THE DRAMA.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVI, Issue XVIII, 4 May 1901, Page 846

THE DRAMA.

Despite almost anti-climatic conditions, a very large audience assembled in the huge tent which houses Fitzgerald Bros.' Circus in Auckland. The wind blew icily, and the rain pelted in blinding sheets outside. but those safe under canvas were evidently completely happy and enjoyed the entertainment most thoroughly. The circus has now fairly well completed its tour of this colony, and with the exception of Aucklanders the majority of amusement seekers amongst our readers have already seen the Fitzgerald Bros.' show. Therefore there is no need for a prolonged puff or for extended praise. Good wine needs no btrsh. and this circus has ever met with the warm welcome it so well deserves. In Auckland as elsewhere the Daltons and their marvellous trapeze work arouse universal wonder and admiration. Better artists than these in their Line never came south of the line. A host of attractions on the programme draw well-deserved applause. and the entire entertainment is one which can scarcely fail to give satisfaction to the most jaded amusement hunter. There is a matinee this (Wednesday) afternoon and another on Saturday, and there are of course performances every evening until Saturday next.

The dramatic outlook for the colony has been considerably brightened by the announcement that Musgrove’s Comic Opera Co. will visit us during the winter. Rumour has it that an enterprising Dunediner has guaranteed Mr Musgrove £3OOO profit on the tour. Let us sincerely pray that such faith in the operatic proclivities of New Zealanders will not be disappointed. The company will make a start in Auckland in the third week of July. Among the pieces staged will probably be “Cinderella” and "The Scarlet Feather,” with Miss Nellie Stewart in the leading parts. Miss Nance O’Neil appeared in a new role in Melbourne the other day. As the heroine of Ibsen's little known play, "Lady ingar of Ostral," she had plenty of telling situations in which her peculiar talent finds most scope. Mr George Musgrove leaves Melbourne for London on the 14th inst.