"The Hampton Playhouse"

By Helen Donaldson

The Hampton Union & Rockingham County Gazette

Thursday, July 6, 1950

Preliminary reports about Hampton's summer guests at the playhouse have not been exaggerated. They are as good as the previewers said they were. We might even venture to say that these previewers exercised a little too much Yankee reserve in their reports. If this opening hit, "Light Up The Sky," is any indication of what is to come, the season shold be a happy one for all concerned.

Moss Hart's crisp and crackling play was in good hands from the director, Alfred Christie, through to the stage struck Shriner perfectly acted by Phillip O'Brien.

Muriel Brown's fans from last summer will be delighted with her snappy performance. She share some of the best scenes in the play with clever Marga Ann Deighton, who plays the wise cracking cynical mother.

Marie Donnet, James Arenton and David Hardison are the trio about whom this amusing but bitterly human story revolves. As the leading lady, Miss Donnet gives the part everything the playwright could hope for. James Arenton as the ridiculously sensitive director and David Hardison as the hard boiled backer leave nothing to be desired.

John Vari, who must have learned his lines in his sleep, considering how busy he has been these past few weeks, what with meeting trains, talking with the printer, selling advertising and what have you, is as versatile and capable a performer as we have seen anywhere.

Raymond Metz, Leon Shaw and Stanley Gearge, each of whom have rather small parts, are people we'd like to see again and again.

The production crew must be complimented for their excellent job of setting and costuming.

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On Stage

"The Hampton Playhouse"

By Helen Donaldson

The Hampton Union & Rockingham County Gazette

Thursday, July 13, 1950

Shamrocks and orchids to charming Sadie Long who is featured in the title role of this week's show at the Hampton Playhouse. Little Miss Long with her sweet and soft brogue, will capture the hearts of all who see her as "Peg O' My Heart." The entire cast has to be as excellent as they are, lest this petite Irish charmer steal every scene.

The Chichesters, snobbish and unwilling hosts to cousin Peg, are excellently portrayed by Marga Ann Deighton, Muriel Brown and Philip O'Brien. As the haughty Ethel Chichester, Miss Brown capably handles a role completely different from her usual brash comedy. We hope there's a part in every show for versatile Margann Deighton. Her Mrs. Chichester might have stepped from the very pages of the manuscript. Winding up this threesome is young Aleric. After Philip O'Brien's brief but promising appearance in last week's show, it was a treat to watch him play this boring and rather stupid young gentleman.

Leon Shaw is sure to become a favorite with his Hampton audiences if for no other than that he portrays such nice people. As Jerry, who woos and wins Peg, he will make many a young thing's heart beat faster.

Directing this week is Marie Donnet and having seen her handle a leading role in last week's show it would be a difficult task to choose between her talents as an actress or as a director.

Stage designer William [name unreadable] is to be complimented for his charming set. He must indeed be inspired to so cleverly conceal those problem posts on each side of the stage.