The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1879-06-14

The sacred cantata Of Queen Esther was
produced at Odd Fellows Hall on FRIDAY
and Saturday nights last. The hall was filed
at the first presentation, and at the second il
was crowded. This alone would prove how
hyorably the piece was received but, in ad.
dition, all were enthusiastic in praise Of the
manner OF its rendition, the general criticism
being that i was the handsomest entertain.
ment ever given in this city.
Queen Esther is one of the most difficult
pieces of its kind to produce, and its rendi.
uon requires both vocal skill aud dramatic
talent; IL was entirely new TO the perform.
ers, all the leading characters of whom, with
the exception Of Miss Sallie Grouse and Miss
Mary u. Shellman, never before appeared in
costume on the stage, while many Of the 9th.
ers had never appeared in public. When
these are considered, Queen Esther was not
only success, but q grand success
The stage, which was enlarged for the oc.
casion, was very tastefully trimmed. This.
with the handsome costumes Csome were
really elcgantl Of the performers added much
to the general effect of the piece, and the
scenes upon the stage ut times we're strikingly
beautiful.
Miss Sallie Il. Grouse, as Queen, always n
iavorite with our citizens, surpassed herself,
and sung and acted her parts with great skill
and line effect. Mr. j. w. Mealy, Of Balti.
more, as King made good impression, and
IN duets with the Queen, both were repeatedly
eheored. Mr.. Mealy has a rich voice, admi.
rably adapted to his part, aud he acted the
klng with becoming dignity. Prof. j. G.
Robinson, Of Baltimore, as Hannah, charmed
the audiences on both evenings. lie acquit.
ted himself with great credit, aud his singing
AZ acting won for him the praises of ALL
Mr. Il. B. Bond, also of Baltimore, as Nor
dccai, sustained his difficult and arduous part
with much satisfaction to the audience, and
with credit to himself Mrs. s. NJ. +.
Jones, rs Prophecies, sung her parts with ex.
quisite taste. Miss Mary b. S6elman, who,
like Miss Grouse, is also a fayorte with West
minister audiences, rendered the character of
Zeresh admirably, especially in the solo after
iAnani her husband, was hung, when, her
jewels mocking her, she tossed her crown TO
the stage. Mr. Frank Mitten, as High Priest;
Mr.. Jas. r.. Stltcher, as Illegal; DR.. G. NJ.
Brown, as Herald; Messrs. Bruce Switzerland
and Anon H. Green, as Guards; Mr.. John
Simmons, us Scribe; Mr.. W. Mcdaniel, as
Chamberlain; Mr.. Harry Gerhard, as Harbo.
nah; Mr.. c. II. Vanderiord, as Kings Atten.
danti Miss Maggie McKellip, as Mordecai 8
Sister Miss Alrelta Iepp, as Zeresh's Atten.
dap'i Miss Maria Mikesell, as Jewess; Misses
Maggie Switzerland and Lizzie Cushing aud
Mrs a. Lindsay, as Queens Maids, ali sung
and played well, as did the entire chorus Of
sixty voices. Misses Annie and Bette Ref.
snider, as Queens Pages; Masters Tom Wood
and Albert Brockett, as Kings Pages; Lutte
keeler, as Heresh's Child, did their parts
admirably
Much praise is due to Mrs. /. l.. Pearson,
pianist, and Prof Sam Grauer, of Baltimore,
organist, for the skill and taste with which
they accompanied the singers on the occasion.
Mr. Jarvis Butler, from the Estey Organ
rooms, Baltimore, delighted the audience:
with choice selections on the organ and piano
between acts, on both occasions, and Mis-,
Ida Robinson, Of Baltimore, sang with good
effect on Saturday evening tho "Shepherd
Boys Lament Mr.. Buffers rendering O
the overture, Poets and Peasants wa
most artistic His louch is exquisite and hi.
management Of the organ perfect The stag,
dressing was the work Of Mr.. Ed. II. Shriver
who has fine taste in such matters.
The entertainment was gotten up by Mrs
$. NJ. F. Jones, and il was no small under
taking. Numerous drawbacks did not dis
courage her, and she has the satisfaction o
knowing that it is considered the best eve
given in this city.