GREAT RUSSIAN ACTOR.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18415, 23 June 1925, Page 13

GREAT RUSSIAN ACTOR.

COMING TO CHRISTCHURCH.

This morning, at 9 o'clock, the hoi plans for the five performances of the record-break-ing drama. "The Outsider," will open at j.he Bristol Piano Company. The piece will he presented by J. 0. AA'iniamsou. Ltd., a: fuo Theatre Royal, commencing on Thursday, when Christchurch playgoers will learn why Melbourne and Sydney flocked to sec the JMt-ccfor many weeks in each city. "The •mtsider with the distinguished Russian ?cro., Maurice Moscovitch in the title role. >s ranked as being one of the most successful uramatu- productions staged in Australia for "/}">' s_ears, rivalling even the ruu of "The ■•liver King." Christchurch theatregoers are eagerly awaiting Moscovitch's appearance i.t'i'o in tne role in which he captured AVeiiin?ton ln a night. In his review of the initial performance in Melbourne, last March, a leading critic said: "Mr Maurice Moscovitch opened his reason on Satnrdav evening 1 with_ tremendous hucccss as Anton Kagat"-. , «io quack• doctor, in the tense and viri> I <"'ama, 'The Outsider.' His inlcrnrcMtiou was a triumph, and simply swept Hid audience oft their feet with enthusiasm. Melbourne has never seen a talented actor, and those who witnessed his performance on •Saturday evening are now eagerly waiting to see and hear him as 'Shylock' in 'The Merthant of Venice.' a characterisation that is said to rank among the liiietf performance!* (he world has ever seen. The audience that iillod the theatre to its utmost capacity were most enthusiastic, in their applause. At rimes the dramatic situations were so tense that it held them spellbound until some intrepid person broke it, and in a mightv volume of sound Maurice Moscovitch was" honoured as only are the favoured few who visit our shores. Melbourne audiences are severe critics. This time their enthusiastic reception was justified. Moscovitch i* a sound and convincing actor— a. man of striking personality and ripe experience. His interpretation of Anton Kagatzy stamped him at once n great actor. He gave a skilful portrayal of tho character, and occasionally, when ho scored at the oxpense of his opponents, drew lrom the audience unrestrained laughter and applause. The. slightly foreign accent was pleasing to n degree." Before hi.s departure froai Christ church, playgoers will hare the opportunity of seeing this great artist and lns'splendid company in- "The Merchant of Venice" and "The Gres>l Lover," both of which will be staged for two nights each. The leading lady of tho company is ,Teau Robertson, who will appear in "The Outsider" as Lalage Pturdee, the crippled girl. The company are now terminating a wonderfully successful season in "Wellington, where they have been appearing before enormous audiences during their thirteen nights' season in that city. The box plans are at The Bristol.