Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-09-27
''PRUNELLA" GETS
BIG RECEPTION
Successful Amateur Production
Will Be Repeated This Even
ing to Large Audience

A delighted audience of several
hundred filed the garden south of the
Civic Clubs home at Front and North
streets last evening during the amateur
production of "Prunella" by young
ladies and girls prominent in Harris
burg's social life. Love in a Dutch
Garden" is the other title of the
quantity entertaining, romantic COM
edy, in which every member Of the
Statue of Love, impersonated by Miss
Nell Payne, sat on raised dais as the
guiding spirit of the play throughout
the three acts.
The play, which will be repeated
this evening, is worthy of the support
sale of tickets and from the coffee,
cocoa and cake served after each per-
formance by pretty mattresses, are to
De used for furnishing a portion of the
new clubhouse recently turned over to
the Civic Club. 1t is expected that
over $300 will be realized as q result
of the two evening performances.
Acting Under Difficulties
Ideal weather conditions prevailed
for the first night, the only unfortu-
nate part of the, event being the an
noyance caused by motorcycles and
other pleasure vehicles passing back
and forth with cutouts open. Chief of
Police Wetzel has been strongly urged
in the interests of a civic enterprise to
divert traffic between North and State
streets in Front during the playing of
"Prunella." Many of the best lines of
the play lost their effect through the
deafening roar of motorcycles.
Miss Dora w. Coe as Pierrot and
Miss Eleanor n. Clark as Prunella took
the leading parts and were enthusi-
astically received. Both girls showed
unmistakable signs of histrionic ability
and acted their parts most effectively.
Ably supported by a well-balanced cast
of attractively costumed girls, the lead
ing characters led the way through the
difficult portions Of the play with the
ease of old-timers.
The three gardeners and the gar
deners boy came in for their share of
praise, and the prim aunts. against
whose restrictions Prunella finally re-
belled, were the cause of much favor
able comment. The mummers with
their Variegated costumes kept things
lively and were on the jump every
minute, showing a commendable zeal
that threatened at one time to precipi-
tate the ladder on which Prunella es-
capes into the laps of a fearful audi
ence. The sphinx-like Statue of Love
and the two busy little maids did their
share to entertain an appreciative au-
dience. and another packed garden"
is expected for this evenings perform
ance.
The Serenade." sung by Mrs. Roy
G. Cox in the second act, was one of
the best features of the play and was
repeatedly encored. The Sara Lemer
trio made it's first appearance and
created a decidedly favorable impress
sion.
Hot Coffee Served
The lighting effects were good and
the acoustics satisfactory under the
circumstances. Every one who had q
share in contributing to the success of
the play deserves credit. To these the
Civic Club wishes to express its
heartiest thanks and appreciation.
The play was produced under the di-
rection of Mrs. Sanford d. Coe, assisted
by Mrs. Farley Gannett. Mrs. Elaine
w. Riley Miss Virginia largest King,
secretary, and Miss Frances Morrison,
treasurer.
Committee on Refreshments
The refreshment committee was
composed as Miss Ruth Payne, chair
man. Miss Elizabeth Knisely and Miss
Eleanor Etter. The ushers were Miss
Mary Elizabeth Meyers, Miss Louise
Carney, Miss Martha Fletcher. Miss
Elizabeth Ross. Miss Marian Hean,
Miss Mary Kunkel, Miss Catherine
Gorgas and Miss Almeda Herman.
The ushers for this evening will be
Miss Margaret McLain, Miss Myrvinne
I,eason. Miss Katherine Stamm. Miss
Caroline Lynch. Miss Augusta Hean
and Miss Ruth Killing.