Douglas Daily Dispatch

MUSIC CLUB'S PROGRAM BEST OF THE SEASON

One of the most unique and picturesque programs ever presented by the Douglas Music club was offered at St. Stephen's Parish house last night to a well-filled and highly appreciative audience.

An "American Indian Program" was the title of the evening's production which with its haunting music, colored lights, rustic costumes and outdoor settings easily carried the true Indian message across the pretty stage to a deeply interested group.

The entire life of the American Indian from his summons to fulfill his duties among his fellowmen until he was called by the great God above, was depicted by music, both instrumental and vocal. A group of girls garbed as Indian maidens offered the story in pantomime with J. P. Sexton acting as narrator and the sighing but inspiring Indian music creeping out from the instruments of screened players who were invisible throughout the production. Yet the fact that the presentation was simply different failed to make it such a huge success—it was so well executed and so finished in its production that everyone felt the spell and charm of it all.

Mrs. Charles Cunningham was the chairman of the evening and was assisted by Mrs. R. G. Arthur as hostess during the social hour following the program. The pantomimes were directed by Mrs. E. C. Piper to whom the highest praise should be accorded for being able to present something so difficult in such a masterful manner. Miss Martha Criley assisted by Mrs. Piper and the interpretations were directed by Miss Marylyn Norton and Miss Irma Dalton. Mrs. M. J. Andreson, Mrs. I. J. Simcox and Miss Mary Frost alternated on the piano during the evening.

Eloisa Valenzula, Anita Sigueirof, Addeliana Hosmen, Elena Lugo, Maria Costello, Josefina Elias, Julia Elias and Eufricia Hurtado were the pantomime enactors and did a most bright and realistic job of it.

Mrs. J. B. Crowell sang the opening number "The Sunrise Call" in a most melodious manner, her sweet soprano voice calling the Indian players together. The Indian dance called the "Sun Dance" was most exquisitely and easily staged by Betty Cole, Martha Huxtable, Katherine Russell, Dorothy Armstrong, Maurine Tardy and Ruth Cary. Following this number, Miss Jane Neer—taking the place of Mrs. John R. Newcomer, who is ill—Mrs. George Dawe and Mrs. C. E. Pettingall sang together "Little Papoose" and their voices blended perfectly.

One of the outstanding numbers of the evening was the Dagger dance by Miss Frances Larison who was accompanied by Mrs. I. J. Simcox. This young lady offered probably the most unique dance ever attempted in Douglas and she did it with grace and intelligence, completely gaining the audience's approval.

Mrs. George Dawe and Mrs. H. A. Wimberley were excellent in their piano duet "Indian Phantoms" while R. G. Smail intelligently offered the "Cree War Dance" on his violin in a hair-raising and challenging manner, while the girls portrayed it.

"On the Lodges of the Sioux", a soprano solo by Mrs. J. S. O'Brien was beautifully rendered and met with a hearty response. The final selection, "The Night Song," played on the piano by Miss Ida Hickman brought forth unusual harmony and rhythm.

Sexton who narrated the story of the Indians between each number was very good throughout and the character of the entire program so high and so intrinsically worthwhile that it should be presented for the entire citizenship of the city.

Members of the club stated last night that there are many local people interested in the activities of the organization who would like to join it but who feel that they are not wanted because they are not musicians. This is an erroneous conception and anyone who would like to participate in the club's work and help in its cultural aims, regardless of whether they are musicians, are cordially invited to join.