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Show Mf "THE CHRISTIAN" ACCEPTABLE "The Christian" at the opera house Thursday night probably exceeded the expectations of the majority, for few had the greatest hope of what a comparatively com-paratively unknown company would do with this masterly elfort of Hall Cilne. John Salnpolls, Lillian Law- Irencc and Hint L, King In the stellar roles proved equal to tho emergency, and the lesser lights did not detract from the general elfect. It may be said that the production as a whole was equal In any respect to the Florence Flor-ence Roberts productions, and as a play "The Christian" Is far more satisfactory sat-isfactory than any Florence has ever brought us, Lillian Lavvrenco Is less dramatic than Miss Ilobcrtsand poses to bad oirect sometimes In that red light during the first act, for Instance but In her disposition to not overdo her emotionalism and her capacity to i occasionally get away from tho Rob erts monotone with Its downward In-llection, In-llection, sho Is highly acceptable. John Salnpolls has tho advantage of I,, u glorious voice, a pleasing stage prcs- ' $Mi ence, and Is undoubtedly strong as Joint Storm, though one co,uld never conceive him as a priest. In truth he H never was, despite the fact that he woro the regulation costume. lie was a man, a real man, with rich red blood In his veins, and such a character char-acter In a setting of Iniquity and sin stands out in such bold and helpful relief that it must needs win the heart and soul of any audience and Salnpolls Saln-polls won his way Thursday night. Hurt L. King, as the disreputable Lord Robert Ure, was a splendid conception con-ception of the general Idea entertained enter-tained qf a ecrtuln class of Kngllsh aristocracy. Ills characteriatlon was (continued on page 8) The Christian. conolnded Iroin 1st puge. p-rrectand consequently so repulsive a .' to be nauseating. His was the best bit of acting on the stage. Harry D. Hyers made of Archdeacon Wealthy a representation of that class of ministers that appeal to the world rather than the worldly; a minister who glories in the perrectlon or his choir, the wealth or his memoirs and his own slick, well-red appearance rather than In his opportunity to minister to tho fallen, the weak and helpless. Mis. Hyers, as Mrs. Cullender, proved a bright bit In all the turmoil, possessing posses-sing a Scottish broguo that is rich, and a heart that was bigger than her for-tu.ie. for-tu.ie. Kthel India, as Polly Love, had a little bit of real work to do and did It acceptable. The Haglng was very good. The music by tho orchestra was the most! acceptable that has been pioducedj from that pit In a century. It was all bright, snappy, vigorous, tuneful and withal, good music, et that audience sat like a lot of dummies, The house was probably two thirds tilled. |
