ANGLO CELT - April 7, 1853 -- part 2 ----------------------------------------------------- THEATRICALS AT THE KILMORE ACADEMY. On the nights of Thursday and Friday last, the young gentlemen entertained the respectable inhabitants of Cavan and its vicinity, with an amateur dramatis performance. About two hundred of the elite of the town and neighbourhood were in attendance. A house to the rere(sic) of the Academy was tastefully fitted up ; the walls were decorated with festoons of evergreens ; and two large chandeliers well supplied with Prices'Patent, threw a brilliant light over the entire scene. The scenery was neat and suitable, well arranged, and skilfully managed. In front of the stage was erected a gallery for the band, from which, at regular intervals, they played some sweet and enthralling airs. The play selected for the first night was the tragedy of Barbarossa, the production of an eminent divine, and particularly recommended for the excellent moral it contains (i.e.) that patience under affliction, and a resigned submission to the Divine will, never fail ultimately to procure happiness for the distressed. Being present on both nights, and having taken an interest in the proceedings, we are consequently enabled to give an opinion as to the relative merits of each of the performers. The difficult character of Barbarossa, was supported with ability and judgment by Mr. Jas. O'REILLY ; whether regarded as the tyrant, enjoying a savage triumph over his devoted victims, Selim and Xaphire(Laphire?), or writhing under the remorse of conscience, when that death, which he so often contemned, drew near, he was equally energetic, natural and expressive. In a word, he appeared to understand fully the character which he assumed ad did it ample justice. Selim, the hero of the play, was personated by Mr. A. M'KENNA in the clever style, which has heretofore characterized his appearance on the boards. His representation of Acmit(?), the supposed murderer of Selim, in the early part of the performance, was quite natural ; but, having thrown off the garb of the slave, his singular abilities were so strikingly manifested in his native character of Selim, as to take the entire audience by surprise. His emphatic gesture and manner of delivery, gained for him well-merited applause. Mr. T. BRENNAN enacted the character of Othman vigourously and with effect. At the closing scene, the death of Barbarossa, he particularly distinguished himself. The characters of Sudi and Aladdin were cleverly sustained by Mr. Tm M'ENROE and Mr. H. NEWMAN. We cannot praise too highly the two young gentlemen who appeared in female character. Zapldre(?) (Mr. P. C. HORAN), was unequalled in her vehement denunciations of the tyrant who slew her husband, and banished "her blameless son" ; and the conduct of a tender and affectionate daughter, as well as of a true and faithful lover, was admirably portrayed by Mr. James FARRELLY, as Irene. This play terminated with the laughable and amusing farce, entitled "The Irish Tutor." Mr. H. NEWMAN, as Doctor O'Toole, was quite apropos with his character, and such a rich vein of drollery pervaded his manner of action and delivery, as called forth the frequent and enthusiastic plaudits of the audience. As Mr. Thwell(?) and his son Charles, Mr. James O'REILLY, and Mr. BRENNAN carried out their parts in good style. Dr. Flail was very ably personated by Mr. C. M'CABE ; and Mr. J. O'REILLY and Mr. Wm. O'BRIEN passed off very well as Mary and Rosa. On the second night (Friday) the play performed was "The Bride of Lammermoor." The fact of its being connected with the name of Scott, is a sufficient guarantee for its worth, and therefore required no comment. The principal character, Edgar, Master of Ravenswood, was very ably supported by Mr. A. M'KENNA. In the last scene, which was a most difficult one, he fully confirmed the high opinion entertained of his talents, as well by his skillful gesture and polished manner, as by his good elocution. In the indignant rebuke in which he charges Lucy Ashton with a breach of plighted faith, he appeared to the greatest advantage. Sir Wm. Ashton lost nothing in the hands of Mr. James O'REILLY ; had he a more prominent character he would have done justice to it. Mr. NEWMAN appeared to be in his proper sphere as Bucklinn(Buck....?), and sustained the character cleverly. The part of Captain Craigengelt was well supported by Mr. T. M'ENROE, his bearing and manner were in strict accordance with the craven character he assumed. Mr. BRENNAN was effective in the little he had to do, as Colonel Ashton. Mr. M'SHARRY, as Randolph (the clergyman), performed his part admirably. His sober, sacredotal appearance, together with the solemnity of his delivery, gave to the character he sustained, the stamp of reality. Mr. B. SHERIDAN, in the character of Caleb, displayed considerable tact and ability. The dearest object of his interest, "the credit of the family." had in him a real and faithful advocate ; and the perfect nonchalance with which he invented and recited lies in its maintenance, elicited roars of laughter. He was very ably seconded in his ludicrous exertions by his gudewife Mysie, in the person of Mr. John O'REILLY. Mr. F. O'REILLY, in his representation of Lady Ashton, made a good impression. Mr. James FARRELLY, in Lucy Ashton, both felt and acted, and his pathetic delivery produced a thrilling effect upon the audience. This drama was followed by the admirable afterpiece of "Rory O'More," in which the wit, humour, and patriotism of the Irishman are so glowingly pourtrayed(sic). Although we thought Mr. SHERIDAN more at home in representing Caleb, yet in sustaining the part of the rolicking and humorous Rory, he was natural both in speech and action, and the effect produced showed how admirably he salted that character. Mr. A. M'KENNA was perfectly at ease in De Lacy ; and he kicked out old Scrubbs with all imaginable politeness. Mr. M'CABE as Scrubbs was a living representative of the yeoman of former days. The dastardly bravo, De Wedkin(Welskin?), was exceedingly well sustained by Mr. NEWMAN. Col. Thunder, Shan Dhu, and Soldering Solomon, were fairly represented by Messrs. M'ENROE, O'REILLY, and TRAYNOR. The latter gentleman was so faithful a representative of old Solomon, in both manner and appearance, that roars of laughter greeted at all times his entrance on the stage. The female characters in this play were well sustained by Messrs. O'REILLY, FARRELLY, FITZPATRICK, and KIERNAN. Mr. FARRELLY in particular did full justice to the character of the artless, yet spirited, Irish peasant girl, Mary O'More. The performance being terminated, Mr. M'KENNA in a short but eloquent address, returned thanks, and was listened to with marked attention. We cannot conclude this brief notice, without congratulating our young friends, on the great success which has attended their appearance as theatrical performers. They far surpassed our expectations ; we were not prepared to find among persons so young, so much wit, humour, and courage ; and above all, such an intimate and practical knowledge of elocution, as they so manifestly displayed on the occasion. The audience was perfectly delighted, having but one regret, that the amusement terminated so soon. We trust to see it shortly renewed ; as irrespective of the great pleasure it affords the inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood, it will be of considerable service to the young men themselves when entering hereafter on the stage of public life. ==================================================== County Cavan Newspaper Transcription Project