The Washington herald., 1912-06-04
LAST NIGHT AT
THE THEATERS
AT THE COLUMBIA.

"The Sign of the Cross."
The revival OF The Sign OF the
Cross by the Columbia Players, al the
Columbia Theater this week, ,takes US
back across the centuries 10 those event.
ful days in Rome preceding the disin-
tegration Of the Roman Empire, when
the early Christians were paying life
penalties for recognition. and the cruel
Nero was laying the blame OF his tot
tertng empire To their alleged plotting,
accusing falsely, and without discrimina-
ton, the holy men and women wher-
ever they were found worshiping on the
banks of the Tiber.
Marcus Superbus, the powerful young
prefect Of Rome under Nero. the most
trusted OF his officers, Is given the COM
mission OF carrying out the Emperor's
edict for. the determination OF the Chris
tians.
II is while occupied with the execution
Of the brutal mandate that Marcus first
see. Mercia, a beautiful Christian maiden.
Her spiritual beauty and tender charm
win the heart OF the young pHefect, who
sets himself the task Of saving the
Christian girl from her cruel fate. De-
tected in his treachery to the mandate Of
the Emperor, Marcus makes a bold ap-
peal TO Nero for Mercia's life, but the
mighty monarch refuses to listen. A
faith In the then new religion that was
great enough to bring smiles to the lips
Of young and tender girl in the face
OF a horrible death was also suficient
to win 10 Christianity the heart Of the
young prefect Of Rome who linked his
fate with that Of the girl he loved and
with her went down to martyTdOm.
The Sign OF the Cross" which is Will
son Barrett's greatest triumph both as
a dramatist and as an actor, is stu
pendous undertaking for a stock COM
pany. but II was last night presented by
the Columbia Players with all the elab-
crate appointments Of its original London
and New York production. winning as a
stock production the same fsrvent ap-
plause that has been accorded It by both
clergy and laity all over the world.
The role Of Marcus Superbus. the
young prefect Of Rome, made famous IN
Europe by Wilson Barrett. and played
in America by Charles Dalton, was es-
sayed last night by Edward Haas Rob
ins, who made striking picture in the
classic and picturesque Roman robes
Mr.. Robins has the dignity OF physique
and dramatic Interpretation to admira-
bly, ht him for this part which affords
him the most notable opportunity Of
the season. He brought to the role last
night power. dignity, and sincerity, win
ming the unstinted approval Of a large
Frances Nelson has never been more
appealing than she was last night in the
role Of Mercia, the beautiful Christian
girl, who preferred the lions to a llb-
erty which meant the Tenunciatlon OF
her faith. In her white robe. the sym
Dol Of her purity Miss Nelson was an
inspiration Of spirituality which made
the love she won without the seekingl
from the powerful prefect quite COM
pTghpnElble her auditors
George W. Barber made Nero sum
ciently constituencies TO satisfy the
aCtualties OF history and TO I'LL his audi
ence with loathing for the Emperors
dissolution and brutality.
As StephanUs the EoIden-haired Chris
tian boy. who was tortured into the be-
trayaI OF the meeting place OF his COL
leagues. Violet Hemmng gave a most
realistic performance. Miss Hemm!ng.
by the way, has a personality OF such
magnetism that one involuntarily picks
her out for particular observation and
admiration when the stage Is otherwise
well peoPled
Other members Of the company are
well cast In The Sign OF the Cross.
and did their share last night IN making
Il the strongest and most pretentious Of
fering OF the stock season at the CO.
lumb!s Theater.
Owing to the unveilng exercises oil
the Columbus statue on Saturday, the
regular Saturday matinee Of the Co
Iumbia Players has been set forward 10
Friday afternoon. which viii in no way
interfere with the regular Thursday
matinee. however J. c MANI.