Evening journal., 1914-05-15
FIRST NIGHT OF
TOY SHOP" PLEASES
KIDDIES' FRIENDS

ma AN hAAAtDO
The "Toy Shop" was given its first
public presentation under the direc-
tion of Miss f. May Bookwalter, Of
Harrisburg, under the auspices Of the
Bible Glass and Christian Endeavor
of Westminster Presbyterian Church,
in the New Century Building last
night.
A scene Of magnificent splendor
was presented TO the crowd. which |
fairly filled the club when the curtains /
arose on the first act Persons filed |
the stage attired as dolls OF every
kind. There we're big dolls and lit
tie dolls; rag dolls and Japanese
dolls; girl dolls and boy dolls all
arranged in tier after tier which
arose from the stage level TO a height
for up I'm the flies.
"The Toy Shop" is one Of the most
notable home talent productions pre-
sented in this city i'm years. No Of
fort is being made 10 attain great
heights IN the dramatic art, all en-
deavor being In the direction of pre-
senting a treat for the eye and the
ear. That the effort is successful
was indicated by the frequent ap-
plause which greeted the various
numbers.
The opening scene Is laid In the
shop of an old toymaker &C.. l.. Reid
who is discovered working at his
bench, mendiug dollies while he sings
at his work. Mr.. Reid was excellent
in his role and portrayed the part
of the old tOymaker in excellent
manner A pathetic dialogue between
the toymaker and his blind daughter
Miss Mary Briggs). who takes the
part particularly well. takes place.
during which the toymaker describes.
for the benefit of his daughter, the
various dolls which she loves so well,
but Is unable to see. Surprised az
the lateness of the hour. the toy
maker hastens to put away his tools
and prepare the shop for the big
bargain day on the morrow.
The scene shifts to the woods, which
/ Puck (Warren Ayers and his fairies
are romping. After several charming
songs and dances, the fairies invade
the top shop and Puck, after winding
/ the clock, succeeds in awakening the
dolls. In this scene the Jacks in
4 the Box, as well as the Chinaman, arc
seen at their best.
Little Miss Elizabeth Thomas. who
is well known among the amateurs
of the city, has difficult part which
she carries out in most artistic
manner. The burden of the play is
carried by little Miss Thomas, who
won rounds of applause.
The second act opens in wood. and
during the progress of the first scene
a number of pleasing songs and dances
are presented. The Yankee boys sing
and drill Just like the sailors whom
they represent. and the Milkmaids
with Miss Theresa Seller, have a mum
beI which scores one of the big hits OF
the evening. Six young women
assist Miss Seller
The ipiries followed with a greeting
20 the prince Warren Ayers, an'
executed a stately minuet which pleas
ed the spectators. The dance of tn
flowers was next and the blossoms wer
each in turn presented 20 the prince
The tennis drill, participated IN b
, six young men and SIX young ladies
scored among the audience.
Bobby Shaftoe" Catherine Ayers
with his sweetheart elizabeth Outtenl
and Little Miss Fixit Nillie Weir
were most charming in their delightful
presentation of little Irritation. Thes
tots enacted their parts like proies
sionals.
"Day Dreams from the "Sprin.
Maid" was sung by Mrs. Howard Clarl
and George McHugh, assisted by a large
chorus, and was well received,
The program closed with the rendi
tion of a number OF choruses in the
toy shop and the "Bumble Bee mis-
Minnie Dillon. miss Of only few
summers. who carried the audience b,
storm by the rendition OF a delightful
little song Miss Dillon was in evi
dence throughout the performance an'
her efforts pleased all present.
Possibly the biggest hit OF the even
ing was scored by Miss Sara Tammany
assisted by six young men, in her sons
"Follow Me-
Miss Bookwalter's command over th'
children and her ability as a producer
were strongly in evidence, for ther'
was never any confusion and the show
went along smoothly from start to fin
ish
Tho "Toy Shop viii be repcato'
tonight and Saturday afternoon.