Goldsboro semi-weekly argus., 1909-11-06
A FINE PERFORMANCE.
"Alice i'm Wonderland" Superbly Rem
dered by Amateurs.

lance IN WOn0erlaH0 SupeFUly DAoH'
dered by Amateurs.
I.ynchburg News.
The musical extravaganza, Alice in
Wonderland" presented at the Acad-
emy of Music last night by about two
hundred and fifty of the best local tai
ent Under the direction of Col. John
F Bragg, of New York, and Miss Hope
Leons d, the composer of the music,
vas one Of the most cred1table
achievements that has ever been eff
teotcd along this line in Lynchburg.
from the rise to the final drop OF
tce curtain, the interest did not for a
IL oment drag. The audience, which
was a large and an appreciative one,
was delighted with each number, and
encored often and heartily. Practi
cal1y every one was personally in
terested in one or more of the per-
formers, which made it doubly enjoy
able.
The success with which the anna,
teurs carried out their parts was real
was the first time the young per-
formers had ever been inside the
Academy, and, despite this fact, there
we're scenes in which the fact that it
Was local talent was completely lost
sight of, and the performance took
the appearance of a high-class comic
opera.
The star of the evening was unques-
tionably Alice" which role was ta-
ken by little Miss Rosalie Franklin.
This pretty little maiden, with her
perfect grace, her soft, musical voice,
and witha1, her complete self-posses-
sion, made a most favorable impress
sion upon every one present.
To attempt to give word of well
deserved. praise to every one entitled
to it would mean mention of prac
tica11y every name which appears in
the cast Among the most popular
were the King and Queen Of Wonder
land, taken by Mr.. Robert M. Wood
son and Miss Emily Amber, Miss
Ethel Nelson, as columbia" acted
the part with admirable good taste,
while Mr.. Howard Barger, in the role
of "Uncle SAM" proved an able CO.
partner
The different animals appearing in
the play were well represented. Prob
ably the best was the mouse, which
though the Cheshire cat with its gun,
by Emanuel wilkins, was close sec
ond The caterpillar and the white
rabbit, given by Harold Martin and
R. P. Magoon, respectively. both de-
serve especial notice.
The specialties proved very popu-
lar, notably the flag drill and the
pony girls. The flag drill showed
CAREFUL and thorough training, and
the result was an effect that would
have done credit to professionals. The
pony girls, dressed entirely in tan
made quite hit in the song, "Pony
Boy" and responded to several en-
cores. The Indians and the sailors
also deserve much credit for theil
c1ever representations.
The music was bright and catchy
| throughout the entire performance
The color effects, produced by the
| footlights and the spotlights were un
usually pretty, and this, combined
with an artistic selection Of costumes
made some of the scenes dazzingl!
beautiful.
It is probable that the attempts o
the little folks we're the most enjoy
able of all. Each childish recital o
the familiar old nursery rhymes, "Lit
tie Boy Blue,'' Little Bo Peep" "Lit
tie Jack Horner," and many others
brought forth good applause. The fey
variations from the intended program
only tended to keep the audienc
aware that the performance was Q
local talent, and if anything, made
more decided hit than otherwise woul
have been.
The double sextet by the more ma
ture actors and actresses was one {
the most taking features Of the ever
ing. The last scene, the royal cour
J was really gorgeous as to costumes
grouping and color effects.