The Washington herald., 1908-04-12
The Academy-Thomns e. shea.

OF much interest TO lovers of classic
drama is the attractive programme of
hr. Thomas Z. Shea, whom Messrs. Co
han and Harris viii present at the Acad-
emy OF Music tomorrow night.
Mr.. Shea has arranged a repertoire
when IS in every way a representative
one; for II not only retains the roles in
which the tragedian is known best. but
includes the new religious play by Eu-
gene Thomas, entitled "A Soldier of the
Cross. An enga cement of Mr.. Shea
would not be considered complete without
productions of The Bells and DR.. Jek-
yll and Mr. Hyde Special perform
ances, therefore with newIy-provided
scenic equipment. are announced for
both. In "A Soldier OF the Crogs'' the
author has built up a part for Mr.. Shea.
in the character of Ajax. tine gladiator.
which brings within focus an sides ef this
popular actors ability, The scene Of the
new piece IS laid in ancient Pompeii. at
the time of the destruction Of the city
By the volcano Vesuvius. and tells the
story Of the early Christians. The author.
II IS said, has not hesltated 70 avail him
self OF the melOdramatic material that is
the real historic background for the
struggles Of the early Christians. The
period Of Roman persecution and Chris
tian martyrdom, rich in itself with world
OF sensational data. has furnished for
the dramatist enough thrilling episodes
without once ever exceeding the bounds
OF probability. On the other hand, Mr..
Shea Is happy in asserting that a Sol
der Of the Cross" has kept free from
the contamination Of sensualism that has
SO often been employed in the religious
drama to obtain the so-calIed effects by
contrast. The tragedian is sincere in the
belief that the message TO be impaired
can be driven home without resorting TO
the carnal and voluptuous
This statement is the more convincing
when it is considered that "A Soldier of
the Cross has been a sweeping triumph
both for actor and author. Furthermore
the overwhelming box-office returns that
have attended Mr. Shea's tour prove be-
yond a doubt that the exhibition of SEN
sualism is not essential to the success Of
a religious play Of the early Christian
period. Ajax. by his victories in the
arena, has won the much-eoveted wooden
foil given by the Emperor Titus. He
learns OF the abduction Of his daughter,
Claudia. and VOWS the punishment of her
prosecutors. Claudia is discovered Wor-
Shipping IN secrecy with the Christians.
whom Tigellinus. praetor Of the city. has
driven into seelusion. Ajax arrives on
the scene In time to befriend and pro-
tect the Christians against the Pretorian
guard. and, by virtue of his wooden
sword, thwarts an attempt to carry OF
the supposed slave girl. Claudia. The
prince, Rebellius. who loves Claudia, joins
Ajax against their common enemies. The
wicked princess Astralit. who in turn
loves Rebellius. pits her spite and influ-
enee IN opposition TO Ajax and his daugh-
ter Chief among the featured effects Is
the eruption Of Vesuvius, which is said
to receive marvelously realistic repre-
sentation. The play. because of its detail
and scenic equipment. is of considerable
Significance to the antiquarian and Of
equal import TO the student of early
Christianity
Mr. Shea will he seen in a Soldier Of
the Cross Monday evening and Tuesday
Thursday and Saturday matinees: "Dr
Jekyll and Mr.. Hyde" will be the nlay
for Tuesday, Friday. and Saturday even
ings; while THE Bells" will be presented
on Wednesday and Thursday evening