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88

Esther Once More.

EDITOR OF THE FREEMAN, My Dear Sir;—I have had so much pleasure in the late representations of "Esther" that I cannot resist the impulse publicly to express it. First, I am delighted that the Rondout people have developed a more than ordinary musical and dramatic talent, and that they have been able so harmoniously to conduct this entertainment to a successful issue. Being somewhat of a play goer, it is natural perhaps that I should be a little critical, but I confess that I was not only surprised but I received genuine pleasure from their rendering of the play. Where all did so well it would invidious to mention or even think of any special excellences.

I had not the pleasure of attending any of the Kingston representations, but I have it from the lady who personated Queen Esther in Rondout that it was remarkably well done, and that she should congratulate herself if she could be assured that it would be equally well presented in Rondout. I am convinced that the friendly rivalry existing between the two sections of the city had largely added to the interest and enthusiasm.

I think the thanks of this whole community are eminently due to Messrs. Peaslee and TenBroeck. I have always held in high estimation any man who can furnish innocent and healthful amusement to the people, and this charming entertainment combines all that is pure, interesting and ennobling. Privately, I cannot help expressing to these two gentlemen my sincere thanks for the tact and patience and executive talent which they have shown in making this entertainment so great a success, and I should not like to have them go away from our midst without the assurance of our appreciation of their labors and the heartily expressed wish that they may return next winter to plan and conduct some new enterprise of this nature with the feeling that they may rely upon the cordial co operation of our people.

Lastly, a word as to the jewels worn by Queen Esther, as I notice that a slight misapprehension has grown up in the minds of some of our neighboring editors, noticeably in Hudson—undoubtedly from a playful paragraph in The Freeman of Thursday.

These jewel'd splendors were hired at a customer's (with the exception of a few real gems lent by personal friends) at a cost so slight that any lady wishing to bedeck herself to any degree of oriental magnificence, may gratify that desire at an extremely trifling expense. I caution her, however, that for their genuine sparkle, their bewildering glitter, she will be obliged to call in the glare of footlights, the soft ecstacy of Mrs. Weber and Prof. Tetsch's music, and above all the sympathetic enthusiasm of an audience rising beyond criticism into the happy atmosphere of pure and unalloyed enjoyment.

"SPECTATOR"