The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-01
"The Shepard King"

Wright Lorimer's production of "The Shepherd King" is great scenic spec tacle which Is given life by the actors in a powerful drama-the story of David. the shepherd king of Israel. Too much praise Lorimer has staged his play Five mag nfcent scenes were produced. each equip ped with elaborate effects. The home of David near Bethlehem in the first act was wonderfully realistic The camp of Saul in the vale of Eah was also impressive. A feature of this scene was a sunrise that was both elaborate and beautiful, al though judcous management of the lights would have made the result more realistic
 The palace of Saul at Gbeah was spa cious and handsome, the arrangement of the scenery giving the desired impression of massiveness. The palace scene was one of the most striking in the play. although all were good. Next came the cave of the Witch of Finder, where the revelation to Saul took place. The light effects here were especially good. A reproduction of the court adjoining the palace completed the series of stage pictures, which were all that could be desired in a search for realism and pictorial beauty.
 Mir Larimer has woven a stirring and powerful play from the story of David as told in the Bible. He has made of David, of Johnathan and of Saul. as well as numerous lesser personages, living per sons wh oft our ideas of the biblical char acters whom they represent and the plot of the play is unfoded in a most convinc- ing manner. The love of Princess Michal and David Is a thread of golden romance running through the story and relieving the sterner passages of the play A bit of comedy is also introduced in such manner that the tension of the audience is opportunely frightened.
 There Is a peculiar charm about The Shephard King" It Is the first play of its kind if Ben Hur' be excepted. that has been produced in modern times and marks q departure in playwrighting that may greatly influence the stage Of the future. One sees before his eyes the moving, breathing mpersonations of characters with whom he has been familiar since childhood; he sees the hills of Bethlehem and his eyes behold scenes depicting the life of the Israelites in the days or ploh- cal association, which would hold ones close attention from curtain rise to cur tain fall. The story of David lends itseiE readily to drama atization, while the locale of the story permits beautiful scenic investiture.
 The play was well acted. MT. Lorimer was suffering from a cold which Inter fcred with his singing and marred the de- livery of his lines but he did no. lack histrionlc ability and gave stirring DOT traval of David more warlike and stren- nous than the real David, but neverthe- less quite attractive. Helen Holmes was canital as Princess Michal. combining T maldenly coyness with many siri'sh graces and coquettries. Ethelbcrt i1aies as Saul acquitted himself well in most difficult role. and Carl Eckstrom was nleasing as Johnathan. Margaret Hay ward was effective as the witch val Rhodes as Shammah, brother ot DaVio' did well in q minor role.
 ."rhe Shepherd King will he repeated tonight. performance tomorrow nisht will close the engagement