Twelfth Night on Tour
The success of the winter 1899 performances prompted the Dartmouth Players to go on tour around New Hampshire. While the entire play received acclaim, James L. Barney, class of 1899, who played Viola, was seen as a highlight of the all-around great show. The Dartmouth found his performance as a woman to be particularly charming and convincing.
While touring was typical for other student performing arts groups, like musical performance ensembles, this was the first time a student theater group went on tour. The Dartmouth predicted theatrical tours, like Shakespearean theater in general, would soon become standard at the College. During the last weeks of February, 1899, the Players visited three New Hampshire cities: Somersworth, Rochester, and Concord. Ticket sales from their Somersworth performance benefited the local high school, and they performed to large and appreciative audiences in all three cities.
1899 review of Twelfth Night
Twelfth Night was a smash hit, even managing to overcome the fact that it was performed in the gymnasium. James L. Barney, class of 1899, merited "particular mention" for his role as Viola. According to The D, he "made a charming girl."
Announcement of Dramatic Club tour
In late February and early March of 1899, the Players took their production of Twelfth Night on tour, performing in Somersworth, Rochester, and Concord, N.H.
Admission - 50 cents.
The proceeds from the Somersworth performance of Twelfth Night benefited the local high school.