A CINDERELLA MAN

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 452, 6 September 1928, Page 14

A CINDERELLA MAN

“THE LAUGHING OPTIMIST”

MR. HUTCHISON’S SUCCESS “The Laughing Optimist,” -a comedy in three acts and four scenes, by Rida Johnson Young, presented at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening by J. C. Williamson, Ltd. CAST Phyllis Dawn .. .... .. Stella Francis Mrs. Dawn Frances Dillon Pierce Dawn R. Steuart West Jerry Haward Percy Hutchison John Barron .. .. E. Rayson-Cousens Clare Clarke Mary Brackley Mrs. Clarke Joan Rogers Sterling Victor Watts Weston Sam Clarke Townsend Whitling Rev. Anderson Leslie Laurier “The Laughing Optimist” is a kind of Cinderella man, plus 100 per cent. American pep. His dreams all come true, despite an occasional rebuff, and everybody lives happily ever after. The audience is even allowed to be present at his wedding. Nowadays no American comedy seems to be complete without a wedding, which all goes to show that the authors know the kind of play the public wants if it is to be a box-office success. There is nothing strikingly original about “The Laughing Optimist,” but it is good after-dinner amusement, light

and bright, and the kind of fare which can be enjoyed by theatrical patrons who go along “just to have a good laugh.” There is also a little moral lesson hidden under its smiles and tears.

No one will deny that last evening’s audience enjoyed the comedy, even if the author has descended to punning for many of his laughs. Some of the puns, as a matter of fact, were treated with the greatest enthusiasm. Briefly, the story tells of Jerry Haward, frivolous, impecunious, and determined to marry the girl of his choice, whose father, an author of sorts, is finding it difficult to make both ends meet. A selfish overpowering mother snubs Jerry’s advances, particularly when she sees an eligible though elderly millionaire bachelor hovering in the background. True to American tradition, Jerry scouts all ordinary ways of making a living, scorns life in an office, and proceeds to outwit his former employer, the millionaire, in providing a home for the fair Phyllis, who is, by way of being a thoroughly spoiled child, and keen on luxurious surroundings. How he does it is pleasantly told by an able London company, the majority of whom do not attempt an American accent, but are sensibly content with good English. Mr. Hutchison comes to us with a well established London reputation as an actor-manager and producer. In a way, he reminds one of Seymour Hicks —plus Mr. Hutchison, of course. He is jovial and alert, and intensely alive. His manner is refreshingly, easy. Miss Dillon is a most capable actress, with an attractive stage personality. She gave us a vivid picture of a hard, calculating woman, deftly sketching in the essential characteristics with a sure hand. It was an unsympathetic role played with skill and understanding. Miss Francis made the most of a girlish role, and weighed the consequences of love in a cottage and love in a mansion in an attractive way. She treated her more tearful moments with a nice appreciation of their value, never descending to the mediocre. Mr. West proved to us that even serial writers have their bad days. He handled a difficult role with businesslike ability. Mr. Whitling, who will be remembered as the bluff farmer of “The Farmer’s Wife,” is still bluff, but this time after the manner of the wealthy New York business man. His characters always carry the illusion of reality. Miss Brackley was pleasantly amusing as a modern American miss, strident, scheming, and precociously sure of herself. The other members of the company gave all the support which was required of them.