Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-11-26
SPLENDID ENTERT AINMENT BY
Clever GROUP OF AMATEURS IN
THANKSGIVING EVENING PLAY

high order was the society drama.
"a Successful Calamity" presented
by sterling cast of Augusta ANA
teurs at City Hall, THANKSGIVING
evening, under the auspices of the
Womens Department of the Augusta
Y. NJ. G. A. The play contained d
splendid element of comedy and with
sustained plot that held the interest
of the large audience, the splendid
characterizations by the well trained
actors won apprectative applause and
appreciation.
To designate the work of any one
of the actors, above that of any other
would be unfair as each and every
one handled his or her part In a
most excellent manner but the lead
ing roles were played by Ralph w.
Farris as the millionaire who longed
to spend a quiet evening at home;
Mrs. Mary S. Ingraham was radiant
and thoroughly lovable in the part
of his young second wife; Miss Polly
Sturtevant as Marguerite, the daugh-
ter gave one of the finest interpreta-
lions of a difficult role that has been
seen in a season of exceptionally
good amateur offerings. Miss Sturte-
wants support of the other members
of the cast was at all times depend
able, and her handling Of her own
role was perhaps one of the high
lights of the presentation.
In the part of Albertine, the excit-
able little French maid in the Wilton
home, Miss Rose Dostie contributed
an exuberant spirit that in no small
measure carried a vivacious bit OF
light comedy through the dramatic
sequences of the play. Another sup
porting role which called for anle
work was that of Connors, the but
Ter. and In this characterization Ralph
Brown added new triumph to ms
successful record of amateur EFFORTS.
As a splendid foil for the worldly
character of Miss Sturtevant as tine
daughter, Raymond S. Grant was en-
tirely adequate as the millionalres
son. The predicaments OF Marguer-
ties two suitors. as played by VIII
liam p. Viles and Charles Webb were
interestingly followed by the audi
ence. and the acting of these two
Young men at all times sustained the
smooth development of the most ex-
cellent story. ,,o
Miss Eleanor Wilcox as julie
Darlington, flancee of Eddie Wilton;
Horace Ingraham as the family ply
stefan. DR.. Broodie, and FL. Augustus
Uuse as Pietro Rafaelo, the tempefa-
mental Italian portrait painter all
contributed to the final success OF the
production, and with the other mem
bers completed one of the most tai
ented casts that has been assembled
for an amateur presentation in TINS
city in several seasons.
The story of the play itself was
that of a millionaire, tired OF the
hectic demands of social lie upon
himself and the other members OF his
household who Is prompted by an IN
nocent conversation with his butler
to give his family to believe that ne
has been ruined financially. upon
this theme Is built succession of
events which introduced comedy,
pathos. drama and. all of the human
emotions, finally resulting in a happy
solution of the several problems and
uncertainties thus INTERCEPTED. Ralph
Farris' Interpretation of the leading
role was of professional caliber, and
carried the action and story most
convincingly.
There were two acts with two
scenes in each act, but as the scene
was placed in the living room of the
Wilton home in each instance. there
were no long intermissions for
changes of settings. The stage set
ting was attractive and the manage
ment of the play in the program
graciously extended credit to Mr..
Wallace Diplock. The rehearsing of
the cast for the production and the
stage direction was by the veteran
actor-director H. Augustus Huse of
Bath.
Between the acts CT the play Marty
Fox and his Aces presented a most
enjoyable musical program. and this
nne aggregation of musicians also
played for the general dancing, which
followed the drama. The entire eve-
ning's entertainment was most sue
cessful from every standpoint and
thoroughly enjoyed by the holiday
audience.