Coppin’s Royal Dramatic Company.

Manawatu Herald, 13 February 1902, Page 3

Coppin’s Royal Dramatic Company.

STRUCK OIL,

On Tuesday evening next, the 18th February, in the Public Hall, Foxton, Coppin’s Royal Dramatic Company will produce the evergreen American Musical Comedy-Drama of “Struck Oil.” Mr George Coppia plays the part of John Stoefel, the simple-minded boot and shoemaker who goes to the war as a substitute for Deacon Skinner (Mr Bob Nelson) for tho consideration of a deed of a farm on which oil is found, and is supposed to have been killed. The Deacon claims the farm as ho says ho never gave a deed to John and as John Stoefel has hidden the deed; under the hearthstone of the fireplace nobody knows anything of it, but the Deacon has an idea that it is hidden about the shop somewhere and attempts to buy John’s old home. In the meantime John returns and does not know of it. He is crazy and meets with an accident and is operated upon by Doctor Brown (Mr Will Wallace), who restores him to reason and ha (John) appears on the scene just in time to prevent, the signing of the deed which makes the Deacon owner of the house, and produces the long sought-for deed, and the Deacon is arrested as a swindler and perjurer. Miss Millie Collier, who. established herself as a warn favourite when the Company were here before, plays the part of Lizzie Stoefel and sings several songs incidental to the play, and her rendering of the character is spoken of by all our contemporaries as being most artistic. Mr Paul Clifford, a new addition to the Company and lateleading juvenile with the Coegrovr Coy., plays the part of Sergeant Flynn. Miss Emmeline Vercol that of Mrs Stoefel, the other parts being taken by Messrs Lionel Harcourt, Lyndon Smithson and Selth. Mr Coppin’s performance of the part of John Stoefel has been recognised by the press of all the Colonies of Australasia to be more than equal to that of J. 0. Williamson, the original John Stoefel, and we would advise all our readers not to miss witnessing the performance of “ Struck Oil ” on Tuesday night next.