Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1905-12-13
"Ici On Parle Francois" and
"HIs Lordshipin Livery"

hrst pubic appearances Ihlo yeoi
last Thursday evening at the
University gymnasium. The club
is under the management of Miss
Annie R. White, who has indeed
achieved an enviable reputation by
reason of the amateur productions
given under her direction.
The stage was handsomely deco
rated in College colors and frater-
nifty pennaEts. One of the two
boxes was occupied by the Phi
Kappi Sigmas, and the black and
gold of that fraternity abounded.
The other box was occupied
by party of Kappa Alphas and
Sigma Alpha Epsilons, with the
colors Of these fraternities in pro-
fusion.
AS a whole the entertainment
was decided success. The au-
dience numbered about six hun
dred, aad, above expenses, 500
Yves realized, which will be ap.
piled to the Athletic Association
of the University.
The plays presented were two
one-ac comedies, entitled "Ici On
Parle Francais' and "My Lord in
Livery" respectively. Consider
| ing the short time devoted to
preparation, being less than three
weeks, tie plays were exceptionally
we'll presented.
The scene of the first play '1ci
On Parle Francais," is laid at
a bathing resort on the coast Of
England, depicting the trials and
fluctuations of an old codger,
Spriggins, who against the wishes
of his wife determined to let
lodgings, and who to facilitate
matters undertook to learn French
by a system of "French before
breakfast with results most
disastrous. Mrs. Rattan, having
been accidentally separated from
her husband at refreshment sta
ton and escorted by Victor Dubois,
came to the Spriggins house and
engaged rooms. Rattan, learning
that his wife had been seen In the
company of Dubois and suspectlng
an elOpement of the couple, ap-
peared on the scene and caused
considerable CONSERVATION. Dubois,
finding that Spriggins's daughter,
| Angelina, is the young girl with
whom he had fallen in love in
Paris, returned to the house and
engaged apartments, so as to be
near the object as his alteration.
AS usual, the tangle is unraveled,
and the play closed with delight
full little love scene between
Angelina and Doubts, and with
Spriggins making resolutions
against letting lodgings and speak"
ing French.
Mr.. Peck, in his rendition of the
part of Spriggins, was easily the
star. His makeup was that of
the ideal old tavern keeper, and
Notwithstanding his was most the
difficult role of the play, he ac-
quilted himself admirably and won
deserved applause. Mr.. Rasin as
Dubois was excellent, both in his
makeup and the rendition of his
part. Mr.. Pruitt, as an English
MAJOR, was realistically gruf and
pompous. The Misses Barclay
were received with favor. Their
lines were such as required con-
siderable expression rather than
talk, and both were excellent.
Miss Anderson, filling the role of
Anna Maria, the maid of all work,
though a minor part, is deserving
of special mention for her true
Interpretation Of the Servant
problem Miss Moose who had
the part Angelina was captivating
as the demure English maiden.
Following is the caste of chara c.
ters:
Mai. Regulus Rattan Mr.. D. E. Pruitt
Mr.. Sprigglns i Mr.. H. Grim Peck
Victor Dubois Mr.. NJ. Ct. Rasin
Mrs, Rattan Miss Mary Barclay
Mrs. Spriggins Miss e. Barclay
Angelina Miss Willie Moose
Anna Maria Miss Ruth Anderson
"My Lord in Livery" opened
with beautiful scene, giving the
young ladies excellent opportunity
to show themselves stars. The
story of the play was that of bet
between two Englishmen, one a
cousin of the young lady and the
orher a young English lord,
Thirlmere, the latter Of whom
was to secure from Miss Sybil a
ring in less than thirty minutes
after being presented to her. This
he successfully accomplished by
assuming the disguise of a foot
man, and also playing the role of
burglar. The play closed with
clever little minuet danced by
Thirlmere and Miss Sybil.
Mr.. Stern, having the role of
the family butler, Spiggott, won
great applause for the excellent
manner in which he played his
part, and brought down the house
by his inimitable impersonation of
the frightened old servant. Mr..
Hagood, as Lord Thilrmere, was
quite good. In the red velvet
livery of the typical footman he
was certainly something worth
iookin0 at Mr. DainOArfald