AMERICAN COMEDY COMPANY

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 980, 28 August 1903, Page 2

AMERICAN COMEDY COMPANY

“ MAMA’S NEW HUSBAND.” At the Theatre Royal last night, before a record bumper house, “ Mama’s New Husband ” was produced by the Stine and Evans American Musical Comedy Company, an organisation which is successfully touring through New Zealand under the directorship of Mr George Stephenson, with a large repertoire of novel and new burlesques and musical comedies of various kinds. The comedy submitted last evening was of a bright and sparkling nature, and throughout was quite free from any vulgarism whatever. On the contrary it was of a very refined charaetor, bright and attractive, and brimful of American witticisms and humor. Like most musical

comedies, it does not depend on the plot for its success, but rather on its sparkling music and absurdities of one kind and another, which altogether makes up a charming bill of fare. Miss Margaret Marshall displayed a most intelligent conception of the part of Mrs “ Pearly ” Brood, who has passed one husband and caught another. She proved herself to be an actress of no small merit, and won tho golden opinions of her audience. As Mamie Dimler, Miss Olive Evans fully justified the reputation that preceded her. Her actions are most vivacious, and her sweet soprano voice throughout the evening was shown to great advantage. Miss Evans has a prepossessing and fascinating manner, aDd should become a renowned favorito throughout the colony. One of the gems of the c-voning was un doubtedly her rendering of “ The Good Old Summer Time,” which was sung with

taking effect. Miss Marjorie Ford gave a clever impersonation of Jennie Dutton, “ whose past is far across the sea,” and throughout her acting proved to be irresis- ' tably funny. She also scored great successes in her musical numbers. Miss Reba Haight, as Pansy Witherbee, “ who is past taking this life seriously,” Bcored a great success in her vocal items. Her singing of “ Out on tho Deep ” gave her ample scope to display her rich contralto voice, her lower notes being full and perfect. Tbo several other ladies of the company proved themselves to be thorough artists. Mr Cbas. J. Stine was excellent in tho role of Henry Broad, 11 a young man with a past and glad of it,” and acted the henpecked husband in a most life-like sjyle. He is a comedian of a very high order, and by his acting throughout ho established himself a warm favorite with tho audience. In the burlesque of grand opera Mr Stine and Miss Evans

excelled themselves, creating quite a furore, and being several times recalled. Mr 0. A. Hunt stands out prominently us tho vocalist of the company, and his impersonation of Parker, a footman “ whoso past is a question,” was ably sustained. In his two songs ho displayed his bass voice to great advantage, which was a highly appreciated musical treat. As Jimmy Smart, “ who has past nothing that be could take,” Mr W. Douglas proved himself to be an excellent vaudovillo artist. Mr Chas. P. Bates as Silas Franklin, “ who has past out of the race, but is still running,” gave a clever and highly amusing interpretation of a love sick and weak old dotard. Mr Ralph Bell

BlUli U.UU WBaii UiU UUUtIIU. ILLI JAtUJJU J-JUU as Franklin KiDgsley, “ without a past but looking for one,” is an actor of much refinement, and his elocution was much admired. The dancing is a distinct feature of tho comedy, and was a great treat to lovers of the terpischorcan art. Really a show in itsolf is the unique display given by the Bicknolls, who introduced a nurnbor of stepdances and cakewalks, which were equal, if not superior, to anything seen on the colonial stage hitherto. They were several time encored by the large audience, who marked their appreciation in no uncertain way. The comedy was beautifully staged and mounted. Mr George Stephenson is to be congratulated upon having introduced to the colony this unique and novel combination of artists, and wo feel sure that his tour through Australasia will prove a memorable and financially successful one.

To-nigbb a new comedy, 11 Brown's in Town,” will be staged, and should be greeted with a bumper house.