The Washington herald., 1914-12-15
by JULIA CHANDLER MANI.

Folk who have followed the theater
and its products know what "Ben-Hur"
has been to the stage since its first
presentation fifteen years ago. 1t is
one of the most remarkable dramatiza-
tions of any book. and particularly OF
any religious story. ever made; and its
reception by the people OF many coun-
tries is unique in the annals of the
stage. 1t has been a financial triumph
year after year for Klaw Erlanger,
owners of the production; an artistic
success for Joseph Brooks, its producer,
and the source of an enormous income
to the family OF the late Gen. Lew
Wallace, author of the book, from
which William Young made the play.
Nor was there any abatement in the
interest and appreciation accorded this
fascinating Tale OF the Christ presented
once more last night at the New Ma
tional Theater. The chariot race Win
its galluping horses held the GREATNESS
interest of a large audience. The stage
picture which shows the fierce battle
between the gaIleys was as effective as
ever but neither of these scenes-whlch
are the cruN of the melodramatic inter
est-touch the deeper emotions Oh the
spectator as does the inspirational pic
ture on the Mount of Olives with which
the play closes. Here the presence oil
the Savior is shown by an intensely
white light which fascinates with its
mystical symbolism. presenting a scene
which is one of the most beautiful and
effective staged in modern times.
There are vast crowds OF Pilgrims for
the Feast of the Passover, awaiting the
coming of the Messiah. who has beer
expected for centuries. CARRIED in motley
costumes they stand singing Hosannas
and watching eagerly for the miracle to
In
the ear, preparing the spectator for the
climax-the sudden presence of the In
effable One represented by a shaft of
pure white light which falls like a bene-
diction upon the heads Of the kneslinG
multitude.
With the one exception of the first
scene of the fifth act, showing the eX-
terror and gateway OF the circus. Ben
Hur" has suffered nothing through the
years in the beauty and splendor Sf Its
mounting, Joseph Brooks has achieved
the acme of artistic success in the pre-
lude, which covers the meetin gof the
Three Wise Men and the realistic dawn
ing Of the Star of Bethlehem as well as
the lake scene of the fourth act and nu-
merous effective interiors.
And Klaw and Erlanger have selected
for this seasons presentation of Gen.
wallace's famous story a cast of princi-
ligious ferver of the tale they unfold,
touching the roles they portray. in some
instances, with rare reverence. Partic-
ularly is this true of Richard Buhle-,
who presents a fine heroic figure in the
title part, and keeps consistently within
the spirit OF the performance at all
times. Mr.. Buhler has returned this
year to a characterization in which he
has before won signal honors, a role to
combined with the sincerity OF his por-
trayal in making the most excellent of
his many stage portraitures. The one
time leading man of the Poll Players
was accorded a warm welcome last night
at the National and was forced to re-
spond to the demand for a speech which
proved to be a somewhat. incoherent sue
cession of thanks to his enthusiastic
friends.
Associated with Mr.. Buhler are several
artists whose characterization entitle
them to high praise, particularly in the
case of Walter II. Sherwin, who does an
excellent bit of character work as Simon
ides; Miss Alice Haynes, whose sweet
modesty and dainty personality add ma
terially to the charm of her Esther: Vir-
ginia Howell, who imparts the essence
of regal scorn and hypocrisy to the char
acter Of Iras; Miss Martha Boucher, who
is pretty and effective in the small part
of Tirzah, sister of Ben-Hur; Miss Maud
Ream Slower, who presents a sincere
picture of the faithful Amrah, and John
Milton, who is the boasting and vain
glorious Messalas
And once again the six acts, with their
numerous scenes which reveal the major
part of the book from which the play is
made, were received last night in that
same spirit of worshipful appreciation
which has been accorded ''Ben-Hur" year
after year since first the big spectacle
was presented at the Broadway Theater,
New York. November %, 1893.