THE OPERA HOUSE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 21, 25 January 1901, Page 2

THE OPERA HOUSE.

"The King's Musketeer" was staged for the third ' and last time at the Opera House 'last evening by the Crane-Power Dramatic Company. There was a. good attendance and the drama went exceedingly well. ' "TESS OF THE D'URBERVILLES." Mr J. C. Williamson's fine dramatic company will be seen this and to-mor-row evening in Hardy's well known work, entitled, "Tess of the D'Urbervilles." Few novels of the day have been more widely read or more hotly canvassed than "Tess of the "D'Urbervilles," which many good judges consider Thomas Hardy's finest book. It is certainly one of five most pathetic, of the series, so much so, indeed, that it would-be obviously impossible to reproduce the last chapter where the black flag flutters above the county gaol upon the stage. This and to-mor-row evening admirers of the novel will be able to witness the production of Lorimirs Stoddard's dramatic version at the Opera House. Three important characters in the book, those of Tess, Angel Clare and Alec D'Urberville, have equal prominence in the play, interpreted by Miss Edith Crane, Mr Cecil Ward, and Mr Tyrone Power respectively, who have each won golden opinions on all sides for their ■artistic renderings. The Sydney "Telegraph" says: "Of 'the acting it may be safely said that such art: and expressive facility as . Miss Editlf Crane's have never been seen in this historic, playhouse since Bemhardt graced it." Not since the memorable representation of "Trilby" in this country some years ago has the production of any play created sucb instantaneous and widespread sensation among all classes of the community. "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" can only be played two nights, in order to produce the complete repertoire during the company's all too-short season of eleven nights.