Middletown transcript., 1881-06-17
The Lyceum Entertainments.

EOCSlN0u Oil bAl6 EttEb VI ZIG PuDhos DJ biAO
kindness of Geo. e. Dearborn, of Phila-
delphia, a fine Mathushek piano was
placed in the hall for the occasion. The
decorative committee, headed by Mr.. w.
p , Rieys, ssey, made the stage look almost like
a flower-garden. Over the centre of the
stage was suspended graceful arch, bear
ing the inscription, IRVING LYCEUM,
in beautiful gilt Letters. From the ends of
this arch were suspended hanging baskets
filled with sweet flowers, while from the
centre hung little singing bird in its
gilded cage. The decorative committee
are entitled to much credit for the tasteful
manner in which they did the part as
signed them. To Miss Sylvia Wright is
due the credit Of the arrangement of the
graceful inscription upon the arch.
A large and appreciative audience came,
filling nearly every part Of the hall. The
reserved seats having been all eagerly
taken before the doors were opened, many
who came late were unable to procure de-
sirable positions. The entertainment
opened with spirited glee, "Chiming
Bells" after which Rev. Mr.. Alexander,
President of the Lyceum, delivered the
opening address in which he referred
briefly to the origin of the society, its OBJ
ject and its ultimate aims. His remarks
were listened to with much interest, and
their reception by the large and intelligent
audience shows that there is much public
interest in the Lyceum felt in this COM
munity. Miss May Emory, skilled mu-
sician, of Wilmington, who kindly vol
unteered to assist the Society, delighted
all with fine instrumental solo, enid
summer Nights Dream" by Mendels-
sohn, at the conclusion of which she was
enthusiastically applauded. A quartet,
Old Farmer John,' sang by Miss Belle
Pennington, Mrs. R. L. Price, DIR. Ken
edy and Rev. Mr.. Alexander, came next
on the programme, after which Mr.. NJ. B.
Burris delivered "Aunt Hannah's Views
in his inimitably humorous manner, elicit
ing much applause. Miss B. Pennington,
always favorite with Middletown audi
ence, sung a beautiful solo, "The Wood
nymph's Call, which was very favorably
received. As a songstress this young
lady never fails to do we'll. "Searching
for the Slain,' highly pathetic effort re-
quiring much elocutionary ability and
was recited by Miss S. L. Downs
in manner that elected universal COM
Want of space will not per-
init us to give this effort all the praise it is
entitled to. The instrumental duet by
Irving and Martie Walker was exceedingly
well rendered, and received a full mea-
sure Of applause. The speech of Sergeant
Buzfuz, from PickWick Papers, recited by
Mr.. w. Z. Wright, with tableaux repre-
senting Court Scene, was one Of the finest
efforts of the entertainment. In his i'm
personation Of the pettyfogging lawyer,
Mr.. w. was extremely natural and easy
in his manner, and won much applause.
A duet, "O'er the Hill; Ger the Dale,''
by Miss v. Lynch and Miss S. L. Downs,
was fine musical effort that elected much
praise. Miss Mollie Burris, in appropri-
ate costume and with Miss Sylvia Wright
as 60 Niece Hannah recited the "Quaker
Widow" by Bayard Taylor, in a natural,
easy and praiseworthy manner. The COS
tuning was admirable. Miss May Emory,
who possesses a sweet and highly culti-
waited voice, sung beautiful solo, "She
down the Mountain Side,''
which so pleased the audience that they
insisted on a second appearance, and No
Sir seemed to please them still more.
Next, the bald-headed local editor of the
read an original essay Cin-
tended to be humorous), entitled "How
Raised the prize Pumpkin, during the
reading of which there was a painful 81
lence, and those who dropped off into
sweet slumber were kindly not disturbed
until the conclusion Of the piece. The
solo by Miss V. Lynch, "At the Wicket
Gate was enthusiastically received.
Being gifted with voice of rare sweet
ness and volume, this young lady never
fails to delight, and on this occasion she
certainly gained new honors. She was
encored and sang Killarney Next in
order wasaquartet, mortgage the Farm
rendered by special request, in which
Mrs. r. L. Price and Mr.. Geo. G. Rowe
ably sustained the leading parts and won
much applause. "The Senator En-
tangled . by James De Mile, was rem
dered by Miss S. L. Downs and Mr.. NJ.
B. Burris in manner that kept the audi
ence laughing throughout the scene. The
lady and gentleman who enacted this bit
of pleasantly certainly possess rare dramat-
ic ability. The closing quartet, "Good
Night, sung by Mrs. R. L. Price,, Miss
Belle Pennington, DR.. Kennedy and Mr..
w. n. Wilson, was fine effort that has
been warmly praised.
The Lyceum certainly ought to be
pleased with its success in its initial public
entertainment and it will doubtless be
able to do even better next time. The
net receipts were very encouraging. In
conclusion, the local editor wants to say
something about the bouquet he received
at the close Of his effort. 1t was small
bouquet in very large bandbox. The
flowers were sweet and pretty, but he
appreciated the bandbox more. A band
box is the emblem of woman, Gods first
and best gift to man, up to date.
IN.