St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1893-08-24
MR.. WILLARD AS JUDAH.

Mr. Willard presented at the Metro
politan last evening the second play in
his repertoire, written by Henry Arthur
Jones. Judah" differs essentially from
1.-The Middleman'' in its psychic char
acter as opposed to the stirring action
of the latter. 1t is the first of a series
of plays written by Mr.. Jones for no
particular actor or tbeater, in which the
unfettered Imagination of the author is
given free scope. The lines are much
better penned than the previous play.
There one felt that the literary genius
of the author was often not equal to the
power of the situation, but this may be
said to be well written judged by the
not severe standard of the modern
stage.
Like the other plays Judah deals
with some phase of the present social
condition. Faith-heaIIng is its theme,
but the comnonness of the subject is in
strong contrast with the nobility of
treatment. The story is as old as truth
itself-that true love triumphs over
every obstacle. and forgives every
wrong, if only the object be worthy.
AlS vi ID HUt u1d-
matte. and the play doss not abound in
salient situations. 1t is rather striking
i'll its mentality, and suggests an atmos-
plere of thought rather than action.
Not so picturesque and varied as that of
Cyrus Blenkarn. Judah is still one of
MIR. Wizards most striking characters.
In it he finds portrait particularly
fitted for his personality, a fine mind,
conscientious almost to fanaticism. His
decisive. energetic, accomplished
draughtsmanship is nowhere better
shown.
In the physical aspect of the play one
notices the peculiar beauty of Mr.. Viii
Iard's voice. This was somewhat
Swallowed in the character of the old
man, but in Judah the full sonorous-
ness and melodious depth is given fine
play.
The Celtic element in the character
is something which the writer might
we'll have emphasized The voices
which sounded to the shepherd when
he piped his lays among the Welsh hills
become the awful ringing in the ears of
the Presbyterian minister. The poetic
aspect is altered to that of the prophet,
but the seer still remains.
The performance of Vashti is a
most trying one for any actress, bnt was
beautifully taken by Miss Burroughs
and made Significant picture among
modern dramatic creations. One feels
in her the immense influence of strong
mind over the nervousness OF so fragile
creature as Lady Eve, and the mag
natic DreSeDcn which cuIpS Eve and
fascinates Judah is made most potently
manifest. Miss Burroughs did the part
full justice, and shared the honorS with
Mr.. Willard.
The scientific Sceptic. Prof. .Joff, with
his head full of disbelief and his heart
full of love to humanity, is delightful
man. And after all why not believe IN
dryadS and fairies as we'll as germ,
p!asms and protUplasns." Sludge, the
medium, or Dethle. was we'll taken by
Boyce Carleton, but one feels the char
acter is made to order, and not neces-
Sity.
The comedy part is furnished by a
pair of scientific lovers who make love
OH psychological principles, who get
engaged without kissing, and are in
every way lend OF the century," Such
wo0ing between prig and blue stock
ing makes merry vein running
through the somber wool of persons
VINO are endeavoring to base their life
an eternal truth.