J. C. Williamson Company

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7269, 23 September 1933, Page 4

J. C. Williamson Company

"BRIGHT SIDE UP” The box plans will be opened on Monday morning at the Central Booking Cilice at 9 o’clock for the representations hero of Ernest C. Rolls’ stupendous musical comedy extravaganza “Bright Side Up,” which is to be staged under the direction of J. C. Williamson Ltd. at the Opera House on Wednesday night. There arc one hundred features in “Bright Side Up.” one of the outstanding being the introduction of the famous number

“Trees” which is presented by the noted Australian soprano, Miss Thelma Trott, and the ballet, with wonderful mechanical effects and appropriate stage settings and costumes. This scena created a furore of enthusiasm in Auckland recently. Another beautiful feature is “The Pearl of the Pacific” which is first of all sung by the brilliant baritone Mr. Colin Crane, and then from all over the stage, out of pearl shells, arise a number of the beautiful show girls in dresses which synchronise with the wonderful scenic effects, and then the ballet makes its appearance also adorned in effective costumes. This' tableau is described as one of the most beautiful ever presented in Auckland. The principal members of the company are all well known artists from England, America and Australia. Miss Jennie Benson has been one of London's favourite musical comedy artists for several years and it was only the offer of a very high salary that induced her to leave England, and so successful has she been that her engagement has been extended on several occasions and she Is now an established favourite with Australian and New Zealand audiences. Mr. Charles Norman, the leading comedian, previously visited New Zealand with the “Rio Rita” company and subsequently he appeared In a number of musical plays in X.ondon, Mr. Norman has achieved hfs best success in “Bright Side Up.” Miss Rene Kiano is a talented American comedienne who will present her famous characterisation of Blue Beard’s Eighth Wife and she is also very, humorous in the sketch entitled “Hiking.” Miss Male Baird, Archie Thompson and Harry Simmons are amazingly plover in a burlesque on the “Spanish Tango,” and L’Eoile and Laurance are most daring acrobatic dancers. Miss Marie Boran is a singer of note from Australia, and Billy Kershaw and Miss Audrey Lewis are brilliant dancers. Mr. Cecil Scott will be remembered by playgoers for his excellent characterisation of the leading role in the talking picture “The Sentimental Bloke,” and Chic Arnold, a noted London comedienne. The beautiful Australian show girls are a great attraction in "Bright Side Up” and so is the talented Australian ballet. The scenic splendours and the wonderful frockings are other features.