"The Octoroon"

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 40, 20 September 1892, Page 2

"The Octoroon"

This drama was performed last night by our local amateurs on behalf of the Hunt Club funds. The piece was capitally put upon the stage, and went well throughout, the principal characters all showing careful study and knowledge of their parts. Miss A. Keen as " Zoe " the Octoroon, acted very well, though suffering from a severe cold. Miss Tuohey made an excellent young widow, her enunciation being clear and distinct, and Miss N. Parr was a charming " Southern Belle." Mr J. Lucre was a success as George Peyton. Mr F. Keen as Jacob McCloskey, excelled himself, his acting and make up being capital. We have no hesitation in saying that his representation of the character wai in every way far superior to the ordinary run of amateur acting. Mr R. F. Haybittle deserves great credit for the trouble he took to ensure success, as he worked very hard behind the scenes, in addition to playing the part of Salem Scudder well, for which he was frequently and heartily applauded. Mr J. Fraser as Pete, an old time Southern darkey, was very funny, and played quite up to his reputation. Mr J. Petherick as Sunnyside was a success, as was Mr A. Williamson as Ratts. Master J. Keen, as Paul, made a capital nigger boy, who is allowed to do as much as he likes, and has the Keen familys talent for acting. The other characters were all well sustained, and the performance all through was far above the average. We however would impress upon the characters the advisability of speaking up, as at times some of them were inaudible at the far end of the hall. The audienca was not large owing possibly to the inclement weather and Other attractions. The Orchestra played several selections during the evening excellently, and is an acquisition which our town may well be proud of.