“LA MASCOTTE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 153, 19 September 1927, Page 15

“LA MASCOTTE”

ATTRACTIVE, MUSICAL PIECE “La Mascotte,” a comic opera in three acts, adapted from the French by Farmie and Reece. Music by Audran. Presented at His Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday evening by the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society. CAST Laurent XVII Dan Flood Pippo Ernest Snell Prince Fritellini .. .. Birrell O’Malley Rocco G. C. Lyttleton Matheo J. N. Gordon Parafante A. J. Petterson Guiseppe F. W. Martin Fiammetta Beryl Poulton Bettina Eva Simson Angelo Miri Bragato Luigi Jean Maclndoe Carlo Eileen Brodie Leone Doreen D’Authreau Pola Ethel Rae Antonia Dorothy Richardson Bianca Bettina Edwards If omens mean anything the Operatic Society has made a wise choice in “La Mascotte.’’ It is decorative, it is tuneful, and it is amusing to a degree. Though it bears signs of its age, “La Mascotte” is a welcome change from the 100 per cent, pep and bustle of the modern musical comedy, for, after all it is more real musical comedy than comic opera. The plot is impossibly romantic, but sufficient to carry the action of three acts. Picturesque settings and frocks make a pretty background for the lilting melodies which abound in the story. The Operatic Society is fortunate in possessing so many people who can sing with ability. Its chorus too is admirable, and therein lies much of the success of “La Mascotte.” Briefly the story tells of a pretty tur-key-herd, Bettina, with most mystical powers of bringing good luck. She is taken from her employer by a delightfully nonsensical monarch, and

taken to his court. Her lover, a shepherd. disguised as a strolling player, follows her to the palace and eventually wins his lady, though not until there has been more than sufficient misunderstanding to keep the story to a reasonable length. Miss Simson has good looks, a good singing voice and a charming stage presence. She sang her way through her troubled love affair with ease and assurance, well qualified in every department to fill the role of leading lady. Mr. Flood and Mr. Lyttleton served out their humour in liberal quantities. Throughout the piece the humour is rather lugubrious, but nevertheless it is effective. Mr. never lost his dignity, even when he found himself in the most undignified postures. His long acquaintance with the stage stands him in good stead. Mr. Lj'ttleton played up excellently to his superstitious monarch. One of their best numbers was a pantomimic dance with Miss Poulton—a delightful piece of burlesque work. Mr. Snell possesses an admirable singing voice and a figure which splendidly becomes the clothes of the decorative period of “La Mascotte.” Mr O’Malley’s principal claim to fame is his voice The evident fact that he is a favourite was demonstrated by the audience after every solo. Miss Poulton was as flirtatious and as tempestuous as the book demanded, and sang agreeably. Light as thistledown Miss Edwards twirled her way through several dances with grace and ability. Her arrangement of the ballets was most I tasteful. The smaller roles were all admirably cast and acted, and the chorus left nothing to be desired in attention to detail or melody. Mr. Colin Muston conducted the orchestra with his usual skill. “La Mascotte” will continue to bring ! good luck to the Amateur Operatic Soj ciety for the rest of this week, j The attractive scenery was painted : by Mr. Gus Lindvall, and the striking : dresses and artistic colour scheme i we* evolved by Mr. W. J. Crowther.