The weekly intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1891-1901, 1900-03-17
MISS TODHUsrsR's RECITAL.

AAoo AObnouAbh hLOlIhls
Monday night, March, 18th. Miss
Elliott Todhunter gave a dramatic
recital at the opera house In this city.
The weather, which had been unfriend-
y toward previous school entsrtain-
msnts this winter, smiled for this
occasion. and was Is pleasant as an
evening in May. The almost full moon
beamed down, and invited the people to
get out and enjoy the gentle breeze.
And they did get out. They went by
dozens and by hundreds. The opera
house was packed, every seat being
taken. And such a crowd. It was
representative Of the intelligence and
culture Of the county.
The curtain rolled up at $50, and a
few moments later the fair young lady
made her appearance, and was received
with a burst of applause from the
audience. This was a little disconcert-
ing, but she quickly regained her com
posure, and smiled till the noise ceased.
And right here we will say chat we
have never seen a young lady more at
home upon the stage; one who was
quicker to take in all surroundings, or
one who had better control Of her feel
ings. A quick smile Of appreciation a
flash OF her eyes, and her face instantly
obeys her will; and no smile cal be
forced from her when a smile Is not the
proper thing.
The program included selections Of all
sorts, from the heavy role Of Shake
speare's "Portia" to Whitcomb Riley's
"Bumblebee, and the negro and Ger
man dialects were also given; and we do
not know which she did the best. II
was all good; 1t was all splendid. There
was no weak spot in her rendition
unless it was when she needed . mascu-
line voice to represent Brutus.
One thing we particularly noticed
was that her gestures did not seem
to be studied. As her mind ran ahead
Of her tongue, her hands would natu.
, rally move with the mind. thus adding
force to the words. Her facial express
sion was excellent, and her every act
was natural and graceful.
a The opening piece, THE boy Orator.
gave opportunity to show her powers o.
imitation, and we think it one Of thu
best selections Of the evening. 1t cap
tured the audience. and gave them
foretaste Of what they might expec'
9 from the other selections. This Mono
It logue, "When Jack Comes Late wa
2 another fine selection for her. There j
really nothing in the piece to a casua
! reader; but to see a young lady take ii
and act it, and emphasize it, and throw
her whole heart into 1t as though sh
@ were really 1.-The party of the first part,
y made 1t very enjoyable. Her changes o
10 mind were very sudden, and her Who'll
IT demeanor underwent complete change
10 but she was all right when Jack came
Ie We cannot mention each piece on tn
program. Our article would necessaril
q be a repetition of compliments, for eac
piece was perfectly rendered. We wi
' state our own private opinion by sayin
that Miss Todhunter is the best lad
elocutlonist of her age that we hay
IA ever heard, and in many respects she
al as good as the best, without regard I
Is age.
ID The following is the program as rel
!" dered;
1.-The Boy Orator of Zepata City,. :.
So a, The Fire at the Nolans". From Iii
a b. 1.-The Bumblebee". 800,
a. C. signs and Omens''. ,...... And
The Priests Vow. -. Gilbert Park,
CT MonolOgue. -. e.. ........H II. G. Berg.
vi when Jack Comes Late"
to Julius Caesar: Act III. Scene /.