ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11562, 28 January 1901, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

OPERA HOUSE. The Crane-Power Company gave a second production of their dramatisation of Hardy's work, "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" on Saturday evening. To-night a revival of the popular drama, "A Royal Divorce," will be given. The "man of destiny" is one of the most attractive personages in history. A century has passed, yet his impress upon modern politics remains. In "A Royal Divorce" four tableaux are presented in the course of the play, and they are excellent—"The retreat from Moscow," two representing the crash of Napoleon's fortunes at Waterloo, and another where the exiled Emperor gazes across the Atlantic from the cliffs at St. Helena, These much enhance the spectacular effect of the drama, and add somewhat to the incident, which would seem otherwise incomplete. The dresses are magnificent, and the scenery accords with the regal splendour which surrounded Napoleon in his days of conquest. The piece is mag- | nificently staged, and the figures are dressed | so accurately as to agree with the most fas- j tidious taste in regard to the ; assemblage of I great personalities which • surrounded , the j most conspicuous identity of modern history.! DIX'S GAIETY COMPANY. The City Hall on Saturday evening was j crowded in every part, When Mr. Dix's com- \ pany presented their weekly change of pro'gramme. The great feature of the performance was the marvellous act of Ferry, "the Human Frog." The audience were greatly impressed by the wonderful manoeuvres .of Ferry, and lie was accorded a very flattering reception. The* programme, otherwise, 'was also warmly applauded. , Mr. Frank;- Clark came in for a large t-'nare of ' this for his singing of "The Coloured Major," and his specialty with Mr. Joe Cowan.. Little Eileen Boyd scored a distinct success with "My Tea Party," and Mies Olive Lenton, as usual, secured many recalls for, her seriocomic items. Mr. James Forrest, who sang in three different voices, was. doubly encored, and Messrs. Chas. Howard and Jack Steelo and Misses Boyton and Beuth were also well received. The last six performances of Ferry, the Human Frog, are announced. FULLER'S BIJOU COMPANY. The Agricultural Hall was crowded oh Saturday night, when Fuller's Bijou Company submitted a new programme of great excellence. Mr. Aubrey Douglas rendered several coon songs, for each of which he was encored. Mr. John Fuller sang the patriotic song, " England will see it through," with great effect, and had to respond to a double encore. Mr. Will Watkins, who invariably receives a warm welcome, and is seldom allowed to retire without giving two or three items, was, as usual, very successful. The serio-comic number, Flo," gained I for Miss Trixie Le Mar great applause, as i did her graceful dancing. Miss Lena Young, i whose voice is an uncommonly good one, was well received, and was recalled in the duet, "Excelsior," sung with'great taste by Mr. Fuller and herself. Miss Lottie Lome made a great hit in her character song, " Too-ra-lnddy." Fisko, the boy juggler, who made his last appearance, was loudly applauded. The farce, "On the Fire," proved very mirth-provoking. The same programme will be repeated to-night, and on Wednesday next be repeated Williamson, on Wednesday next Mr. Geo. Williamson, endman and comedian, will make his first appearance.