“La Mascotte”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 152, 17 September 1927, Page 22 (Supplement)

“La Mascotte”

Amateurs Prepare for Delightful Opera

OLD FRENCH THEME IN LAVISH SETTING

“La Mascotte,” to be played by the popular Auckland Amateur Operatic Society, begins its season at His Majesty’s Theatre this evening.

As its name implies, "La Mascotte” had a French origin. Its music is by the composer Audran. It was later adapted to the English stage by H. B. Farnie and R. Reece, and had a most successful run a few years ago on the professional stage. Written in an exceedingly humorous strain, the book concerns the exciting experiences of a beautiful turkey-herd named Bettina (played by Mrs. Harold Simson, nee Eva Robertson), whose supernatural powers as a luck-bringer earn for her the title “La Mascotte,” and have most unexpected effect, first upon the misfortunes of an impecunious farmer, Rocco (played by G-. C. Lyttleton), and later upon the superstitious monarch, Laurent XVII. (played by Dan Flood). Extraordinary complications result in her own and in the affairs of State, which present countless opportunities for very clever comedy and bewitching music. The book is so strong and full of witty dialogue and gesture, that there is harclly a line without a laugh in it. From the musical point of view, the opera should be very popular. There is a wealth of . ensemble work which is bound to appeal, from overture to finale. The society’s chorus, well known for its assiduous attention to music under the capable baton of Mr. Colin Muston, L.R.A.M., is full, wellbalanced, and as strong as ever. The chorus is always one of the chief attractions of this society’s productions. For the solos, of which there are several magnificent numbers, the society is very fortunate in again being able to call upon Eva Robertson as the leader. Her successes in the part of “San Toy” and as Winfrida in “The Abbess of Whitby,” are easily surpassed in “La Mascotte,” her voice and stage presence having improved out of all recognition. Ernest Snell is admirably suited with his splendid baritone voice.

Two other members who haves not made their appearance as principals before are Beryl Poulton and Birreli O’Malley. It will not be their stage debut, however, as both are well known and very popular in musical circles, the former being a regular performer at IYA, and the latter having taken the tenor lead in “Aida” by the Choral Society.

“La Mascotte” lends itself to lavish scenery and dressing. Its three acts tllow for rustic, court and military treatment. With its special attention to this department under the able lirection of Mr. W. J. Crowther, the society has gone to a great deal of rouble and expense to present a spectacular show correct in every detail. The cast is as follows: Dan Flood .. Laurent XVII. (Du ke of Piambino). lb-nest Snell Pippo (peasant). Birreli O’Malley .. . . Prince Fritellini. G. C. Lyttleton .. Rocco (unfortunate farmer). Beryl A. Poulton .. Princess Fiammetta. Mrs. Harold Simson (nee Eva Robertson) Bettina, “La Mascotte.” lack N. Gordon .. Matheo (inn-keeper). V. J. Petterson .. Parafante (military sergeant). F. W. Martin . . . . Guiseppe (peasant) Miri Bragato Angelo (page). lean Macindoe Luigi (page). Doreen D’Authreau . . Antonia (page:). Mione Ormiston Marco (page). Eileen Brodie Carlo (page). Ethel Rae Paola (Bohemian). Dorothy Richardson, Antonia (Bohemian). Bettina Edwards .. Bianca (premiere danseuse).