JUVENILE DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE.

Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1160, 20 March 1874, Page 2

JUVENILE DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE.

The juvenile performance ou Tuesday evening may, without exaggeration, be described as an immense success. The young tyros of the sock and buskin performed their parts well. They were, in stage parlance, dead letter perfect in their parts, were untroubled with the slightest qualms of stage fright, and went in for the business of the mimic scene with a confidence which older amateur stagists might envy. The historic drama of the " Blind Boy " was an ambitious effort for youngsters, but, thanks to judicious training, each character was well filled and intelligently acted, evoking many expressions of admiration an I surprise that youngsters should do so well. Mr B. Strachan, the stngo manager, may he sincerely congratulated upon the success lis untiring oflbrts in drilling his juveuilo dramatic recruits. The lady character of tl e piece was sustained by Miss M. M'Bonald, and Matter T, Fleming was the Blind Boy, Masters Stephen and Georgo Falla were the king and prince, and Master Fnu ks in tho first act an 1 Master Mm to iu tho second act performed

the character of the heavy father. Master AV. Kathbuu was tlio good genius of tlio piece and friend in need, Master T. Easton the jovial village swain, and Master Lloyd the first villain. Masters Field, Franks, and E. and J. Labatt were Guards of an uncertain era, but most picturesque in costume. The piece was not only well played but well mounted. The scenery was good and appropriate, and tlio dresses in tasteful keeping with the characters assumed, and, considering the limited area of the stage, tho various groupinn's and tableaux were well arranged. At the fall of the curtain loud calls were given for the manager, who came on and bowed bis acknowledgments. The second part of tho performance was a most amusing bit of fun. Iu pantomimic action the young comedians portrayed the adventures and misadventures of a blooming village maiden and her admirers. There was the young and favored Lothario and his graceful Hebe, Master Willie Gothard,whomadeupas a rosy checked and lively girl of tho period ; the portly squire, whom the audience dubbed Hooper & Dodson, and roared with fun afc the comic presentment ; and with him also a seriously comic member of the Chadband family; the " preplexed parient" was there also and his crew of jolly anvil men, whose irons in the fire were always hot for mischief. The fun evoked from such materials tickled tho audience immensely, aud when the curtain came down deafening calls again arose for " Strachan," aud also "Day," The latter gentleman .having worked most zealously in preparing for the event. They, of course, both came on and acknowledged the hearty compliment paid them. It is only necessary to add that tho hall was crowded, and many went away from the doors unable to obtaiu even a sight of the stage. Thus the pecuniary results will be satisfactory. The musical portion of the performance was entrusted to Miss Falla, and formed by no means the least enjoyable portion of the entertainment. A word of praise is certainly also due to Messrs Green and Lock for the assistance rendered in getting up the scenes and stage properties. It is intended in a short time to arrange another juvenile performance on behalf of the funds of the District Hospital.