ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 4606, 10 March 1902, Page 5

ENTERTAI N MENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. “THE SIGN OF THE CROSS.” Another crowded audience greeted Mr Wilson Barrett and his company on Saturday night, when “The. Sign of the Cross was repeated. Tho acting of tho principals was witnessed with enthusiasm. Tho scene in which Marcus pleads at the foot of Nero’s throne for tho life of Mercia aroused great applause, and the other tolling situations in the drama were likewise ably represented. One of the most clovcrly-acted characters of the piece is Stephanus, as played by Miss Gertrude Boswell. A matinee performance was given on Saturday afternoon. “Tho Sign of tho Cross ” is to bo repeated to-night and to-morrow evening. “ Othello ” is underlined for production on Wednesday, the plan being now open. THEATRE ROYAL. The attractions now presented at tho Theatre Royal, and also the fact that there was an entirely new programme, drew a full house on Saturday evening. Florrio and Stella Ranger and Mile. Lucrotia, tho latest additions to tho Gaiety personnel, have already danced and sung themselves into a position of permanent popularity, and the Coleman ■Sisters are received with a warmth only accorded to favourites. The chief attraction at the theatre is, however, the Cragg Family, whose extraordinary agility and precision astonish where less clever artists would merely amuse. The few minutes during which tho Craggs “strut their brief space” are full of surprises, and they make it very evident that the tumbling which has become so familiar in tho past is mere amateurism compared with what can be achieved by a clever combination by careful and persistent practice. Tho Craggs will only appear for five more mights prior to leaving for Auckland, where their Now 1 Zealand engagement terminates. Admirers of the prize-ring find much to interest them in tho exhibition now being given by biograph at the Boxers’ Rendezvous, Willis street, of the eight-rounds contest for the featherweight supremacy of the world between George Dixon, the coloured American, and Terry McGovern, “the Irish lad." All tho details of tho eight gory rounds, when McGovern wins, can ho clearly followed, and amongst tho audience at the ring-side two prominent bruisers, William Brady and “Kid” McCoy can be detected. Two exhibitions of tho encounter are given each evening. Wirth’s Circus, which opens in Wellington on tho 17th inst., commenced a season at Christchurch on Saturday evening. A private telegram states that the audience was one of tho largest seen in a circus tent in New Zealand. The concert to be given by tho Misses Parsons will be held at the Sydney street Schoolroom on Monday, 2Ath instant. Tho Glee and Madrigal Society and members of the Wellington Orchestral Society will assist. The American Biograph Parlour opened at tho 'Federal Hall on Saturday evening to good business, and will continue every evening. Two performances are given, the first commencing at 8 o’clock. Tho programme includes scenic, comic and Maskellyno and Cook’s illusionary subjects.