The following is a review of The Kentucky Belle, from a 22 March 1928 issue of the Evening Guide.
MORRISH PLAY WELL RECEIVEDProduction Pleased Large Number Who Enjoyed Ladies' Aid Entertainment Wednesday
The Morrish Dramatic Club presented their play "The Kentucky Belle" in the local United Church Sunday School Hall under the auspices of the Ladies' Aid Society last evening and were welcomed by a host of citizens who filled the hall and thundered applause, so that the visitors would not be in doubt for a moment whether or not their efforts were appreciated.
Between acts musical talent entertained. Mr. Charles Doney sang a solo and later assisted in a mandolin solo and at another time, played a duet with Mr. M. Irwin. The Canton quartette, composed of Messrs. F.R. Currelly, A. Peters, M. Bickle and W. Bickle and accompanied by Mrs. Currelly, gave several numbers which were very much enjoyed and their generous response to encores was greatly appreciated.
One of the most enjoyed features of the evening was a quartette, in which four quaintly-dressed youngsters participated, the Lewis twins, Ruth and Grace, and John McHolm and Harry Cotter. They had such a unique presentation that everyone was delighted.
As for "The Kentucky Belle", it was a good story well-staged; that is to say, there were no star players because each one, from the principal players down, played his or her part with such excellence that there was really no outstanding actor so that the play was the outstanding success. Below is given a list of those who presented "The Kentucky Belle".
Cast of Characters
- Miss Maria DouglasMrs. Sculthorpe
- Isabel Douglas, niece of Miss DouglasKathleen Lancashire
- Marie Van HarlengerMrs. H.A. Walker
- Col. Wm. Van Harlenger, suitor to IsabelMr. Steve Moore
- Dr. G. BlakeHarvey Osborne
- Miss Madden, trained nurseNorma Dickinson
- John Cason Gordon, aliasi John CasonRoss Dickinson
- Mrs. GordonElsie McHolm
- Miss GordonBernice Bebee
- Four LinemenDick Davidson, Mike Gogarty, Warren Davison, William Marvin
- Cindy, colored maidVilda Osborne
- Henry, colored boyJustin Hall
- Philip DuncanCarl Moore
- AccompanistsMiss Ruth Fanning, Mr. M. Irwin
The Morrish Dramatic Club is to be congratulated for the splendid way in which they put on "The Kentucky Belle" and we are certain that they will be welcomed back to Port Hope at any time, if they are putting on another play.
The Ladies' Aid served the visitors with refreshments before they returned home.
Cast photograph
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Front row: Harry Cotter, Ruth Lewis, John McHolm, Grace Lewis
Second row: Bernice Bebee, Elsie McHolm, Lila (Armstrong) Sculthorpe, Kathleen Lancashire, Ruby (Berry) Walker, William Marvin,
Third row: Henry 'Mac' Irwin, Warren Davison, Norma Dickinson, Richard 'Dick' Davison, Greta (Simpson) Bebee, Stephen Moore, Justin Hall, Vilda Osborne, Mike Gogarty, Ross Dickinson, Carl Moore, Harvey Osborne, Margaret Ruth Fanning, Charles Doney
Photograph credit: Mark Clayton (porthopehistory.com)
Peter and Barbara Bolton - Port Hope, Ontario
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