New-York tribune., 1908-12-22
HR. O'MARA'S SUCCESS.
Irish Singer Pleases Large audience
an "Peggy Mdchree.

Now that Denis O'Suliivan is no more Mr.. Joseph
O'Mara is without doubt the only distinguished
Irishman the stage singing the songs of his
native land they should be sung. He and
O'Sullvan were long contemporaries and though
both achieved d measure of success on the operate
stage and the concert platform, they were best
known and beloved of their countrymen for their
fine Interpretation OF Irish melodies and their ef-
fort to revive national pride in Celtic mnstrelsy,
and discourage the popular use of vulgar mu-
sical mixtures with Irish names. Mr.. OMara has
been heard here before and when he made his re-
entrance on the local stage last night he received
the enthusiastic and sincere applause of audi
that filled every seat in the Broadway Theatre.
AS Mr. O'Mara is not new to the American stage.
so. too, is the romantic incident in which he ap-
peared. It was made by Patrick Bidwell. the pen
name of the wife of the iamented O'Sulvan, and II
first produced four years ago at Wyndhams
Theatre. London with O'Sullivan Barry Treyor.
Later it presented in this country. and OSulu-
vans managers had arranged for his appearance in
this city when death overlook him. And there
is pretty sentiment about the entire production.
simple as is calling for critical attention
When that actor and singer died there was only
one ether man who could fill his place in any
genuine Irish drama such ne delighted to honor.
Joseph O'Mara, and Messrs. Brooks & Dingwali
deserve success for engaging real minstrel of
Erin.
Before the curtain was up ten minutes last night
OMara had his audience with his fine singing
of The Oud Plaid Shawl" and when he sang
Moore's tender melody of Believe Me. If All Those
Endearng Young Charms the applause was tre-
mendous In the second act he sang THE Exile's
Return and The Birds Fly South. The triumph
of the night when he gave with fine spirit
the old martial song of The Vests Awake" These
songs of the nation; they are historic, and SO
have deep significance for intelligent Irishmen.
What wonder then. that the assenbage cheered
O'Mara again and again? He responded with The
Wearin o til Green which he sang only d
good singer and a good Irishman sing it.
AS has been minated the play itself requires no
critical attention. The action drags when Q Mara
is not the stage. There are situations
but the story interesting. 1t concerns Lady Mar
garet O'Driscoll and Barry Trevor. The lady at
tended country fair and took it into her head to
pose a colleen Barry Trevor O'Mara) and
dashng Englishmsn happened along Trevor be
attached TO the lass and in a spirit of harity
a mock Wedding arranged. 1t gradually be
came known that a real priest had performed
the ceremony, and Bar"y declared the marriage
regular and inclined to he thankful
for it. The colleen took another view Of the stua
ton, and after pretty quarrel Barry went TO the
wars He returned again. made love to Lady
O'Drscoll and TejoiCed to know that she was
Peggy Machree." Miss Adrenne Auguarde, an
English actress, appeared Peggy and lived Up to
all the good things that have been said Of her She
is dainty performer. intelligent and attractive.
Indeed, she shared with O'Mara the honcrs of thes
night. The production is beautifully staged. Every
Celt who loves mis- native song. his native land,
should hear OMara sing The Vests Awake.