The Topeka state journal., 1908-04-24
THEY SANG BEL LSHAzzAR
Order OF Eastern Star Gives q Good
Entertainment.

The beautiful and difficult musical
cantata, "Belshazzar," was presented
last night at the Masonic temple un-
der the auspices of Beulah chapter,
Order of Eastern Star. The enter
tainment was given in honor of the
Scottish Rite bodies and knights
Templar for many favors extended,
and large numbers of Masons and
their families were present to enjoy
the presentation of this famous
biblical drama. The piece is long
and difficult. requiring careful train
ing, talent and elaborate stage set
ting and costumes. Few amateurs
would have attempted to present the
last night. But Beulah chapter was
fortunate in having the services of
Mrs. E. H. Anderson as instructor.
This lady performed wonders by her
tireless work and ability as a musi
cal director. Then the room fur
nished by the Masons is a fine theater
with stage, scenery, lights and every
thing as complete and convenient as
to be found in most theaters. With
these advantages the cantata was
given in very creditable style. The
singing of Mrs. Emma Viets, as
Shelomith. wife of Zerubbabel, was
the feature of the entertainment. DIR.
Swartz as Zerubbabel, Mr.. Hays as
Daniel and Miss Irene Welchans as
the queen, all did well. The scene be-
babel and her child was very touch
ing. and the child, Elizabeth Giles,
sang sweetly. The battle march of
the soldiers was a creditable piece of
drill work. The scene of the angel
that appeared and sang to King
Cyrus as he lay asleep in his tent was
well prepared and carried out. Of
course the climax came at the feast
of Belshazzar when an unknown hand
wrote the fateful message on the wall
binding light overwhelmed the
guests and they fell to the floor. All
the scenes of this feast were carried
out in fine shape. There were about
fifty people on the stage costumed
like lords and princesses and drink
ing from golden vessels when the
message came from heaven. Cyrus
rushed in at the head of his legions
and stabbed Belshazzar in a manner
| most realistic to behold. DR.. Crum-
bine played the part of Belshazzar
very well, but he could not sing. The
| busy little doctor did his best but that
essential to the part, and the defect
weakened the play.
At the close of the fourth act ad-
mirers sent an armful of cut roses to
Mrs. Anderson who was directing the
music from the orchestra. The pre-
sentation was applauded by the ap-
preciative audience. 1t must be re-
| membered that this difficult piece was
presented by men and women who had
! to give up their daily vocations to get
| dividual parts and then group the
| play together as a whole. The acting
and knowledge of the parts and the
| beauty Of some of the scenes at the
climaxes were better than the singing.
| Still Beulah chapter should be proud
| of last nights effort to picture the
| captivity of the Children of Israel in
| the wicked city Of Babylon, the glory
! and wickedness of Belshazzar, his
| downfall and the ultimate deliverance
of the faithful Hebrews. 1t is the un-
| destanding the "Belshazzar" will be
presented again by those taking part
| last night. A second rendition is sure
to be better than the first effort and
should be we'll worth large attend
ance.
Following is the cast:
Belshazzar. King of Babylon-Dr. s
J. Crumbine.
l Cyrus, King of Persia-William S
Eberle.
Zerubbabel, Governor Of the Jews
DR.. C. E. Swartz.
Daniel Prophet Of IsraeEs. A
Hayes.
Festus, Lord Chamberlain-Dr. Glenn.
ent Smith.
Nitocris, Queen Regent-Mrs. s. J
Crumbine.
1 Antonia. Queen Of Belshazzar-Miss
| Irene Welchans.
| Shelomith wife of ZerubbabeHMrs
Emma Viets.
Child of Zerubbabel-Elizabeth Giles
Il Angel-Miss Elizabeth Gregory.
Jewish Princess-Mrs. Emma Rem
ley.
lamar. Alfalfa, Zerlina, Ladies q
Belshazzar's Court-Mrs. Homer Larsh
Mrs. Ella Cunningham, Mrs. Bair.
Magi Wise Men of Babylon-Therov
Kirkpatrick, Geo. Mcclellan and W. ]
| Lewis.
Persian soldiers and court ladie
!, formed the chorus. About rs persons
took part in the play. Mrs. Emm:
, Viets acted as stage director.