THE OPTIMISTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17156, 5 October 1926, Page 4

THE OPTIMISTS

BRIGHT VAUDEVILLE. VIVACIOUS ARTISTS. From the blight opening chorus to the catchy medley which closed the show, "The Optimists" justified the reputation that preceded them from the other Genres, when they opened their Gisborne season at the Opera House last evening. The company lias the unusual merit ot combining in its members representatives of the various talents that make vaudeville so popular in this present age, and each member is an artist in his or "tier branch of stage-craft. "The Optimists" are headed by a clever comedian in the person of Sam Stem, who sonic months ago made.a successful appearance in a vaudeville turn at a local thl'litre. His present position has the advantage of a background with which the most, captious critic can find few faults, and his work surpasses in effect the best, he displayed on the former occasion. The company is not a big one, but it has been well selected, and Sum Stern was fortunate in securing the co-operation of so accomplished a troupe to support his own ability. Tile audience was a typical first-night gathering, inclined to be a little critical at first, but rapidly warming to the spontaneous joy of the performance, and ending whole-heartedly with tli c visiting artists. If the principal comedian adopted the nam eof Stern, as so many theatrical stars do adopt names, it must have been with a sense of humor, for there is nothing in liis performance to indicate a dour temperament. His methods are new, and the laughter lie arouses by his antics and his gags are wholesome and thoroughly enjoyable. His sketches are highly diverting, and his solo efforts are not less so. There is another comedian in. the troupe, Stanley Hudson-Airth, who gave the principal fun-maker splendid support, and supplied a foil to liis methods. Mr. Hudson-Airth has not been seen before in Gisborne, but many who saw him last night will welcome his early return. The comedy eletnent is always the principal characteristic of touring troupes, and "The Optimists" provide that clement in generous proportions. Not only the billed comedians, but also the whole company, can turn tlieir hands to the production of laughter, as was seon in the sketch "Experiments in Hypnotism." The songsters of the parly merit high praise for their work, and of them all, Miss Peggy Peat did a great deal to ensure the success of the Gisborne season, and Miss Veta Gilbert has a .wonderful range and a resonant tone; her contributions to the programme were delightedly encored, and her interpretation of several of the better-known songs and brllads would have lost nothing by comparison with the best, heard from members of variety troupes. Her artistry cr.n enly be the' result of exceptional training, and apt talent in the pupil. Miss Gilbert Was heard to advantage in duets with Francis Cornwall, whose talent also runs to instrumental music, as was evidenced by tile exquisite violin obligato provided for some of her songs. Mr. Albert Carlisle is a baritone of much merit, whose items wertv received vitli pleased applause. The whole company cooperated in many lively chorus numbers and sketches, and undoubtedly gave their audience a most enjoyable treat. One of the features which gave most pleasure to the audience was the playing of the accompaniments and incidental music, by Miss Madeline Joyce. ''The Optimists" will repeat their performance to-night, and the management assures intending patrons that the entertainment will be even brighter .than that provided last night.