MOSCOVITCH OPENS SEASON AT THEATRE ROYAL TO-NIGHT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18055, 15 January 1927, Page 6

MOSCOVITCH OPENS SEASON AT THEATRE ROYAL TO-NIGHT.

COMMENCES RETURN VISIT WITH ABSORBING DRAMA To-night, at the Theatre Royal, and for a season of ten nights. J. C. Williamson, Ltd., will present the popular dramatic actor, Maurice Moscovitch, supported by a company of international dramatic artists. Since bis last appearance here, Moscovitch has had an exrica, and return visits to Sydney and Melbourne. In Australia he was nightly greeted by crowded and delighted audiences, who acclaimed his new play, " The Fake,” as of outstanding merit. Frederick Lonsdale, the noted playwright. who wrote " Spring Cleaning " and ‘Aren’t we All?” is responsible for “The Fake,” but in this play one sees a different Lonsdale. The author has presented a story of a father who allows liis daughter, for the sake of social advantage. to become the wife of a drunkard and drug fiend, because he is a scion of nobility. The case of this young man is pronounced incurable by his medical adviser. The father ignores the misery which liis daughter is suffering, and finally a friend of the family deliberately gives the hapless dipsomaniac an overdose of the drug. The climax is yet seen on the stage. One Sydney critic says: ” Maurice Moscovitch’s greatest role. ’ The Fake,’ is hailed everywhere by Press and public as a masterpiece of playwriting and acting, it is a virile, well constructed and intensely absorbing play, with strong dramatic situations, and just the subtle touch of comedy which Lonsdale knows how to introduce at unexpected moments.” Included in the company supporting the star are Nat Madison and Eileen Sparks, who were last here with the previous tour. Ellen Pollock, Margaret Murray and Alex. Sarner were specially brought from London successes. Other prominent people are George Blunt, J. B. Atholwood, Reginald Newson. Kerri® Kelly, Kiore King. Les Donagliy and John Harper. The second production is a revival after many years of Du Maurier’s celebrated romance. “Trilby.” Recently staged in Wellington, the. "Dominion” along the trail of 'I rilby ’ still stands out in the clearest silhouette as a dramatic effort that was unique, and is still fascinating. To describe the performance of Moscovitch as Svengali as a triumph Is no exaggeration. •• The Outsider ” will be revived tor one night only, and on the last two nights of the season "They Knew What They Wanted.” a play unforgettable, will be staged. The box plans for to-night will be at The Bristol till noon, afterwards at the Theatre Confectionery.