East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1913-03-27
~>%>~%<%>~~~ . . = = . . =

Despite what may be said to the
contrary, it is an audience that deter
mines the success or failure of a pro-
! duction. and to judge from the favor
! able comment of The College PEN
nant' which was heard after the play
last evening, the Elks' musical at the
oregon theater was the biggest local
talent success ever appearing. A
play may be ever so good and may
win the plaudits of critics the coun-
try over but if an audience judges it
tiresome or flat, not all the bolstering
in the world will help it, or prevent
1t becoming a failure. So in this in
stance, a criticism is hardly neces-
sary. The audience-which filled the
oregon to capacity last night-saw,
judged and passed comment. And
that comment is the best advertising
the Elks' show can receive. In brief.
it amounts to this: "The plav was
perfectly great"
From a financial standpoint the
venture Is going to prove a huge sue
cess With the capacity house last
evening and with about all seats sold
for tonight, the local lodge will make
fair start in its campaign to raise
the roof" of it's temple.
1t can be said that those who see
the production tonight will be treat
ed to feast of song and music which
will be worth while. The premier is
always the crucial test. and the man
ner in which the musical was render
p1 la of aUnniner nro1i,te,
cess. Now that the cast knows what
1t is to face an audience. and what
with the first sensation of appearing
behind the footlights having been ex-
perienced, the second night bids fair
to eclipse the first
There were but few incidents to
mention which in any way We're no
ticeable slips. The chorus BOYS and
girls took honors deserving of a pro-
fessionarlly trained company They
rendered the songs with spirit and
the dances they executed in graceful
form. The feature songs were all
well done. These were "Mooning'-
Lucille (Mrs. Roy Alexander) and
chorus; Lingering" Adolph and
Heinie and Spanish girls Jack Urqu-
hart, Jim Estes, Miss Sheridan and
Miss Ranking. The stage effects for
these songs are decidedly pretty.
The curtain rises on a wharf scene
the boys chorus, dressed as sailors.
singing "Heave Ho." Then follows
two character songs, "Faderland for
Mine" by Adolph and Heine, assisted
by the chorus, and Back to Iowa"
J..
phia (Mrs. Brooke Dickson) aided by
the chorus. Mr.. Fletcher and Mrs.
Dickson scored an unqualified success
in their song, while the Dutch come
dians were encored again and again.
In the second act the opening
chorus is "Out on the Sea- with Incl
dental solos by Miss Rahe and Mr..
Jordan. Miss Edna Zimmerman sings
Grand Old Flag" assisted by the
chorus. Miss Zimmerman renders
the song beautifully and was given
a fattering appreciation by the au-
dience. In the third act. the open
ing song is victory" a tuneful rem
dition.
Too much cannot be said of these |
songs which are all pleasing and |
tuneful. Director Brown is to be con- |
graduated for his way of training the
chorus and members of the cast to |
act their parts in such creditable
manner.
The United Orchestra of 10 pieces
gave an excellent program between
acts and played the music of the
songs in way that heightened the
pleasure In these numbers
The Characters,
The production developed the fact
hat there Is some histrionic talent In
Pendleton, real amateur stars. In
Bob" Fletcher Mrs. Westbrooke
Dickson, Jim" Estes and Jack
Jrquhart, quartet of funmakers
vas discovered who could make
good" before any audience and with
he seats filled last evening with peo-
,le who knew them in everyday life
hey were one tremendous hit
Fletcher assumed the role of Tim
THY Stubble, tiller OF the soil from
I'D Iowa and he had all the ear
marks of man whose life has been
pent where the kline loweth and the