The morning call., 1894-03-29
WAS SEXCELLENTLY RECEIVED
A High Priest Who Accepted a
Votary's Brides.
THE CHORUS WAS CHARMING.
riuSic That Had Charms for FASH
ionabIe Audience-A Young
Composers Success.

A very enthusiastic reception was given
to Miss Mary Louise Carr's talented little
Operetta, "The Oracle" on the occasion of
its first production yesterday evening in
Golden Gate Hall by the Progressive
Club.
Most of the audience were in full even
ing dress, style of costume which seldom
appears to lend itself to warm applause,
but from the time the curtain went UP on
a band Of graceful nymphs in the grove of
Apollo at Delphi till it fell at the end Of
the last act the interest Of the large body
of spectators never for a moment tagged.
The famous "Orade." about which 50
much curiosity has been expressed. proved
TO be a rectangular tent, enclosed with
curtains, somewhat after the fashion of an
old-fashioned four-posted bedstead, Into
this retreat the high priest, Saecterion.
alias Patrick O'Shay, was in the habit OF
seeking seclusion when cOgitating upon
what answer to give the worshipers who
came to consult ApolO's shrine.
Considering the beauty and grace of the
numerous young priestesses whom the art
full Patrick had gathered about his tent. it
was not surprising that worshipers were
many. After several effective choruses
Udu U6SU sung pN lD6S6 yOuuS
number of them appeared upon the scene.
Frank Coffin, as Claudlus, travelling for
a wholesale cigar and liquor store. came in
first and propitiated the oracle with all
his samples. an act of generosity for which
he was rewarded by meeting his sweet
heart Doris, played by Miss Esther Need
ham with a great deal OF hlStrIonlc ability.
Doris was maid to Cleo, an Athenian
heiress, fleeing from the suit of an aged
guardian. 1nnumerable complications
were caused by the temporary assumption
of the high priests role by Cleo's lover
Leander. played by Burbank Somers.
Patrick's sweetheart Aurora, the high
prieStess. grew jealous. and nothing short
of tragic ending was threatened, when
Leander, arrayed IN an exaggerated
tourists suit, returned to his duties as
high priest, and satisfied Aurora that it
was only his Sub" who had been flirting
with the heiress.
All the music given to these characters
to sing was PRETTY. There Is no denying
that at times the young composer displayed
a laudable acquaintance with older and
betteT-known writers, but most, even OF
the greatest composers. have begun by
! initiating some one who had made name
before them. and the fact that ones
thoughts were waited once, for instance,
! 10 "Mv0sOtis," once to 'MiEnOn's" Ills
There" did not detract from the effective
ness of Miss Carr's pretty and graceful
! com OOStlOD.
Mss Esther Needham and Miss Carr
bore off The hsirionic honors.
The formers numbers were all sung
artistically. ana her final duet with Frank
Coffin was remarkably successful. Miss
Carr's solo before the oracle was more
| dramatic, and the waliZ refrain, "Ah, Joy
| divine" was very bright and effective.
! The young composer proved to have
! light and graceful voice. and she used it
! intelligently.
With the exception of OrIo Eastwood, as
! the cruel guardian, it was difhcult to catch
| the words of tie mems songs. Frank
! Coffin was not at his best. and Will II.
! Fine as the high priest somewhat overdid
the comic element. though he provoked
! great merrimeDt.
AS for the dialogue it was bright and
colloquial, not tn say slangy al times, as
when Claudius advised Aurora to keep
stiff upper lip and fuzzy eyebrow, and
you'll get there all the same"
| a number OF encores were given and the
young composer was called many times
before the curtain.