Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1904-11-10
The Shepherd King.

Wright Lorimer's great production of
"The Shepherd King" comes 10 the Acade'
my of Music, Baltimore, for two weeks visit
November l4th. In New York and Boston,
where it has already enjoyed extended runs,
it proved a revelation, and from the first
night the demand for seats was 30 great that
many orders had to be returned untitled.
The beauty of the play and its moral teach
ing have been commended by the majority
of prominent ministers in the East, while its
dramatic value has been theme upon which
critical reviewers have exhausted themselves
The size of the production has proved
source of amazement not only to theatrego.
ers but to managers as well. 1t is without
doubt the greatest spectacle ever presented
on the American stage, beng what might be
termed a Size larger than ben Hur," which
has heretofore enjoyed that distinction.
The presenting company numbers over
two hundred, while the stage hands and
those in charge of the mechanical and other
arrangements are an even hundred In mum.
ber When compressed as greatly az posi-
BILE there was not to be found either in New
York or Boston stage large enough to
store them. While one act was being given
express wagons were kept hurrying from the
theatre to various storchouses carrying the
scenery for the acts to follow. The settings
are noted for their artistic value Each is
triumph of harmonious color and magnifi
cent effects. and the costumes riva! them in
gorgeousness.
The play itself is powerfully appealing IN
its intensity. The story Is that of the young
David and involves of course the tales of the
acrid minded, tempestuous Saul, the sublime
prophet Samuel and the bideous Witch of
Endor.
Wright Lormer, whU is part author of the
piece and who plays the role of David, is
sincere and skilled actor of artistic ability.
He has sprung into great public notice at a
bound. With one leap he has gone up many
of the ruDgs of the gIittering ladder OF fame.
Practically unknown, even in the large east.
ern cities, year ago, today his reputation is
only less than that of the greatest of Ameri.
can stars.
In company numbering two hundred it
is only possible to name those who have the
leading roles and who have naturally had the
most frequent opportunities for distinguish
ing themselves. These include Charles Kent
who is seen as King Saul; Edward Mackey,.
as Jonathan his son; Percival Lennon as
Phalti; O'kane Hills as Jesse the father of
David; Henry NARROW as Samuel the proph
et; May Buckley and Nellette Reed as Mich.
al and Merab, the daughters of Saul; Mar.
garet Hayward as the Witch of Endor; and
Benjamin Williams as Goliath. the Giant Of
Gath. There are the immense choruses OF
dancers, singers, soldiers, slaves and Nubi-
ans besides the others of the cast.
The drama is given in four acts and five
scenes. The first act shows the home OF
David, the shepherd boy near Bethlehem
act two shows the camp of Saul in the Vale
of Elah; in act three is shown the palace OF
Saul at Gheah, and act four shows the cave
of the Witch of Endor and the court adjoin'
ing the palace of Gibeah. The action con.
sumes three years.
In production of this size every essential
had to be specially prepared, even down to
the wigs and sandals, and the piece is ex
pected to create sensation In Baltimore
such rs no spectacle of its kind ever produced