MOSCOVITCH SEASON.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18417, 25 June 1925, Page 14

MOSCOVITCH SEASON.

COMMENCES TO-NIGHT. This evening, at the Theatre Royal, will see the first appearance in Christchurch of the world-famous actor. Maurice Moscoviteh. and his powerful supporting company, and the first production of the phenomenally successful drama, "The Outsider," a tense and virile play, which was originally written for Mr Moscoviteh by Dorothy Brandon. Thiß piece is sure to arouse considerable interest in Christchurch. not only among the general public, but particularly so far as the medical profession is concerned. The gripping drama in which the great Russian actor opens his Christchurch season this evening, is the story of a quack doctor who cured a crippled girl after many distinguished surgeons, including her father, had failed to alleviate her sufiVrings. It was claimed by several Melbourne doctors that the play put the medical profession in an unfavourable light, not only by the turn of the plot, but also hy the sarcastic dialogue at the expense of the London surgeons. However. "The Outsider" is not intended to convey any lesson either for or against unlicensed practitioners. "It is merely a play." explains Mr Moscoviteh. "and should bo regarded only as a play." The Melbourne Press entered into the discussion, and many leading articles appeared in the daily papers. Although the play was written by a crippled girl about a cripple, it is not in the least harrowing or morbid. In fact, a strong vein of humour runs throush the whole piece, and it is a fine drama with uleuty of opportunities for Mr Moscoviteh, one of the greatest actors of the present day. This artist is a sound and convincing actor —and a man of striking personality and ripe experience. His impersonation of Anton Ragatzy stamps him at once a great artist. He is said to give a skilful portrayal of the character, and occasionally when he scores at the expense of his opponents, draws from the audience unrestrained laughter and applause. Mr Moscoviteh will be supported by a magnificent cast, all of whom appeared with him in the successful Sydney and Melbourne tiroduction of the piece, and will include William Stack as Sic Nathan Israel; 11. Mackenzie Uogan as Sir Montague Tollemarche; Nat Madison as Mr Frederick Ladd; Arthur Greenaway as Mr Vincent Helmorc; G. Kay Son per as Mr Jasper Sturdee; Jean Robertson as Lalage Sturdee; Eileen Sparks as Madame Klosf Maurice Moscoyitch as Anton Ragatzy; and Marie Eaton as Pritchard. "The Outsider" will be staged for five nights only.

The second production on Wednesday and Thursday night next will bo "The Merchant of Venice." when theatregoers will have the opportunity of seeing thi3 great artist in his wonderful impersonation of Shylock. said to rank among the finest the world has ever seen. On the last two nights of the season, "The Great Lover" will be staged, with Maurice Moscoviteh as Jean Paurel, the role he created for two years in London.

The. plans for "The Outsider" are at The Bristol. The plans for "The Merchant of Venice" and "The Great Lover" open on Monday, at 9 a.m.