"Snowed In."

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 20 August 1891, Page 2

"Snowed In."

On Tuesday evening the Foxton Damatio Club performed the threeact comedy " Snowed In," for the benefit of Mrs Carroll. The performers should be highly gratified with the result of their efforts, as the curtain rose to a very larje house, and the piece ran from start to finish without a hitch. It is curious, but it is true, that a respectable audience hesitates to applaud, and there were many points which were allowed to pass in silence which deserved these marks of approval. The hardest parts were those of Kitty Rosemerry, Max Beymour, and Joe. Miss Burr, as Kitty, played her part excellently after the first start, and though suffering from a cold, spoke clearly, though hardly loud enough to be heard distinctly at the end of the hall. ; The other ladies failed also in. this respect. Miss Burr made a capital scene with Tim, when she put him down for having sent her a proposal of marriage. Her representation of annoyance and indignation called forth applause, and a bouquet was also thrown to her. Kitty made another good point in her soliloquy as to whether it was really true that Don had not flirted with her, but was in earnest. Miss k *tansell made a charming city belle, as Miss Fleming, and seemed readily to give up her fiancee Don for metal more attractive in the person of the wealthy Max Seymour. The pretty scene between Miss Stansel! arid Miss Burr, where they exchange love confidences during the period of preparing a pudding, was spoilt to the majority by the distance they took up from the front of the stage. The actions, and to those near, the words were all very natural and it was a strain to realise that one was not eavesdropping. Miss Stansell's lpve scene with Max was very well done, and created a strong feeling of jealousy against the lucky fellow. Mrs. Rosemerry, Miss Hester Burr, deserves every praise that can be given . her. She is a very young lady, not out of her teens, but "made up" as a charming young widow, and spoke and acted her part most admirably. She received, as she deserved, loud applause, for the very artful manner, and action, in taking her old admirer out. of the room-" Come Oliver," is very little to say, but it fetched the old man and. the house like an electric spark. Max, Mr J. E. McMillan, had a heavy part, and as we understand that it is his first appearance before the footlights, he is to be complimented on his performance. He was letter perfect, and had too much, in many places, to speak right off ; but he was earnest, and in many cases struck fire, and threw his fuil energy into the part. Max was particularly good in his sarcastic references to the objectionable Tim Striker, and seemed honestly to regret the pleasure he woul4 havederived from kicking him. Max telling Miss Fleming the story of the two boys was also very good, and there was was much earnestness in the completion when he declared " and the beautiful lady promised to marry the ill-natured boy after all, and sealed her promise with a kiss." Max's reflections as to the resemblance of love to a bucket in the well was given in an excellent manner. Max brought out his opinion as to Mr Fleming's statements with much point and effect, and eased his mind by an aside that " if h6 wasn't to be

my d^ther-m-fe^ I^XKiftLjnm a fool, and i^r^Sgrfa." Another, fortunately 'tin asfoermade him feel better— "Wet feet! The fool!" However, it, hurt no one, as Mr Fleming did not know. Joe the half witted lad, represented by Mr F. R. Young was a grand piece of of acting.. He certainly had the best character in the piece for producing fun, which he used, wisely and well. His appearance at all sorts of inconvenient times was productive of mirth, ■"- more especially when in the dusk, he bkike/iin upbn the love passagd&pf Max and Ethel Fleming, and expresses his regret, and I asks if he shall take the candle away 1 , Joe's make up reflected great credit upon the designer, it certainly was grotesque and patched. Joe received many marks of approval which he richly deserved. Donald, Mr Fraser, had but little to do, but what he did, he did well. His love making with Kitty, when he started simply to flirt with her was very true, and it is no wonder, that with such a pretty? girl,, his heart soon was gone. His returja from the snow, with both gir,ls ..helping him off with his overcoat was a very natural pje.ce fM&cting.- . : Mr Potter,] as ther mean man, was an admirable get up, but his articulation i was not good . when addresing the other actor**; He*, however, soored. well with Jus i remarks when concealed in the cupboard, as they were given with; promptness and emphasis, thus showing that ft ,little more experience would 'nave enabled him to have made more of his part. His next best part was where ht hesitated.to tell the girl he wanted, Kitty, what he had overheard about her, and the way, he wprked upon her inquisitiveness ta> matte him do so For a first appearance. -Mr Potter may congratulate him self on his efforts. Mi J. R> < '; Stapjseli, as Mr Fleming, the admirer of the pretty widow, had but. little to do, but his love scenes were gone through with a force that showed that the experiencies of his younger days still remained fresh. . :| : " The stage manager, Mr Woodham must not be forgotten,' as the scenic effects were very good, and we understand that the actors are indebted to him for a large amount of coaching. Mr Little acted as prompter, but had to exercise, his duty but seldom. It has hardly ever -fallen to our lot to witness a perfM^bnce by amateurs where so li^l^rompting was necessary, ..;>:':.-.. ;■ : The dresses of the ladies were neat and suitable, and as. the ladies looked so well, we do not know whether they Bet off the dresses, or the dresses, set then^^M^Jbut we could j*ee no; rda^ppuilesire any change. Joe- and Tim appeared iri.costumeß|<ta4e!6llie3R gecrtfemen in ordinary: Atitiß&~) Th'e"tfe is no doubt but that bpt|h Max and Don were two pronounced swells. We congratulate the Club most heartily on the great success, of the piece, and it says wonders for them in being able to retain the interest of the audience for iwo ; hours, with a piece that had so much v of interest but so little fun suited for the " gallery. M The Club should feel much obliged to Mr Koch for presiding at the piano. His selections were played with excellent akyle and- were much appreciated. ~ ■