The Washington times., 1912-06-04
COLUMBIA PLAYERS
TEACH LESSON WITH
SIGN OF THE CROSS
Novel Play Ably Presented
,.. at the F Street
i S8ast,. House.

II II not often that one goes to a the
ater for a sermon, but this week in the
Columbia Theater, THE Sign of the
Cross" a three-act drama by Wilson
Barrett, breaches a sermon that is hard
to avoid. The love of a Roman, one
Marcus Superbas for a Christian girl,
which even bridges death, forms the
plot Of the play, ip which the Columbia
Players are seen In what is, perhaps,
the best production of the season.
Back through the centuries, when
Rome was at the heyday of its triumph,
the story takes the audience to the
reign of Nero, with aMrcus Superbus,
the most trusted of Nero's young Of
mcers, as the central character.
To this young officer has been given
the commission Of exterminating the
christians. Edward H. Robins is seen
IN this role to great advantage, far out
doing himself, and receiving the unstint-
ed approval of large audience. Mr..
Robins work in this role recalls the ex-
cellent presentation he made as Metel-
lus In Ben Hur.r
Fitted for Part.
Physically and in his conception of the
character, Mr.. Robins more than gives
the idea demanded by the part. In the
nrst scene he is excellent, appearing
here as the sated favorit OF the EN-
porer, one for whom there Is no longer
any zest or spice in life.
Inc psychioal transformation which
takes place in the soul of the favorite
upon his meeting with the Christian
girl offers opportunity for a fine piece
oo,af OF acting; tS. and It is in this particular
SSi!ity % assert, aass nt; Itself Robins dramatic
: The part played bv Miss Ne,,son
seems also to it her capabilities and
temperament far better than almost
fbis y'hins sn IN IN WHICH she has been seen
letaunchness Of the character which is
the invulnerable armor which with
Staads Su so capably the advance of the
The usually excellent character
Work of George Barber has in no
wise slipped from it's high standard,
Nna Maa mis- conception of the merciless
let Heming took the part Of a Young
Christian boy, Stephanus, creating a
lasting impression of tender faith.
a9S The eeep par9 l9yalty' 1T ,vo,n,, .,
small one, was in the capable hands
or Godfry Matthews, who contributed
more than his sare to the excellence
Iot the performance.
Miss Thatcher Sings.
The entrance song Of Miss Carrie
Thatcher gave the audience another
opportunity to hear her sweet voice,
and the role was interpreted with the
usual Intelligence and finish of this
actress.
JohnM. Kline lent a dignity and po,se
% the role of Tigerlinus and Willard
Robertson's Servillius deserves recog-
nltlon: Poppeaea, as interpreted BY
miss Julia Blanc. was fittingly sinister
and Miss Aline McDermott made a pic
1uT0S0ue AnaHaria
The play is in four acts and ten
scenes. but, nevertheless. the audience
was out Of the theater a few minutes
after IL o'clock. The costumes were
we'll selected. and the stage settings
We're harmonious. following closely the
MEDIEVAL placing of the plot.
Owing to the fact that the big Column
bus parade is scheduled for Saturday.
the usual matinee on this day will be
omitted. and there will be a matinee
on Friday, this in no way conflicting,
however, with the usual Thursday
matinee.