Los Angeles herald., 1907-12-10
PLAY DRAMA
OF RELIGION
FERRIS COMPANY PRESENTS
"THE SIGN OF THE CROSS"
MISS STONE SCORES BIG HIT AS
CHRISTIAN MAID
Iridental Music Is Pleasing Feature
Of Biggest Production Ever At
tempted at the "Theater
Beautiful

Seldom has Los Angeles seen so power
ful a play, so well produced. as the mag
nificent revival of THE Sign of the
Cross" presented by the Ferris company
at the Auditorium last evening.
All the English-speaking world has seen
the wonderful Biblical drama, written by
Wilson Barrett almost l. score of years
ago. and first produced in New YORK IN
the early nineties after tremendous sue
cess abroad; al the world knows the con-
vincing import of its lesson, so there is
small need for comment on it here.
Enough that its beauties are as appealing
today as they were when the early Christ
ians went to their death, singing the
praises of him who conquered death, ard
gave to those of faith new life, for the
beauties OF the Christian faith are the
beauties Of the play.
Cast in the Rome of Nero the play
lends itself to spectacular displays and
the magnificent mounting accorded the
current revival is in every way worthy OF
the drama. SO, too, Is the play well
acted some dozen or more of the lengthy
cast merlting special mention, were that
possible In fact, careful attention has
been given 10 every detail.
Music Feature
Due attention has been paid to the mat
ther of the incidental music demanded,
and a carefully trained chorus rendered
the numbers we'll proper allowance belng
made for first night nervousness. The
volume last evening was somewhat lack
Ing. but that will doubtless mend before
another performance. Miss Bee Barnard,
who was a member of the Calitornians
last winter sang two solos. Her voice Is
sweet and fairly strong. ner work merit
ing the applause accorded ner An aug
mented orchestra of fifteen pieces was q
great factor in the general effectiveness
of the entr'-act music, as well as the
music OF the drama. So much for gener-
alities.
1t is difficult to pick .'the best scenic
display of the production, 1t was all so
good. Every set is masterpiece in its
way, and all credit is due Artist Bonner
and his assistants. as well as Arthur
Hurtt, for the results they have achieved.
Mss Florence Stone was the sweet.
pure Mercia whose goodness and faith
were so strong as to win the Noble Mar
Gus Superbus, not only to her love, but
to a belief in Christianity, and to death,
for the Nazarene's sake The art OF
Miss Stones work as the Christian maid
was in her simplicity and artlessness.
In actual lines and scenes her part in
the drama is brief yet so compelling and
forceful was her Interpretation of the
role that she seemed to dominate the
entire play.
The Marcus Superbus of Joseph Kilgour
was in many ways disappointing While
his reading of the lines was delightful
his excessive attudinizing detracted from
the effectiveness of his work. Mr.. Kill
gour last evening labored under the dis
advantage of a severe cold which rem
dered his enunciation difficult. He was
a compelling figure.
Miss Eleanor Montell has in Berenis
the first real acting opportunity of her
engagement here and the forcefulness
of her work in the emotional part stamps
her an actress of great present merit and
potential future possibilities
Miss MonteII's Accident
Miss Montell was the victim of a pain.
full and it may prove serious accident
during the performance last night. In
her fall at the foot of Nero's throne size
injured her knee. and although sne
finished her scene, she tainted and had
to be carried from the stage at its con-
clusion. where she was attended by a
physician and later sent to her home n
a cab.
The Tigellinus of Harry Duggan was a
well conceived and consistently presented
portrayal. while Frank Beamish, while
somewhat overplaying the wine-bibbing
Glabrio. evoked much hearty laughter by
his drunken philosophy and convivial
comedy.
The Favius of Charles Edler and tho
Titus of Hugh Metcalfe were well studied
characterizations appropriate and we,4
shaded. Miss Rita L. Knight as Dacia,
Miss Florence Barker as Stephanus and
Miss Anna l.. Bates as Poppea were also
excellent
There were but few minor defects II,
the acting, and Director Sedley Brown is
deserving of much credit for the effective
ness of his extra people," who behaved
much more like human beings than the
average "supers."
A generous attendance, well besprinkled
with ministers and church leaders, gave
the most hearty approval of the play, as
to theme and the influence it will exert
upon those witnessing it.