Putnam patriot., 1917-12-28
HOLY NIGHT
DRAMA AT POMFRET
The TOwn Unites in Solemn Christmas
Presentation Of the Nativity
People From Surrounding Towns Aug.
meni the Large Audience

ity of Christ, was presented in the hall
of the Pomftet lNeighborhood sssocia-
ton before an audience taxing its capa
city, Sunday night. For the sixth con.
secutive year Pomfret people present
ed the Miracle Play that has brought
recognition to the tine old town nest
ling among the rugged hills of old
Windham County.
The audience, which included people
from Pomfret and the surrounding
towns was profoundly touched by the
ever beautiful, solemn presentation of
the story of the birth OF the Christ
Child The drama is not presented for
the entertainment of an audience so
much as il is for the participation of
each actor in those scenes that have
come down TO us rs the setting of the
hrst Christmas.
: All classes of people take the char.
acter parts. As far as possible they
are the same year after year. Class
distinction is not recognized; religious
beliefs are for the time forgotten, as all
unite in this hottest OF holy speetsces.
The three wise men have been known
to be of as many nationalities; the re-
tinues of the Magi have been school
boys; boys from the farms have been
trained rs shepherds; working girls
have become angelic hosts; an Italian
iaborer has acted the part of Jos phi;
and young Irish girl that of Mary.
The event was conceived and put
~ execution by some of the people who
have come from the city to make Pom
fret their country home. That these
people are artists the costumes, stag
ing, and choice of people for the char
scler parts bears evidence. From bible
illustrations and religious paintings
she costumes have been correctly de
signed and made. The stage settings
are carried out to the minutest detail
and the picture presented TO the audi
ence, as the pantomime unfolds, inn
presses all with its beautiful solemn
ity
Preceding the drama there is singing
ID which first soloists and then all
present take part such familiar airs
While Shephards Watched Their
Flocks by Night, "Once in Royal
David's City, at Came Upon the
Midnight Clear" and 1.-The Little
Fown of Bethlehem" are heard.
Then, while the hall was lighted
only by candles, the Gospel of the Ma
tivity was read The audience, sat in
reverent silence. The story of the An
nunciation, of the birth in the man
ger, and of the visit of the wise men,
rs so majesticaIly told in st. Luke and
ST. Mathew, seemed to touch every
heart.
AS prelude to the first scene
voice behind the scenes, supported by
humming voice, sings the old Ger
man hymn, "Silent Night"
Then is seen Mary kneeling in
prayer, while the angel sweeps out
from the shadows with lily in up.
raised hand to eleetrify the Virgin
with the words:
Hail, thou that art highly favored,
the Lord is with thee; blessed.are thou
among women"
The face of Mary is filled with won
De-. At sight of the angel she Is at
Il rst bewildered, frightened. The mes
sage sinks into her heart. With arms
crossed on her breast, head bowed,
she makes submission.
behold the handmade OF the Lord;
Sc il done unto me according TO thy
word. u
The curtain falls as the angel de-
parts.
The scene changes TO an open field
gloom everywhere, except for the dim
light of lantern here or there. Shep-
herds are seen lying on the ground,
their stoves beside them and faithful
dog among them. In the distance
their fiocks are seen at rest. radiance
drawing nearer from distance, IL
Eliminates the scene. The shepherds
are afraid. a voice cheers them with
It's glorious message:
..Fear not, for behold | bring you
good tidings of great joy, which Snail
Do to all people; for unto you Is born
this day in the City OF David, Sa-
yiour which is Christ the Lord.
In the distance the Heav sn'v Hosts
gather, and the angelic choir sIngs the
glad tiding "GloFy to Col in the
highest. and on earth peace, good Will
toward men"
The light is gone. The shepherds
confer together-they hasten toward
the angelic host, tow ard bethlehem,
Ia the manger over which Mary End
Joseph watch with such towing feFer-
enee. The shepherds steal in, over
sued. fall on their knees, worship and
depart.
The wise men come and pay their
homage TO the Divine occupant OF the
manager. Kings and princes and rich
men come with their offerings. There
is. before the msnger, pageant OF the
worlds might and power, which seems
10 fade into bitterness in the radiance
naH