Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1881-05-17


hundred assembled at New Hall Wednesday
night 10 witness the long rehearS"d and
much talked of Cnutata Of Esther. HI
beautiful Queen. Every seat was taken.
and those who came NJ quarter 10 eight
considered themselves fortunate 10 obtain
standing room. The audience was put In
the best Of humor at the outset by EpSti"n' =
International Fantasic. an exceedingly dii-
fcult instrumental duet. by Mrs. Cora
Briggs and Miss Aggic Briggs. The
limited capacity OF the stage rendered it
slightly incouvenicut for the chorus, which
contained upwards Of thirty voices, Int
this was somewhat obyiatod by careful
drilling and rehearsal. President George
Briggs showed his wisdom In the begin
ming 10y assigning the right part 10 the
right individual. The part ofQuecn Esther
was admirably sustained by Mrs. W. Il.
Howe. whose manner throughout was
Mr.. r. y. Hall wore the crown and ermiue
robe Of King Ahasuerus with a uaturalnes>
which found favor with the audience. "a
song OF Joy" a duet between the King and
Hannah, was not only sung well, but dct'd
in a very acceptable manner. The little
pages of the King. during this scene, con
,ributed much TO It's appearance. The duet,
in which the rich bass ofthe King mingled
with the fine soprano OF Queen Esther, j.
worthy of special mention. Ii would be
difficult 10 improve the character OF Nor
decai. the jew, as rendered by +. \.
Thayer. Mr. Thayer Is 4 thorough muSl-
clan, and in the solo, Woe IL me-" and
"Isreal, o Isreal," his clear tenor voice
found ample scope 10 display It's powers.
The part of Ierish was, perhaps, one OF
the most difficult in the play to assume sue
cessfnlly, and we pay tribute Of simple
Justice 10 Miss Clara Howe when we say
siren-like allurement, when tempting Ha-
men 10 build gallows fifty cubits high
was irresistible; and when her lord had
met the fate which he had designed for
Mordecai her anguish and remorse was
not only expressed by her song, but was
faithfully depicted In gesture and In every
feature OF her countenance. Miss Aggie
Briggs solo Thou will keep him. was
SING very sweetly, upon Bonded knee and
with clasped and upliited hands. Miss
Briggs always pleases, and IS justly en-
titled 10 place in the front ranss of mu-
sicians both vocal aud instrumental. The
Prophecies solo, by Miss Lizzie Winslow,
was entirely satisfactory. 1t should be re-
marked that the fine instrumental accom-
paniment, much Of which was improyised
by Mrs. Cora Briggs, was an important
factor in the success Of the play. Mrs.
Briggs is undoubtedly one of the finest
piauists in Oxford County. The citizens
OF South Paris may justly feel proud OF its
musical talent, and may safely challenge
the State TO produce its peer in a village
OF the same number Of inhabitants. There
was no 'stsge waits" as is usually the case
but everything passed of without hitch.
The costumes, which were very elegant,
were hired at an expense of fifty dollars
The Cantata was repeated Thursday night
to a good house. The proceeds for the
two evenings amounted TO about sl30.
Burnham came over Friday morning and
photographed the entire chorus, and many
of the principal actors and actresses sepa-
rately, in full costume. B.