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"RESURRECTED FROM FILES OF LONG AGO. ------------- The Harvard Observatory Pinafore, Written in 1879, Revived and Presented at Observatory Residence Monday Night. " " Resurrected from the files of a previous era, Winslow Upton's charming parody, `The Harvard Observatory Pinafore', written in 1879, was presented Monday night at the Harvard Observatory Residence before 150 members of the Bond Astronomical club. Time has not withered the subtle humour of Mr. Upton's lines nor has it one whit diminished the appeal of Arthur Sullivan's Pinafore music to which the words were fitted. A parody of this kind is good tonic for an age which tends to take its scientists with a seriousness that amounts almost to religious reverence. Although it was frankly admitted that the rehearsals for the astronomical operetta had been few and far between, the cast, composed of members of the Observatory staff and the Bond club, acquitted itself with something more than credit. Whatever weakness there may have been in vocal and dramatic technique was more than offset by a pleasing willingness of spirit. Doffing their dignity in the wings, the principals, some of whome are famous for their research in the field of astronomy, entered into their dramatic labors with a whole-souled enthusiasm which was delightful to see. The chorus, garbed in the high-necked shirt waist and flowing skirt of a bygone day, were personable, showed light and agile footwork in the dances, and a fresh spontaneity that won all hearts. The plot, which was explained by Dr. Harlow Shapley before the opening of act one, deals with the attempt of Dr. Leonard Waldo, LL.D., and his influential men of Providence, to hire away from the Harvard Observatory Josephine McCormack, peerless circle reader. Determined that their Josephine shall not be taken from them, the Harvard staff indulges in counterplots calculated to foil the Waldo plots. Much dirty work ensues. There is a villain who twists his mustache desperately and a hero who lays revolver to head, but all turns out merrily enough with the ensemble giving 'three cheers and three times three for the gallant captain of the Observat'ry'. Scattered throughout the operetta are gentle satirical thrusts intended by the author for officials who tenanted the observatory 50 years ago. Some of those shafts were, of course, not evident to a modern audience, but enough of them were evident so that laughter was almost constant. Undoubtedly the master stroke of the operetta was the appearance of the influential men of Providence. Dressed in frock coats, spats, canes, and derby hats, the influential men fairly exuded influence. Their patter lines were apt and witty. Leon Campbell, as Prof. Arthur Searle, appeared in a skull cap and exhibited a singing voice that was clear and pleasing. G.W. Wheelwright, as the villain of the piece, did some fine sneering and mustache- twisting and exhibited a trained and fluent voice. P.M. Millman as the hero of the work was fully as handsome as a hero is expected to be and also sang well. Adelaide Ames pleased in the role of Miss Sanders. Cecelia H. Payne, a woman astronomer of international fame, played the part of Josephine, the heroine, to the Queen's taste. W.R. Ransom, as Prof. Pickering, gave a realistic interpretation of the role. B.J. Bok as Dr. Leonard Waldo, LL.D., who was 'very proud of his degree', was the stiff and pompous scientists to the life. A.R. Sayer and Messrs. Bowie and Andrews, as the influential men from Providence, wrung every bit of laughter out of what were undoubtedly the fattest parts of the whole operetta. Scintillating in the chorus were Irma Caldwell, Sylvia Mussells, Helen Sawyer, Mildred Shapley and Henrietta Swope. Miss Jenka Mohr was conductor and violinist. The costumes were supervised by Miss Henrietta Swope and the properties by Miss Arville Walker. The whole operetta was under the direction of Dr. Harlow Shapley and Miss Helen Sawyer. An interesting novelty which was not on the program consisted of the dancing of a Scotch jig by Mr. Lindsay. The applause which greeted this number was louder than the music of the spheres. Between acts one and two Messrs. Andrews and Wheelwright entertained with an interlude entitled 'Atlas and Hercules'. The high water mark of this skit was the depiction of the sad plight of Atlas on the day that he broke his arm and suffered at the same time an attack of the hives. The operetta, although written in 1879, was first performed on New Year's eve of this year before the American Astronomical Society at the Harvard observatory. So successful was the production that it was replayed Monday night for the benefit of the Bond club. At the performance on New Year's eve, Mrs. Winslow Upton, widow of the author of the piece, was an honored guest. Dr. Shapley explained that the operetta was not presented when originally written because it was felt to be a little too daring. Consequently it was privately circulated. Another reason to account for its non-performance is that, shortly after the writing of the work, one of the men who was a character in the operetta, died. This saddened the staff so that no one had the spirit to go on with the work. While looking over the files, Dr. Shapley came on the script of the play. He saw its possibilities and determined to have the operetta produced at the appropriate time. "