MOSCOVITCH.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18895, 10 January 1927, Page 13

MOSCOVITCH.

A RETURN SEASON". The opening on Saturday night at the Theatre Royal of Maurice Moscovitch arid company of international artists in "The Fake," is the first dramatic offering by J. C. Williamson for 1927. Maurice Moscovitch already has a host of admirers here who hold pleasant recollections of "The Outsider," "The Great Lover," and other plays. .Since bi.-t appearing here, Maurice Moscovitch has had a most successful world tour, including appearances in England, South Africa, and Australia. His recent seasons in .Sydney and Melbourne were a series o* l triumphs," the Press and public being unanimous in their appreciation of tho all-round excellence of the company and the brilliance of the plays presented. The opening production is a powerful drama by Frederick Lonsdale, one of the world's most prominent playwrights, who was also author of "Aren't We All.'" "Spring Cleaning," and "Maid of the Mountains." These latter plays were delightful comedies, but in "The Fake," a vivid plot of murder and the endeavours to justify the crime show Lonsdale up in an entirely different mood. The critic of. the

"fiuardian" (Sydney) writes: "The startling theme of 'The Fake' even in less experienced hands would compel attention; as interpreted by Moscovitch and a remarkably wellbalanced company at the Criterion,, it holds

memory in thrall. One finds it difficult to forget the masterly acting of Moscovitch and carries with one a picture of Gerard Pillick, so .realistically portrayed by Nat Madison, hysterically planning the bachelor holiday from which he is never to return. Mr Zucco's polished social hypocrite, too, is a splendid portrait. 'The Fake' is a play to ho seen." Prominent people supporting the star are Ellen Pollock, Eileen Sparks, Kerrie Kelly, Margaret Murray, Kiore King, George Blunt, Alex. Samer, ,J. B. Athohvood. 'Reginald Xewson, John Harper, and Les Donaghcy. "The Fake" will bo. played for three nights only, and will be followed by Du Maurier'a celebrated stage romance for foui

nighis. Then the company revive, for t>ne night only, "Tho Outsider." A startling drama described as "something to discuss," entitled "Thoy Knew What They W»nt*4," will be played on the last two nights •of the season. Tho box plane for the fonr inductions open on ■Wednesday at The Bristol.