THE MISS FITZMAURICE GILL'S DRAMATIC COMPANY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 45, 20 February 1903, Page 2

THE MISS FITZMAURICE GILL'S DRAMATIC COMPANY.

"THE SIGN OF THB GROSS." In reserving " The Sign of the Cross " for the closing performance of the season the management acted wisely for it is decidedly the most powerful and enthralling piece of the Company's large repertoire. It was no wonder that such a drama should have attracted so large an audience, and there were times whan the glowing theme as interpreted by the chief of the dramatis personte, worked up those present to I a high pitch of tension, the solemn grandeur of the words reoeiving most eloquent expression. As a matter of course the main interest of the drama centred around Marcus (Mr. Chas. Blake) and Mercia (Miss Fi'zmaurice Gill). The representation of these characters by the artists named was of a very fioished and consummately artistic kind, placing them in the fort Iront of the exponents of high dramatic art. There was depth of fine feeliDg exhibited, which showed how thoroughly the actor and actress entered into the spirit of their parts, while their elocution was in every way equal to their clever acting. Mr W. Power was not a great success as the E.upror Nero, as the impression his impersonation gave was that of a rather imbecile monarch than of one of tho in.'St cruel and stoical of all the occupants of the throno of ancient It me. As Glabrio, Mr Duchateau creited much amusement, and all the other parts were as well filled as on tho previous nights. The scenery and stage effects were far above tho average, while tho dresses were, if somewhat! peculiar, on a lavish scale. The play | wont excellently from first to last, aud ] was thoroughly eujoyod by the large j and appreciative audience. We predict a successful tour for the Company, who leave to-day for Stratford, where they should attract large audieaces,