News: Spencer – Talent Show a Big Success (11 Mar 1881)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Lamoreux, Daniels, Parks, Stevens, Van Hecke, Robinson, Boe, Lowe, Clifford, Wood

----Source: Spencer Advance (Spencer, Marathon Co., Wis.) 17 Mar 1881

Our amateur dramatic troupe gave a rendition of “Ten Nights in a Barroom,” to a crowded house, last Friday evening, and as far as we have learned, the unanimous verdict is “well done.”

Mr. C. A Lamoreux, as Sample Swichel, proved himself as excellent delineator of character. But for the Physiognomy, no one would have recognized the “Sample” of the stage as the affable young Attorney of Spencer. We support he is not a novice in the amateur drama.

James E. Daniels effectually impersonated the successful miller transformed into the jolly landlord, who starts ut his new calling with bright visions of popularity and success, but alas! The baneful influence of the rum traffic recoils upon himself, and he sinks under the terrible scourge, until he become a poor degraded outcast, and is murdered by his own son.

Charles E. Parks, as the dissipated Joe Morgan, would have been a credit to any stage in the country. As a character artist he is excelled by but few, even among the professionals. His exhibition of that terrible malady, the delirium tremens, was almost too intensely real to be enjoyable, as anyone who has ever seen an unfortunate being struggling with imaginary demons, would be horrified by the close resemblance of the fiction to the fact.

Elbert E. Stevens represented Frank Slade, the fast and reckless son of the landlord, who mixed the drinks of the patrons of the bar with the skill of an expert, but since he is connected with the Advance family, propriety, or modesty, forbids any further comments.

John Van Hecke, the principal of our schools, assumed the character of Harvey Green, the quiet, designing southern gambler. The character was creditably sustained throughout. The murder of Willie Hammond was almost too thrilling to be pleasant, but that was the design of the scene and, as such, was a decided success.

James Robinson Jr. assumed the role of a traveling gentleman, who visits Cedarville at intervals, and notes the successive stages of the destructive work of intoxicants in society. It was not necessary for “Jamie” to “Put on” the character of a gentleman, as that is his natural gait, and he knows when he strikes it.

Harry Boe, as Willie Hammond, demonstrated to the satisfaction of the spectators that he is not an entire new hand “at the bellows.” In addition to his impersonation he gave a couple of German songs, which served as spice to the other portions of the intellectual repast.

Miss Nellie Lowe admirable represented the energetic and tidy landlady of the “Sickle and Sheaf.” Her earnest pleading to abandon the disgraceful bustles of keeping a whisky tavern, and how revolting is the rum traffic to the sensitive perceptions of a woman’s nature.

Miss Ella Clifford, as Mrs. Morgan, clearly illustrated the wonderful devotion with which women will cling to a besotted husband, amid all the reverses and desolations that come to a drunkard’s home. The patient, suffering, devoted and loving wife was effectually impersonated.

Miss Mamie Clifford creditably sustained the character of Mehitable Cartright, and also favored the audience with a couple of songs – one as an introduction to the entertainment and the other as an interlude.

Gertie Wood won the approbation of all present, in her representation of Little Mary Morgan. It would be difficult for anyone to improve this part of the performance.

Miss Maggie Clifford added considerably to the entertainment by excellent instrumental music.

So well was the audience pleased with the entertainment that several have already requested its repetition, which we hope the company will consider at an early day.