The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-04-07
FOCAL PLAYERS
GIVE PASSION
PLAY
1.-THE Holy City" Presented by
st. Patrick's Thespians to
Enthusiastic Audience,

In offering Chester Bennet's ''The
Holy City," Passion play in three
acts and eighteen scenes, the St.
Patrick Players attempted the most
ambitious undertaking of a career
well studded with triumphs in the
history of amateur theatricals. This
self confidence and enthusiasm was
justified by a first performance at
the President Theater last night
that merits paens for a truly worth
while effort.
The playwright who fashioned this
drama around the tragic story of
the passion and death of the Saw
Jour revealed an intimate knowledge
Of the modern theater and the value
of climaxes, and thus the play pro-
crosses smoothly through many
stirring moments to the great sor-
row of Mt. Calvary and the ultimate
triumph in the Resurrection. The
figure Of the Christ on the Cross
and the Ascension are portrayed IN
two tableaux, beautifully lighted
and reverentially staged.
Enthusiasm by Cast.
"The Holy City, makes heavy
demand upon the cast of principals
and without exception they played
with an enthusiasm and feeling that
was inspiring. Airing Alcine, the
Marius of the drama, had the most
difficult characterization and Incl
dentally the direction of the entire
production. Alcine's professional ex-
perience was manifested in a per-
Torrance without blemi8h and
one that must have ra1iated con-
fidence in his surrounding players.
Lawrence Downey, as "Malchus'
had a role rich in opportunity for
revealing a voice of real musical
charm. To Dennis Z. Cennell, fine
moments were offered in the char
acters of John the Baptist" and
"Pontius Plate and they were
creditably handled. Maurice Jarvis
played Caiphas. the high priest,
with full appreciation of it's i'm
portance and Arthur B. White, the
'Herod" with Royal Foster as
"Longinus" also gave capital sup.
port.
The most exacting of the feminine
characterizations, that of Salome, is
portrayed with all the finish of a
professional by Miss Estelle Murray.
Poise, intelligence and versatility
were called for. from the daughter
OF Herodias, whose dancing won the
mead of John the Baptist" and
ended the romance with "Marius"
and Miss. Murray played with I'M
outstanding and danced delightfully."-.
Equally good was Miss Aileen Mize
of Trinity College in the role Of
"Herodias, :. who was alluringly
pretty for a Villianess, bit overcame
that by a splendid voice and capable
acting. Mrs. James A. Hartnett,
who alternates with Alice Cush in
the role OF Elizabeth, the mother of
John the Baptist" was excellent in
part entirely emotional. Harriet
Murphy as. MARY Magdalene"
shared in the trfumphs of the eve
ming.
Glee Club Assists.
Incidental music was provided by
the Glee Club Of Catholic University
with special orchestration by Prof.
c. A. Benson of st. Patrick's which
blended congenially with the action
Of the drama.
When it is considered that the en-
tire production scenically was. built
by the Players, it Is worthy, of note
that it challenges comparison with
the best of Broadway. Costumes
are colorful and historically correct
and Miss Madeline Baker who de-
signed and executed them, assisted
by Mrs. Benedict Kirsch, Mrs. M.
Mansfield and Catherine Casey, de-
serve this line of mention for a
task well done. Judith Sanitary and
Jean Lally who directed the en-
Sembles also merit praise.
The first performance ran smooth.
~ throughout and the entire pro-
duction is tribute to the genius
and capacity for hard work of the
Rev. Francis J. Hurney, who was
In back and front of the theater
tireless in his efforts to provide
a faultless showing. 1.-THE Holy
City" is appropriate entertainment
for Passion Week. 1t is worthy OF
q visit from all who appreciate
which ambition and ta'tn+ can do in
the field of amateur theatricals.