
FRANCIS j. WEBB A STAR
Reeds Opera Houee Packed to Doors by
Interested Audience on The
Occasion.


under auspices of the Country Club
was one of the most successful home
talent productions ever given. The
series of entertainments given by the
Club during the winter months at
tanned widespread popularity, and
long before the hour set for the rise
of the curtain Reeds opera house
was crowded, delegations from other
towns being present, particularly
from PlaUteyille. Seating capacity,
in fact, was at a premium, every
seat on the ground floor having peen
reserved beforehand, and all the best
ones in the gallery were rapidly
taken.
The scenes and settings of the play
were laid in southern Missouri and
the southern dialect and character
istics predominated throughout the
piece. 10 say that the play was rem
dered successfully is putting it too
mildly. Everyone taking part did
credit to it and the work was certain
ly far above that of amateurs.
Francis Webb, as Jim Radburn,
sheriff of Pike county, Mo-, was ex-
ceptionally fine, and we must place
him in class by himsef--with no
discredit, however, to the balance of
the company. His Interpretation of
the kindly disposed, tender hearted
Jim Radburn was simply perfect. 1t
was an extremely difficult part, but
was rendered with grace and ease
that characterzes Mr.. Webb's efforts
in all the pieces he has presented the
past season. He is certainly an art
list and deserves much credit for the
success of the play.
/ Virgil Showalter, as 10 Vernon,
was excellent. His part was indeed
no easy one to handle, but the man.
ner in which he mastered it left no
doubt as to dramatic talent in no
small degree being possessed by him.
In the portrayal of the part Of
Robt. Travers, John Orion had q
part that was extremely we'll fitted to
his dramatic ability. No one could
have been selected for the part who
could have done it more Justice than
he. To play such part-that of a
cold, naughty villain-with no SYM
pathy from the audience whatever,
requires self-control and concentra-
ton of mind that is not commonly
found in an inexperienced actor.
Fred Burr, as Dave, played his part
as only Fred Burr could play it, and
provoked great deal of laughter and
amusement. AS comedian Mr..
Burr ranks high and his efforts
were appreciated by the audience.
Julian Bellows as Col. Bolinger and
Bert Schreiner as Sam Fowler ex-
ecuted their respective parts to per-
lection, and their presentation rep
resented study and application.
Mrs. Walton, as Mrs. 10 Vernon,
fairly captured the audience. Her
conception of the part vas so genu-
inc, so realistic, that one could
scarcely realize that he was not gaz-
| ing on character in real life.
| Veronica Schmitt most acceptably
filed the part of Kate Vernon, while
Carrie Schreiner as Elizabeth Vernon
and Elizabeth Schmitt as Emily Rad
burn presented their respective char
acters in delightful manner.
Altogether, the production was an
unqualified success. The stage set
tings deserve more than passing men
ton, and to all appearances were ar
ranged by professional, such was
the taste, appropriateness and dis
elimination shown. The blacksmith
shop scene lin the second act was
most decidedly realistic, while the
home and door yard of Jim Radburn
was exquisitely arranged, and APP
appealed to all.
The music furnished by the popu-
lar high school orchestra was another
pleasing feature, while the vocal solo
so prettily rendered by Miss Martha
Baxter brought forth much applause.
The Eclipse quartette, composed OF
Messrs. John Weber, Will Morse,
Chris Roberts and Harry Whitney,
rendered some musical negro melo-
dies.
Following the entertainment the
orchestra gave a social hop that was
much enjoyed by the young people.
ALI in all the event was an unqual-
fled success. and all who attended
await with Impotence another pro-
duction given under the auspices OF
these popular entertainers.