“BRIGHT SIDE UP”

Taranaki Daily News, 26 September 1933, Page 9

“BRIGHT SIDE UP”

A RIOT OF MERRIMENT.

SPLENDID STAGING EFFECTS. Take the comfortable yet worldlywise whimsicalities of a Miss Jennie Benson, the piquancy of a Miss Rene Riano, add to them the nimbleness of wit and of foot, that a Charles Norman displays as though it were a pleasure, put with them all the skill in lighting and stage production for which a Williamson “show” is always noted, a group of artists in song and dance of which every member is a star performer, and to fill in any odd'moments a ballet that can dance and sing with deft, delightful precision, and you have the ingredients that made “Bright Side Up” an entertainment that not only filled the New Plymouth Opera House to capacity last night but also sent the audience away quite satisfied that the production had fully maintained its title. “Bright Side Up” is variety entertainment at its best. It does not boast even the sketchiest of musical comedy plots, but from the time a millinery business is purchased in order that it may be a failure the fun is fast and furious for the rest pf the evening. Miss Jennie Benson was always welcome. It did not matter whether she was the millinery store’s chief buyer, the wife of the lawyer who brought court methods to the breakfast table, the heroine in the broadcasting scene, an opera star, or just a lady who sang breezily about life and love and the foolishness of tears, she gripped her audience all the time.

Miss Rene Riano’s methods were entirely different from Miss Benson’s, except that she was just as breezy. Her wit was sharper. It effervesced at times, and she added to it a skill in dancing that could have proclaimed the artist without the aid of voice. Her mimicry of “classical” dancing was a study in posturing, and she could turn with just as much effectiveness to. a knock-about street sketch of thirsty souls anxious to visit a bar after hours. Mr. Charles Norman was a host in himself. As a “mug,”’ a domineering at-, tomey, in the characterisation in dialect of a Scot, a Welshman and a Frenchman, as the “new” mathematician, the nuisance with a flat on fire, or the clever dancer, he kept interest keen and made an excellent foil to Miss Benson and Miss Riano. Billie Kershaw and his ballet were a joy to watch, and their artistic work was considerably emphasised by the splendid scenic and lighting effects. Mr. Cecil Scott did well as the Frenchman desirous of learning the English language, and in other sketches. The specialty dance of L’Etoile and Laurence was a little masterpiece in the expression of grace and strength, while the revised version of “the waltz” given by Mae Baird, Archie Thompson and Harry Simmons was also a fine display. All the minor parts in the sketches were well filled, and the ballet work, especially the two items “Russian Moon” and “Pearl of the Pacific,” deserved the warm appreciation it received from the large audience. In thanking the audience for its support, Mr. Norman mentioned the probability of the company returning to New Plymouth after its southern tour has been completed. The company is playing at the Hawera Opera House to-night.