The Theatre in Boston

It is an unfortunate fact that in these mercenary days there occasionally appear strong plays that have "gone wrong." "Outcast," which had its Boston premier at the Hollis Theatre last night, is just such a play. It should have ended at the close of the third act, but, evident deference to the box office, which is still apt to insist that a play should end happily, resulted in a fourth act of stereotyped reconciliation and happy conclusion. That the play was not ruined by the anti-climax in this act, is proof prositive that it is a drama of exceptional power. For, in spite of its improbable ending, it is a strong play.

The story deals with a jilted man, taking to drink and drugs, and his reformation and rejuvenation by a common "girl of the streets." Complications arise when the girl who has jilted him wants him again. Still loving her, he throws off his old life and with it his mistress. There is an especially strong scene at the end of the third act, when Geoffrey tells Miriam of his decision to leave her. The force of this scene and of the whole play, is marred by the following act which, in an absurdly improbable way, sends the audience homeward in a reasonably happy state of mind.

With the exception of the first act, when her part is considerably overdone, Miss Elsie Ferguson's interpretation of the outcast Miriam is an unusually moving one. Her change from a "street walker" to a "mistress," is excellently portrayed, and throughout the piece she acts her difficult part with considerable eloquence and power. As Geoffrey, David Powell was admirable in the role of a shallow, selfish man. The Hugh, of Warburton Gamble, and the Tony of J. Woodall Birde, were both thoroughly convincing parts. Miss Gillian Scaife, as the insipid Valentine, gave a delightfully pleasant impersonation of a thoroughly unpleasant woman.

"Outcast" is as the program says, a "vital throbbing, human play." It is unpleasant in its strongest parts and there are few laughs to break the general denseness of the whole. But it presents in a vividly, graphic way, a question of importance to all. For this reason, and for the sake of Miss Ferguson's acting, if for no others, "Outcast" is a play which should be seen. W. H. M. '17.