East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1905-12-15

Prof. Heritage as Ahasuerus sustain
ed that character with well balanced
dignity and dramatic ability and gave
strength and stability to the entire
performance. He has voice of train
ed power and great volume and his
selection as king was extremely fortu-
nate. Prof. Heritage came down
from Spokane especially to take part
in the performance and is deserving
of gratitude for his kindly interest.
From the very opening of the opera,
C. p, Ferrin, of Salt Lake. as the sor-
rowing and oppressed Mordecia, was a
favorite. The character appeals to
the sympathies of the audience and
Mr.. Ferrin's rich voice, pleading for
his people and expressing hope in fl
nal victory over the wicked Haman,
charmed his hearers Mordecai Is II
character which fascinates because of
his patience, long g-suffering and un-
shaken loyalty to his God and Mr.. Fer
rim fully portrayed the dramatic worth
of the role.
Herbert Ruppe. as the beggar, won
the hearts of the audience from his
first appearance, and when he rem
! dered his mocking song to the con-
demned Haman, in such n delightful
and excellent manner he leaped to the
first rank among the performers in
the cast.
j, H. Wilson as high priest, Prof, L.
r. Traver as Illegal, Charles A. Hill
as scribe and the kings tall guards
who sang in solo and chorus parts, all
sang well and added a completeness
and strength to the opera that is not
often heard In non-professlonal casts.
Mrs. l.. II. Traver as a Median princess
and Miss Bess Shepard as a Persian
princess deserve credit for the man
parts. Although not in Leading roles,
they sustained the characters assigned
them with ability and grace.
The sash drill performed by seven
high school girls, Norma Alloway,
Paralee HALEY, Rachael Vogel. Faye
Sullivan, Nora Younger, Jessie Fol-
som and Bess Sawtelle, was especially
pleasing and the appearance of the
tall guards OF the king. all of them
over six feet, added a realistic oriental
aspect to the opera.
The high school is to be congratu-
lated upon devoting itself so patiently
and earnestly to the preparation for
this opera and the public is to be con-
graduated for filling the theater to
overflowing to patronize and encour-
age the performance The choruses
! Irll
full of the essence and swing and
spirit of the story. The solos were
all well sustained by quick and rich
response from the high school chorus
in which there were over 100 voices.
The costumes carried by Prof. Rob-
inson are designed especially for the
cast and give a faithful representa-
tlon of the times and dress of Queen
Esther's reign.
Miss Eva Wood presided at the
piano and McMinn's orchestra assist
ed in the varied and difficult musical
performance which required almost
three hours in presentation.
The seating capacity of the Frazer
was occupied last night and the seal
sale for tonight's performance are al
most as heavy as on the first night
The performance was a success In
every way and the audience was di.
lighted. The proceeds of the perform.
ance, after all expenses are paid. will
go into the finances of the high schoo
societies for whose benefit the opera
is being given.
Teachers and pupils who have taker
part are to be congratulated for theii
interest. 1t promises to be one of the
most successful home talent perform
ances ever given in the city.