"THE CRAGGS."

Evening Star, Issue 11676, 7 February 1902, Page 3

"THE CRAGGS."

It is now close on eighteen months sin re •' lr P> . R - . Dix . °P enerl with his first company in this City, and during that time he has served to introduce to Dunedin audiences some of (he most noted performers in their 'csnective lines of business that have ever left the shores of England and America for these parts. Among the number many of Mr Dix’s patrons will for years to come have pleasant recollections of such artists as the Haytora, the Dartos, he Rianoa, Ferry the Prog, Irene Franklin, all of whom have at different periods appeared throughout New Zealand with distinct success. Good as all these performers were, the fact still remains that there was not a single one among their number whose appearance was looked forward to with more interest than that of “The Graggs.” This was amply demonstrated by the large an I appreciative audience who filled the Tri.icess’s Theatre last evening to witness (he initial performance of this remarkable troupe, supported by an almost entirely new company of vaudeville entertainers. “The Graggs” have been prominently before the Australian public for some time, and much has been said and written for years past as to the originality and cleverness of this acrobatic family. Mr Dix has spared no expense in bringing them to th;s colony, and their stay must necessarily be a short one. “ The Graggs ” have other important engagements to fulfil, and it was with great difficulty that Mr Dix managed to book them for a season through Nsv Zealand prior to their return to America. Now thatl they are here, however, Mr Dix wil] meet with dne reward for his enterprise in introducing to bis patrons so expensive a combination. Coming to the performance itself, it should be explained at (ho outset that the six elder members of the troupe all appear in evening dress, and in this attire go through “ some truly marvellous feats,” which defy anything like an accurate description. In fact, so quickly and neatly are the different tricks accomplished that one is apt to miss what has really happened. The audience were prepared for something good, but few, it is safe to say, ever expected to see such a remarkable performance. The troupe were accorded a reception seldom witnessed in this City. All through the audience wore most enthusiastic, and at the close of the act rose to the occasion by cheering to the echo, “ The Graggs ” reappearing twice and showing their appreciation by bowing their acknowledgments. In all the troupe consist, of eight male members, six principals and two juveniles, who assist in one act. The feature of their performance is undoubtedly the neatness, rapidity, and precision with which they do their work. Never once did they miss or fumble in accomplishing their tricks, all of which, it should be mentioned, are entirely new to Dunedin audiences. We do not propose to describe all that took place, for that would be impossible; in fact, it is no easy task to give an idea of what “ The Graggs ” are really capable of doing. All the time the men seem to be flying through the arr or turning somersaults off one another's feet and hands. One very clever trick was where two pair stand on one another’s shoulders, and a fifth man climbs on to the shoulders of the top man of the first pair, and, standing erect, leaps on to the raised hands of the top man of the other pair, and again turns a back somersault, alighting .n his former position. Another wonderful feat was the one where the lighter member of the troupe turns somersaults off the feet of the four other men in rapid succession, and is then finally shot off their feet into the wings. These are only a few of the many astonishing tricks performed by “ The Graggs” during the time they occupied the boards. Apart altogether from the cleverness of the performance, it is artistic from beginning to end, and must be seen to be appreciated. Of the new members of the company, Mr Ernest Brinkman, a baritone singer of no mean order, was warmly encored for his singing of ‘ The skipper ’ and 4 Queen of the earth.’ Miss Ben ) Gilman pleased the audience with her singing if 4 My girl’s the best girl.’ Mr Jim Marion was as funny as ever, while the great Keilderson’s ventnloquial act was again a feature of the show. Mr Bert Ingram, a •iffleur of New Zealand origin, gave a number of realistic imitations of a thrush, • canary, and other birds. Messrs G. Dean, Johnny Collins, and Arthur Albert and the Lingard sisters were all accorded their fair •hare of applause. The new first part, entitled ‘ln Moorish Halls,’ for which a number of scenes have been specially painted by Mr Alfred Glint, presented quite a refreshing appearance. Two mirth-provoking finales were included in the programme. The same entertainment will be repeated at the Princess’s Theatre this evening.