The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1882-02-09
Soiree.

One of the most charming entertainments O
the season was given by the young ladies Q
the Wesleyan F. Institute on the evening G
February 3rd The programme opened witt
a guitar medley, trio, by Misses Scheduled
Holley and Justus. This was rendered witt
fine expression, and enjoyed by the audienc
as somewhat of a novelty. Then followed tn
special feature of the evening, the famou
Trial Scene" from The Merchant of Venice
We give the entire cast
Duke. Miss F. Powers, Texas
Antonio. Miss nj. Glst, D.
| Bassanio. ............. Miss L. Hagood, s c
Gratiano. ........ Miss c. Fleming, Georgia
| Salerio. Miss A. Ivy, La
| Shylock MISS M. Youell, Va
Portia. .................M Miss |. Conner, 5. Z
Each part was played with so much spiri
and such graceful Interpretation of the char
acter assumed, that it is impossible to discrimi
nate as to the best when all was so well done
Portia, one of Shakespeare's most exquisite
| types of womanhood, was personated by Miss
Conner of South Carolina, whose dark brigh,
| eyes and glowing Southern beauty made the
| WiSC anu SidClOuo ltuy VI OClulOh0 'iVAS
reality to the lockers on. The hideous greed
| and blood thirsty hatred of old Shylock was
fairly rendered by Miss Youell, Of Virginia
Each part of the cast showed both unusual
amateur talent and the most careful prepare
ton, and the young ladies are entitled to the
highest praise for their thorough mastery Of
both the personnel and the motive of this
great play. The drama was followed by a
familiar piano solo "The Daughter of the Reg
iment," by Miss Powers of Virginia.
The varied and beautiful evolutions of the
class in calisthenics charmed the audience
from the beginning to the end of the pro.
gramme, they alternating with the musical
and literary exercises OF the evening.
The very appropriate and becoming uniform
of marine blue, set off the graceful figures and
finely trained movements to the best adyan-
tage. The class was led by Miss Minnie
Moore of North Carolina, whose skilled and
perfect execution of her part realized the very
poetry of motion. This class throughout has
evidently brought the science of physical cul-
ture to the acme of perfection. The glowing
countcnances and elastic movements give
strong testimony in favor of its merits as an
element of success in female education.
Alter several fine vocal and instrumental
solos and duets, 1.-The Raising of the Daugh-
ter of Jarus," was most beautifully. reclted by
Miss Youell of Virginia. the favorite elocu-
ZIONIST giving just the natural expression of
pathos TO the scene, without any of the exag-
gerated airs of defamation and ranting so
much in vogue among elocutionsts of the
present day.
In contrast TO this was a burlesque recita-
ton, Fare We well, Brother Watkins!" by
Miss Gist, of South Carolina. The lugubrious
lament of the reverend brother was made SUI
premely laughabe as mimicked by the ripe
lips and mlrth- provoking tones of the youth
full reader. s-l.t
The entertainment was concluded by vo-
cal duet, "Oer the hill, DER the dell, by Misses
M. Southgate of N. Carolina and A. Dice of
W. Virginia, very finely sung We hope the
young ladies have more than one such enter
tainment in store for the favored friends who
have the entire to them. We regret that their
Concert Hall is not sufficiently large to admit
greater number of the public to share in
the pleasures of their musical evenings.