Gilpin observer., 1909-09-02
ARABIAN NIGHTS

revelation in the possibilities of
amateur theatrical performances was
presented to large audience at Can.
mons hall Nevadaville, Tuesday even.
ing. AS vehicle for the talent of
an exceptionally strong cast "The
ARABIAN Nights" three act comedy
was chosen. The action of the play
centers in the suddenly developed
prevaricating proclivities of Arthur
Hummingtop. In the absence of his
wife. Hummingtop becomes the inno-
cent victim of the wiles of winsome
and cunning adventures. Betrayed
into what appears to a meddling
mother-in-law as a compromising sit
ua,don, he tells one lie to get out of
1t, then tells a dozen more to square
that and then finds that he has only
got into it. In the complications that
ensue Hummingtop introduces the ad-
ventures (who has forced herself in
to his household and refuses to be
dislodged) as his neice, his neice as
the daughter Of his best friend, his
best friend in turn is a single man:
a benedict, confirmed bachelor and
a widower. His desperate endeavors
to extricate himself from the whirI-
pool of complications into which his
legion OF lies has drawn him fur
nishcs abundant opportunity for sew
eral excruciatingly funny scenes. In
fact it was a scream from rise to
drop that was thoroughly appreciated
and enjoyed by the large crowd pre-
sent. Thomas the manager of the pro-
duction who assumed the title role
had part eminently suited to his
well known histrionic abilities. As Mr..
Hummingtop he won new laurels for
careful and painstaking work in a
difficult portrayal. Rosamond Richards
made winsome and attractive Mrs.
Hummingtop. Henry Trezise as Ralph
Ome-ford, the artistic friend Of his
principal gave an ideal portrayal of
the brilliant and accomplished gentle
man and (as was expected) in the
love scene was especially strong. As
Daisy Maitland the niece, Mary Paul
soon found warm place in all
hearts. In the absence of the villain.
Katie Stevens as the hated mother
in-law gave an artistic setting to the
oh
in tn. course of the play. The minor
parts of Dobson and Barbara taken
respectively by Hugh Lawry and Miss
Annie Quintrall were in capable
hands and their work much to the
continued hilarity of the play. And
without detracting in the least from
the other members of the cast can
dor compells special mention of the
work OF Ella Dickerson as Rosa
Columbier, the adventures and T. ].
Newlun as Joshuah Gillibrand the
half developed appendix of an other
wise above par family. So naturally
and easy did Miss Dickerson fit into
her part it was hard to believe in
witnessing the scenes in which she
featured that the play was not be
ing interpreted by experienced profess
sionals. And as for Mr.. Newlun, his
very appearance evoked laughter and
when that droll drawl emanating from
a mouth (Which looked as il it had
been made as homely as it couli
and afterwards kicked by mule)
rolled out upon the crowd, convul.-
sions became an epidemic. The play
was not only well acted but well stag
ed. scenic effects and properties be-
ing beyond criticism. The musical
numbers between the acts added
much to the entertainment Of the
evening. At the close of the play
Thomas Roberts. whose able manage
ment made the excellent production
possible, delighted the audience by
announcing that another play is in
course Of preparation and would be
presented In the near future.
Fishelton White Plymouth Rocks.