“SAVOURNEEN DEELISH.”

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 51, 17 March 1894, Page 12

“SAVOURNEEN DEELISH.”

The members of the Irish Dramatic Society gave a very good account of themselves on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, when they appeared in the above named drama. It formed a capital pendant to Wednesday’s highly successful gathering in the Park Reserve, and, what is more, drew large audiences, particularly on the opening night. The play is full of life and movement, passes rapidly from grave to gay, and abounds in the elements that appeal strongly to an audience—love, sensition, and the unmasking of villainy. The piece deals with the fortunes and misfortunes of the Kavanagh family. The part of Harry Kavanagh, the victim for a time of a seeming friend, one Stephen Purcell, was admirably played by Mr J. McNatty. Mr T. J. Anthony, as Barney O’Toole, the friend of the family, had a congenial role, and never failed to score. He couldn’t but be droll if he tried ever so hard. Mr R. H. Ashcroft has such a pleasant voice, and such a good stage presence that one could not help regretting that he bad for the time being to be the embodiment of treacherous rascality. A more soft-spoken, gentlemanly scamp could not be desired. Mr J. R. Richards was equal to all requirements as Farmer Grace, and Mr W. D. Smith as Black Mullins and Phelim gave evidence of his possession of a good deal of histrionic ability. Good service was also done by Messrs McSherry, E. B. McKay, T. Mclnerney, D. Farnie, H. B. Anthony, G. Straehan, T. Pope, T. Mannix, and T. Hinchey. As for the ladies in the cast, nothing but praise can be bestowed on Miss K. Cavanagh, who represented the heroine, Kathleen Kavanagh. Vivacious, yet natural, she made a fascinating “colleen.” Miss Bradley, as Widow Kavanagh and Molshe, acquitted herself remarkably well, displaying great versatility of talent. The Mary Grace of Miss Hishon was a capital impersonation, and her singing of the pensive incidental song in the first act gave ample scope for her fine voice. Miss K. Kane brought the small part of the Widow Malone into prominence by he* life-like style, and Miss C. Anthony and Master C. Matheson also did well. Mr D. Bradley’s scenery deservedly secured for him several calls before the curtain, while the music supplied by Mr A. Ferguson’s orchestra was of the best. Mr J. R. Richards proved a capable stage manager—indeed toe manner in which the play was presented reflects credit on all concerned.