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Show "Mrs. Bumpstead-Leigh"MRS. BUMPSTEAD-LEIGH proved to be a comedy par excellence. Rapid-fire action; brisk, snappy dialogue, and situations incomparable as laugh-producers, characterized this ingenious product. It is sufficient proof of the merits of any play to say that Mrs. Fiske used it as a starring vehicle, and Miss Maud May Babcock is to be highly congratulated for having arranged with Mrs. Fiske for the production of so successful a play.The characterizations were handled with admirable ability. As Mrs. Fisk's prototype in the character of Mrs. Bumpstead-Leigh, Lila Eccles was a delight never to be forgotten. Her interpretation was remarkable for its thorough comprehension, and the ability of displaying such diversified talent as the duplicity of Mrs. Bumpstead-Leigh demanded. After Lila Eccles, Armorel Dixon assumed her role most creditably. As the ingenue she was delightful for her charm and demureness. Miss Edyth Barlow as the stupid old mother won her share of well deserved commendation. Jennetta Stephens as a type of staid nobility held up her role with all the dignity required. Annie Staines was charming and acquitted herself with ease. Clara Kimball, although having little opportunity, presented the maid with perfect skill and was thoroughly pleasing.Of the male characters, Herbert Maw as Pete Swallow, the loquacious and ubiquitous tombstone commercialist, was the real comedy hit of the play. His flagrant braggadoccio and immoderate self-conceit were delightfuL Allen Thurman as the cowboy and lover played the part with consummate ability. Vernon Snyder as the butler did creditably. Mr. Giles as the villain made love as only a villain would and displayed thereby his innate talents for that kind of acting. Mr. Ruggeri and Mr. Peterson both assumed their parts with credit.The play was admirably cast and was a laugh from curtain to curtain. To Miss Babcock is the credit due of whipping such a difficult performance into shape.Twelve performances were given; four to the north, including Ogden, Brigham City, Logan and Preston; five to the south, at Springville, Provo, Manti, Ephraim and Payson; and three performances in Salt Lake at the Garrick, December 12 and 13. Over eight hundred student's activity cards were submitted to the box office, an unprecedented fact in the annals of University theatricals, owing, beyond any possibility of a doubt, to the resourcefulness and expertness of the managers, Roscoe Ashworth and Herbert Schiller. These were the men, who by their adroit management, engineered the dramatic club through the most successful season known in the annals of the club.>1MKJl Ku145 |