J. C. Williamson Company

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7268, 22 September 1933, Page 12

J. C. Williamson Company

“BRIGHT SIDE UP” By far the most important theatrical attraction which has been sent to New Zealand during the recent years is Ernest C. RoILI ’ stupendous musical comedy extravaganza, “Bright Side Up,’’.which is to be staged here under tie direction of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., at tho Opera House, Palmerston North, on Wednesday evening next at eight o’clock. “For sheer lavishness,” wrote a Melbourne critic, “nothing more magnificent than ‘Bright Side Up’ has ever previously been staged in Australia, the Parisian flavour being greatly appreciated by theatre-goers.” “Bright Side Up” bubbles over with good and wholesome entertainment, including snappy and witty dialogue, very humorous situations, delightful musical numbers, which are sung by good voices; thrilling acrobatic dances, beautiful ballets and brilliant ensembles. There are no less than 70 people concerned in the production of “Bright Side Up,” including some of the best singers, comedians, dancers and specialty artists from Engalnd, America and Australia. After numerous triumphs in Australia, Miss Jennie Benson, who is one of London’s most popular comediennes, made her first appearance in New Zealand at Auckland recently, and she proved that she was quite entitled to the reputation she had won in other countries. The principal comedian is Mr Charles Norman, who comes to us with a London reputation second to none who has ever visited this Dominion. “Mr Norman,” wrote a critic recently, “is a born comedian, and he keeps his audiences highly amused the whole time he is on the stage. He is ably assisted by Mr Chic Arnold, another English artist. Miss Rene Riano, whose legs are insured for a very largo amount of money, is an eccentric comedienne, whose dancing never fails to arouse the audience to enthusiasm, Mr Colin Crane, who is tho possessor ol : a baritone voice of great quality and range, has on many occasions toured New Zealand under the banner of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., so he is well known to playgoers. Brilliant and thrilling acrobatic dancers are L’Etoile and Laurence, and Miss Maie Baird and Archie Thompson, both of whom toured New Zealand with J. C. Williamson’s “Maid of the Mountains” company, created a furore in Auckland in a remarkably clever burlesque dance featurette. Billy Kershaw and Audrey Lewis are two brilliant Australian dancers, and Cecil. Scott will be remembered for his excellent characterisation in the talking picture, “The Sentimental Bloke.” Miss Marie Doran and Thelma Scott are two sopranos whose singing is a feature of “Bright Side Up.” Other notable artists include Charles King, Frank Keane, A 1 Mack and Madge Hope. The brilliant team work of a, specially picked Australian ballet is another feature of “Bright Side Up,” and the appearance of the beautiful show girls caused something like a sensation in Auckland. The box plans will, be opened at the Central Booking Office on Monday morning next at nine o’clock. A queue rviil be formed from 8 a.m.