“FLORODORA”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 756, 31 August 1929, Page 18

“FLORODORA”

OPERATIC SOCIETY’S PRODUCTION COLOUR AND MUSIC i “Florodora,” a musical comedy in two acts, by Leslie Stuart. Book by Owen Hall. Presented at PI is Majesty’s Theatre by the Auckland Operatic Society. CAST Cyrus Gilfain Mr. Len Keven Frank Abercoed . . .. Mr. Ernest Snell Anthony Tweedlepuncli . . Air. G. C. , Lyttelton Dolores Miss Yerner Wishart Lady Holyood Miss I-lope Asher Angela Gilfain . . . . Miss Audrey Perry Arthur Donegal .. .. Mr. Bob Fenwick Leandro Mr. Frank Martin The success of “Florodora” is very largely the success of the producer, Mr. Theodore Trezise, for the plaudits of a large audience was not so much for what was contained in the book of Mr. Owen Hall, but for what has been subsequently added. The first act Mr. Trezise has wisely left alone. Here, there is colour and action, but the second act, as originally written, drags sadly, and from the vivid colourings of the Philippine Island of "Florodora” "to the more sombre dressings that go wtih the grey walls of Abercoed Castle in Wales, is too sad a contrast. This tho Auckland Operatic Society’s producer has completely counteracted with a charming ballet, some extraneous and very effective burlesque, one or two extra numbers and the continuation in part of some of the dressing from the very colourful first act. In the stage groupings and costuming very fine effects have been achieved. The opening chorus, where the Florodorean flower girls, farmers and labourers lift their voices in tuneful praise of the goddess Flora, striking effects are achieved. Against a background of blue sea, shining sands and waving palms, .the tangerine swathed forms of the flower girls strike a rich note. Scarlet hibiscus blossoms adorn raven locks and stately black mantillas add a further picturesque touch to a scene set in a garland of flowers. TUNEFUL WORK As Dolores, Miss Verna Wishart made a very successful debut. Miss Wishart is fortunate in possessing in addition to a rich, colourful soprano, the appearance and personality necessary to the part. It is by no means an easy singing role, and any apprehension felt as to how she would handle some of the numbers was quickly dispelled when the lead made her entrance on that captivating number, “The Sil- ' ver Star of Love.” In “The Queen of 1 the Philippine Island” Miss Wishart was particularly successful. Miss Wishart has every reason to be pleased at I her initial appearance in a leading role, and the Society on discovering a very useful principal. Mr, Ernest Snell found the singing a very easy task. His principal num--1 her, “In the Shade of the Palm,” was one of the successes of the show, although one is inclined to prefer his work in the introduced number, which, in the second act, in a higher key, gave him more opportunity. GOOD COMEDY Much of the success of the production undoubtedly rests on the shoulders of Mr. G. C. Lyttelton who, as Professor Tweedlepuncli, was responsible for most of the comedy. The book itself is not very rich in comedy, but from it Lyttelton was successful in building up a very fine part. His burlesque work, which helps to make the second act, was really excellent. One of the outstanding characters was that of Lady Holyrood, a part that was in the very capable hands of Miss Hope Asher, who is an actress of more . than ordinary ability. Miss Asher I possesses a natural and very effective restraint that is not often found in amateurs. Cyrus Gilfain was played by Mr. Len Keven, who gave a convincing performance and Captain Arthur Done- : gal by Mr. Bob Fenwick, who in appearance and manner suitably filled , the role, while Frank Martin was suflli ciently villainous in the picturesque * role of Leandro. \ Mention must also be made of Miss , Doreen D’Authi*eau. who led a bright > and very amusing chorus and dance in- * terlude, and Miss Winifred Crosher, the J very pert typiste. Miss Dorothy Steel , was responsible for some good work > in the waltz ballet, one of the most > charming features of the show. ' “Florodora” also possesses an or- \ chestra that would do credit to any , professional company, both in numbers > and balance. Mr. Colin Muston is to » bo congratulated not only on the or--1 chestral work but also upon the musi- | cal direction of the whole piece. ! The opera will be continued this * evening and for a limited season.