The Portland daily press., 1898-11-16
ZEPRRA 4 BIG SUCCESS.
Initial Production Of a Charming
Amateur Play.
A VARIED LINE OF ATTRACTIONS
INTRODUCED.

Tires Hundred Local People Appear On
the JeffeI son Stage in choruso''
Marches Drills and Tableaux-ihe
PLAY Given Under the Auspices OF bos-
worth Post-Opening Night Attracted q
Large Audience.
For months elaborate preparations have
been made for the production OF the great
snectacle of Zephra at The Jefferson, ana
these .ureparations illuminated In the first
performance last night before very
large and highly delighted audience.
The exterior and interior of the hand
some edifice were profusely decorated
with flags, and many prominent citizens
i. attended the performance. The spectacle
was brought out under the auspices OF
Bosworth Post 6. A. R., which has CIV
! an many attractive entertainments IN the
mast. but none SO elaborate as lephra
Over 500 people are required in the diner
emit dances and chosuses, the costumes are
rich and varied, the music excellent ana
taking. This is the story of the play:
King Decius, the storm king, wnlie
passing through his kingdom one day.
discovers in the hut of sn old witch
beautiful orphan girl, whom he adopts,
and giving her the name of Neyera, De-
crees that shel shall succeed him to MS
kingdom. Between the clans OF King
Deoiuss and Prince Juna, both subjects
of Zephra, the Queen of Myth, there has
existed for years bitter feud, but Juna,
being true type of noble manhood er'
deavors to effect reconciliation with the
naughty Decius: but each overture IL
repulsed, until at last the doughty prinoa
dons disguise, enters the storm king
castle. determined to SO ingratiate him.
self into his affections as to win his favor.
He fails in this, but instead meets the
beautiful Neyera, who has now grown to
be a handsome maiden. He wins the
,,romise of her hand in marriage, goes
back to his own country, and at the grand
annual fete of the queen, at which time
are held all the dances, games and reFeis
of the queens subjects, he presents him.
self at court and demands. the hand OF
Neyera in marriage. Enraged at this,
Dsoius banishes the Princess to the
ice caves of Northland Juna is &C
ouainted of this by the fairy old-motheI
of Neyera. He hastens to zephra, OBJ
tains assistance from her, and sfter
many perilous attempts, rescues the Prln-
cess from her captors, and reveals the
perfdy OF, Decius to the Queen, who. ban
ishes him forever from her presence.
The play opened with a scene just out
side Zsphra's palace on the banks Of
Lake Niord, where are assembled the
yeonen, villagers and peasants Then are
introduced, in bewildsring succession
the choruses and bands of fairies, sprites
tennis dancers, the Graces, the Hoya
Guards, Naiads, Brownies. the new WON
an. the black birds, the merry -go-round
and the newsboys.
The special stage settings are mos
elaborate, and the costumes Of the per
formers as rich and gorgeous az
plushes, yelvets, gold braid, tinsei ant
glittering diamonds can make them
The plot, in itself, we'll worth tn
watching, is frightened ty an almos
endless interjsc:ion of songs, catchy mu
sic, marches, drills, dances and process
SIGNALS. all of which give evidence Q
The care and thought that have been de
voted to the preparation of the spectacu
lar features of the play, and the thorough
drill to which its performances hav'
s,7er- = iected. under the skilful guidance
of Mr. Averin. In many respects it wal
tue most elaborate amateur PRODUCTION
ever given in this city.