The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-03-09
THE MASK AND WIG CLUB.
This Famous Organization 10 Appear Here in

lnis Tdmous organization 10 Appear Here in
"U.d King C>ee.
The Mask and Wig Club Of the Univer-
sity of Pennsy lvani;L will present its lat
est buriesoue, "Old King Cole, at the
Academy OF Music for one performance on
the night of April Sth.
The Mask and Wig Club was organized
| in 1883 for the purpose of encouraging
college dramatics at PENNSYLVANIA and
with view Of giving a production an
nually in which the student body could
fine a field tor histrionic ability. It's
career has been an unbroken record of
success, and there is ample justification
for the belief that to-day the organization
is stronger and more popular than ever.
On June 8, 1889, the clubs first bur-
lesque, "Lurlne." was produced, confess
edly a very weak attempt compared to
some of the later productions. The sec
ond effort was an original composition en-
titled Ben Franklin, Jr.,' a sweeping i'm
provement over .tLurline." The following
season. 1891, the club made its
first and last attempt at repertoire. 'Ben
Franklin, Jr., was revived for two nights
and for the remainder of the week the
new travesty, Miss Columbia was
presented. In 1892 the club :made.its first
complete production is, with seem
cry and costumes all new and specially
the play, and it enjoyed the longest sea-
son of any mask and wig production. At
ter playing a week in Philadelphia itywas
presented with marked success in -New
York, New Haven, Baltimore and WASH
iHgton. The fifth burlesque was the yam
kee' League" and it was generally de-
clared to be the most pretentious and
sumptuous yet attempted by the club
1894 saw the production of king Ar
~ Lot Tor emil wort n,
burlesque with original words and music,
was presented. NO Gentleman of
France came next, and was hailed as
the greatest success yet attained by the
club. It was notable for the high general
excellence of its interpretations. In 1881
the club made a departure from Iustcm
ana engaged a professional pl1TilSh' {:
prepare Very Little Red Riding Hood"
Tie experiment was not entiray satls-5
factory The general impression seemed
to be that it was lacking in some OF the
distinctive characteristics which have
come to be regarded as almost essential
in a mask and wig performance. 1878
found the club in a highly prosperous con-
dition and no expense was spared IN the
paration of the "House That JACK
E,1ilt' for the '.decennial anniversary.
a feature Of this years performance was
a curtain raiser entitled The lnVeStl-
eating Committee performed Dy Srdu-
uate members of the club The eleventh
annual production more than fulfilled the
promise made by its promoters, and
showed the advance that is being made ny
the club towards loftier. dramatic Ideals.
.Captain Kidd, u. S. n" was splendidly
mounted, and the representation was OF
pronounced &. excellence that met with
hearty appreciation from a large patron
age. surprising all previous performances
Of the club. In 1900. Mr.. Aguinalco or
Manila" was produced on lavish scale.
Original music was composed for This
PRODUCTION, which subsequently turned out
to be one of the biggest of mask and Wis
successes. Last year the burlesque OF Ba'
Ra. Black Sheep made tremendous
chit" and proved to be the largest money
maker in the history Of the club.
This years offering of cold King Cole
nromises to sustain the past excellence
Of the club, and every effort is being made
nv those who have the production IN hand
to make the merry old monarch very
delectable parsonage.
& The performance in Richmond will be
under the auspices Of the Virginia Hos
pital.