Esther

"Esther" by Sonia Daugherty is a straightforward religious melodrama but with spiritual appeal and purpose and characters that really seem to live and project each his life story wholesomely on the actors. The Esther story, perhaps the most dramatic in the whole Old Testament, has ever lent itself readily to drama and is always a vast favorite with the playwright. Mrs. Daugherty has managed to instill into the Esther of her play a fine modern expression of the love for fellowman and the thrill of service nobly done. Esther is fair and frail and pathetic as she trembles hesitantly across the courtyard in the presence of the king -- and the sacrifice seems really one of nobility of purpose to save her fellow-men. It is, again, the individual to save the race. The drama will offer an outstanding theme -- it is instinct with situation and it can be quite impressively yet simply set. There is no question of its appeal and its power to hold and sway the attention of the audience. While capable of simple and inexpensive production, the Persian setting will offer unlimited opportunity to the director who wishes to elaborate more fully. Beauty of word and of thought, impressiveness yet simplicity of setting -- unlimited opportunity for costuming, this new old play with a modern message will be a delight to all church groups. - Mrs. A. Starr Best - Preface.