FITZMAURICE GILL DRAMATIC COMPANY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7403, 6 March 1903, Page 2

FITZMAURICE GILL DRAMATIC COMPANY.

"Sign of the Cross."

To-night the " Sign of the Cross " is to be produced in the Town Hall, for the first time in Masterton, by Miss Fitzmaurice Gill and her powerful Dramatic Company. The piece is from the pen of Wilson Barrett, and by its great success and world-wide fame has proved itself to bo ono of the greatest plays ever written. Well does it deserve its name of " The Great Play of the Century." It deals with the early days of Rome, when the Christians suffered under Nero and with its historical plot as well as its thrilling and pathetic lines appeals to all of the community. It is produced (J| special arrangement with Mr J. Williamson, and is to be mounted on the same elaborate scale as was the caso in Australia. New and magnificent scenery and costumes have been obtainod specially for this production, and patrons will see something far beyond anything ever attempted here. Miss Fitzmaurice Gill herself plays the part of Mercia, the Christian, while Mr Chas. Blake fulfils the role of Marcus, prefect of Eome. Miss Dma Cooper plays Stephanus, and Mr Leo De Chateau as Glabrio. If the audiences who have rushed to see this production in other towns are to be any criterion of to night's house, the Hall will bo packed to the doors long before S o'clock. Early doors to stalls and pit are advertised to open at 7,15, and patrons to these parts of the house should avail themselves of this opportunity to get a good seat.

To-morrow night, Win. Bourne's sensational drama, in five acts, " Man to Man," is to be staged. This piece is a melodrama of the highest type, and ran in Sydney for sixty consecutive nights, and was played at the Opera House, Auckland, by Miss Gill's Company, for nine nights, to packed houses. It is full of and sensational incidents, and as Auckland critic writes; " The stage el'fcets have to be seen to be realised." Very prominent is the realistic scene of

Portland Prison, showing the prisoners at work, and the escape in the fog ; and also the great railway collision, which is a marvellous piece of stage working. On Monday night, Hall Caine's famous work, " The Christian," is to be staged. This piece has a reputation seoond to none. Its plot is well sustained, and it carries itself home to the audience right through. Miss Gill plays the beautiful part of " Glory Quayle," while Mr Chas. Blake has an equally good character in John Stora.

With the reputation of the Company, and their exceptional repertoire, their season here should undoubtedly prove a groat success.