Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-05-29
QUEEN ESrHER.
Success of the CRntata Given In Ben
eft or woOre-MemorIaI Chuscn.


The eai nest and energetic preparation OF
weeks for the presentation OF the cantata OF
Queen Esther eliminated last evening at the
Academy OF Music. The good work re-
ceiyed its initiat0ry impulse. and was success:
fully carried out through the almost inde-
fstigable energy OF Mrs. Robert II. Court
ney. There was q large and sppreciaLiye
audience present, and the end for which the
undertaking was begun was attained in the
shspe OF substantial monetary aid for Moore
Memorial church. There were about one
hundred people taking part, including cast,
chorus children, aud orchestra. and each
and every one OF this gooily company dld
all in their power 10 make the evening sue
cess.
The east was a. follows: Queen Esther,
Miss Rose Blake kceling; King Ahasueras,
Mr.. james Carr. Haman, Nr L, ). Kemp
lin; Mordeca Mr.. Waiter {. Mercer; fro-
phetess, Mrs. Robert Ill. Courtney; Zerish'
Miss May Moore, Scribe, Mr.. ). LOUIS Sul-
llyan; High Priest. DIR. Il Il. Harrison;
Illegal, llr. j. +. Diefenderier; Mordecal $
sister. Miss Hattie Blankenshlp; Harbonah,
Mr.. r. II. liill; Herald, Mr. q. A. liund-
ley: Queens Pages. from Miss Ihaw's
dancing school; Kings Pages, Masters
Jones and Moore; jews, Perslans, GUARDS,
etc.
The work OF the chorus was, all things
considered, spirited and effective. and the
marching OF the tWenty-iour little children
IN the tnird act was an excellent feature,
which received the mcrited applause OF the
audience.
Mis-. Annie Skrlton had been billed for the
role of Prophecies. but on account OF sickness
was prevented from attending. With scarce
lv adav's notice Mrs. Courtney took the part,
aud, in addition 10 her arduous work rs man
ager. performed the task with great credit 10
herself.
bliss Rose Keeling. OF Baltimore, as Queen
! Esther, made her bow before q Richmond
audience. and while the role gave her out
/ poor opportunity for her lyric powers and
| handsome stage presence, she was at once
recognized ~ a beautiful vocalist. She Is a
| diynely gifted SINGER, and Il IS dIincuN 10
/ deuOm.uate the character ot her voice. Ior
It is unusually comprehensive 10 eompass'
| possessing an eyenness Ok tone throughout :
! and wbila in tine lower register there is \
| drpth aud richness characteristic ot A con-
/ tralto quality, her high notes, when sounded
| alone. possess a purity and brilhancy which
bcspeak tue soprano. We are, therefore,
content ugtil her vocal instructor and we
trust he may be in every way capable oI the
decision) shall cultivate her soprano or con
| tralto ability 10 speak Of her As delicious
| mczzo-soprpuo Nature has given her
abundautv, combining beautiful rich voice
and commanding presence with quick and
/ discriminating intellect, and one could but
exctaim last evening with the classic INA
| ncedit regina she IS undoubtedly one oI
the finest amateur singers We have ever
beard.
The King Of Mr.. James Carr was up tc
the requirements oi the role, aud rs pro
fe,siousl singer he did what was expected OF
him and gave satisfaction. For the rest h'
! cast acquitted themselves well and won ioua
applause from their many friends. hs.
| Bankcnship proved herself decided IA
yorite. and Miss Moore was pslnsiaking
pleasing singer. While Mr.. Dletenderiei
| wed with him among the men f0rlDe honor
u the evening, Nj. kcmpdn carried of th'
| pslm, and received au ovation IN the shape
OF applause. pleisuraoie laughter, and How
crs. Il was bis first appearance, We ne'IeYe
! before the fontlights, aud hia initial effort al
tracted universal attention, lii, stage ouSl
! ness. while il evidenced ambition, was
graceful blending OF the tragic aud melo
| drsm1tIr.
Altogether the caniata gave an evening o
decided pleasure TO the audience and, wha
D, more, money 10 the church.
Mr. Stein directed with lis accustomed
skill and sung in many OF the chOruses an'
concerted parts.