Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1905-05-19
A SUCCESS.
CAN TATA "JOSEPH" PRE-
SENTED BY HIGH SCHOOL
Elaborate Music and Costumes Make a
Truly Gorgeous Production. Large
Attendance.

Attendance.
One of the greatest local successes that
has been produced on our stage was
given last Thursday evening when the
High school presented the Cantata of
"Joseph." The undertaking was large
one in many ways owing to the number
of people in the cast and chorus and the
difficulty of the score for such mex
perienced singers. The participants and
people who had it in charge were equal
to the task however, and the entire pro-
duction passed off smoothly. 1t is very
seldom that so many curtain calls are
heard in this town but the audience was
thoroughly pleased and surprised at the
work of the young people.
The story is an old one told in pleas
ing manner. Joseph is a shepherd of
Canaan. He is sold in slavery into
Egypt, owing to the hatred and jealousy
of the brethren. By clever strategy, the
latter proved to Jacob the death of
his son, Joseph, and Jacob is overcome
with grief at the supposed death. Here
the scene changes to the Egyptian court
in all its regal splendor.
For interpreting strange dream of
the King, the latter places Joseph in
high position at the court. Dread famine
RACES in Canaan and the brethren
journey to Egypt to buy corn. Joseph
recognizes them, pronounces them spies
and retains one of their number to prove
them. He also obliges them to bring
their youngest brother Benjamin to save
their own lives. The brethren return to
Canaan and while there the cup of
Joseph is found in Benjamin's sack, to
the dismay of Jacob and the brethren.
Joseph can retain himself no longer
and reveals himself as their brother,
Joseph. Jacob and family are now
brought to Egypt and the long lost son
receives the dying blessing of the father.
The cast of characters was good one.
James Westall, as Joseph, showed a
remarkably good tenor voice and his
clever Interpretation of his difficult solos
and duets was surprising for so young a
lie
last scene was especially fine. Miss
Esther Shea, as Joseph's sister, has
very sweet soprano voice and in her solo
entitled "Give Ear, o Shepherd" called
forth merited applause. The parts of
King Pharoah and Queen were most
successfully carried out by Benjamin
Stewart and Miss Abigail McNulla. Mr..
Stewart had two solos that were well
received and Miss McNulla in 80 King,
be not sad" gave one of the best things
of the evening. Jacob, the father of
Joseph, was protrayed by Robert Hope
and was a valuable member of the cast.
The minor parts were all well presented, ,
showing clever Interpretation and vocal
ability. The quartette of Ishmaelites,
consisting of Ivan Hagar, John Gypson,
Carl Martin and Charles Westall pro-
duced a sensation upon their appearance.
The costumes were many and beauti-
full for a local production, ranging all
the way from the costly plush and
ermine robes of the Egyptian King and
Queen to the dainty gowns of the chorus
and plain garb of the brethren. The
throne scene was a beautiful one. The
trimmings and decorations in this scene
were elaborate and called forth merited
applause.
IHe CilOIuS COilSlSlluR vi 90 young lleIl
and women was thoroughly trained and
supported the principals in a very pleas
ing manner In the grand finale entitled
"Shout aloud JehOvahs praises" the
best work of the evening was given. The
success of the entire production is well
attributed to Mark a. Davis who had
charge from its inception to the final
success. To successfully train young
and inexperienced singers is difficult
one and Mr.. Davis sincerely deserves the
congratulations that have been given
him. Mr.. Davis was ably assisted by
| Glenn G. Clement as accompanist and
/ William j. Shanahan as stage manager
/ One of the most noticeable things of the
evening was the grand piano furnished
/ by..Bailey's music rooms.
There is a strong possibility that the
cantata may be repeated at an early
date. The young people may be sure OF
just as large and enthusiastic audience
as before.