Washington sentinel., 1901-03-30
Amusements.

Wilson Barrett's historical drama,
"The Sign of the Cross, returns to the
Columbia Theatre Monday evening.
This unique and remarkably snccessfHl
plav, which has made such an impress
sion among priests and clergymen both
in this country and in England, as well
as among regular theatre goers, will, as
on former occasions, be interpreted by
Charles Dalton and William Greet's
company OF English actors from the
Lyric Theatre, London. Probably no
drama ever written has attracted more
attention among people who do not as
a rule attend theatrical performances.
The scene is laid in Rome at the time
when Jero's prodigal luxury and in
human cruelty were furnishlr & material
for some of the blacklist pages OF the
worlds history, The struggle between
Christianity and paganism had begun;
Rome was at the height of it's magnIfi.
cence Just before its downfall and the
religion OF "peace on earth, good will
toward men," was being taught by a
band Of lowly followers OF the Man OF
Galilee, The sublime courage that
enabled not only men, but weak women
and young children to go unfiinchingly
to horrible death in the Roman arena,
contrasted with the refined vice and
fendish cruelty Of the Emperor and his
court. furnish the light and shade of this
unique drama. A special scale OF prices
has been adopted for the engagement.
The Lafayette Square Stock Company
will next week present one of Arthur
1 w. Pinero's earliest and most successful
comedies OF English life. 1t is called
The Amazons," and is OF such unique
character in its comedy situations that
it promises to be one of the best offerings
of the season at the Lafayette. The
story treats OF an English woman who
has three daughters, whom she trains
and educates as boys, having a contempt
for her own sex. The three girls are
brought up in the country. and are
taught to ride. to swim, to hunt, and tC
rough 1t in true man fashion, But al
heart they are sweet, womanly creatures
with no sympathy for their mother:
ideas. Hence, it follows quite naturally
that they fail in love with three young
swains OF the neigIborhoOd. The three
girls next week will be played by Mis-
Percy Haswel, Miss Grayce Scott, anC
Miss Katherine Field. Eugene OrmOnde
Charles Wyngate, and John DAILY Muir
ply will have the opposite roles. IOhi
T Sullivan will have character part
and most Of the other members OF tht
company will be seen in conRenial roles
Charles II Hoyts ga Texas Steer,
which begins an engagement at th
Academy next Monday night, is wei
known in this city, anc it would b.
strange if it did not receive a heart
welcome. Perhaps this is the mos
artistic of Mr.. HoYt's plays. Certainl
It is the most definite in purpose, il
sporting with politics being done goo,
naturedlY, and with a desire to afforl
innocent amusement. The vein is on
quite to the popular taste. and not with
out relish. The immediate and grea
success attained by the play aud com
pany on its first visit to the city was wei
attested by the great pleasure afforde,
the large audience then, and by th
crowded houses during the last season
engagement. The players seem "a Alv
absorbed their authors idea oF%Sslei
characters. The clever work of Feai
Hight as Bossy; the honest Texan c
James H. McCann, the politician worker
as represented by Will H. Bray. togethe
with the other characters, are all fsmiIia
to theatre goers, and are as cleverl
drawn and interesting personsges a
met with in any American comedy. Th
regular Monday, Thursday and Saturda
matinees will be given.