Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1912-05-23
The Coburn Players.

Truly charming was the entertainment
afforded the people of Shepherdstown and
this neighborhood last Monday by the
Coburn Players. Their coming was an
event that will not be forgotten until they
themselves shall dispel its memories by
an even more delightful performance.
This aggregation OF artists, who have
won good reputation for themselves as
Shakesperean interpreters, was induced
to come here by the Shepherd College
folks, with Miss Lynne Waddell as the
most interested and active promoter OF
the enterprise. Public expectation of the
plays was high, but the performance more
than justified anticipation. Idealweather,
beautiful surroundings, talented actors
and appreciative audience were all in
friendly conspiracy to make this Shop
herdstown's most delightful entertain
ment.
The stage was set on the campus OF
the old Shepherd College building. Un-
der the stately trees and the blue sky,
EMPOWERED in foliage tastefully arranged,
one could readily imagine himself in the
forest of Arden. The play given in the
afternoon was ShakeSpeare's "As You
Like It," and the charming old comedy,
so full OF wit and philosophy, was acted
with spirit and beauty that delighted
the large audience that saw and heard
from comfortable seats upon the green
sward. II would take poet to describe
the lovely scene and express the keen
enjoyment of the altogether satisfactory
performance. 1t must be conceded, OF
course, from motives OF gallantrY and like
wise because il is true, that the chiefeSt
attraction was centered upon the charm
ing RoSalind and the attractive Celia,
Mrs. Coburn taking the part OF Rosalind
and Miss Eleanor Flowers that OF Celia.
Beautiful and graceful and sprightly, these
ladies played their parts exceeding well
and won the hearts OF the audience. Mr.
Charles Douville Coburn was very hand
some Orlando, playing the character with
grace and dignity and impressive natural
ness. Miss Dorothy Turner as the Shep-
herdeSs and Miss Caroline Baker as Au-
drey were also clever and sustained their
parts ingeniously. TouchStone, the fool,
in the person of Mr.. George Gaul, was
smart and adroit, and represented the
character with unusual ability, cleverly
combining foolishneSS with wisdom.
Splendid work was done by Mr.. Frank
Peters as Jacques, his reading of the "Sev-
en- Ages of Man" being a perfect thing.
Mr.. Henry BuCkler as the baniShed Duke
and Frederick, his brother, was most eX-
cellent, particularly in the latter part.
Indeed, to mention all who deserve men,
ton is to simply name the entire dramatiS
personae. The novelty of play given
outdoors added zest to the enjoyment
OF the audience and seemed at the same
time to inspire the actors. In the trees
overhead the birds sang loud and clear,
the cheerful brook that ran hard by muir
INJURED in soothing monotone as its wa
tiers leaped little fall, the dappled Shad-
owS that softened the spring sunshine
made variegated beautY-and so, with all
these natural delights aiding most COM
petent company OF players to render one
of the worlds famous plays, who would
not have enjoyed last Monday afternoon?
AT night the play was "The Canterbury
Pilgrims, "by Percy MacKaye. Although
not as popular as the comedy OF the al
ternoon, it was especially enjoyed by the
students of English literature, and was a
faithful representation Of those early Eng
llsh times. The players interpreted it
with great skill and judgment. Mrs. Co.
burn, as AliSoun, the Wife Of Bath, was
the Bright particular star the play Show
ing versatility and sprightlineSS that
was inimitable. Mr.. Coburn took the
leading part, that of Chaucer, the poet,
with much ability, and all the other per-
formers represented the numerous
characters most satisfactorily. The lights
were managed with great skill by William
Holland, and the scenic effects were won
deful and beautiful. Twas day, and
yet twas night, for did not a surprised
owl fly into the lighted tree and perch
upon Dough, gazing in wonder on the
strange invasion OF his shadowy domain?
From every standpoint the event was a
great success. The guarantee was met,
with more than hundred dollars to the
good; the community was edited by two
splendid plays; the company OF players
was pleased by so cordial and apprecia-
tive reception; visitors from other
towns enjoyed day here among their
friends; and not one unpleasant incident
occurred to mar the pleasure OF delight
full day. Our town owes large debt TO
Miss Waddell for her untiring energy and
ability in bringing here such delightful
entertainment. 1t goes without saying
that the Coburn Players must hereafter
make Shepherdstown an annual stopping
place.