HIS MAJESTY'S

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 757, 2 September 1929, Page 15

HIS MAJESTY'S

AUCKLAND AMATEURS IN “FLORODORA” Entering into the spirit of “Fiorodora,” the Auckland amateurs scored another brilliant success on Saturday evening, on the occasion of the second performance of this delightful musical comedy. The interest was never allowed to flag throughout thetwo acts, and the colour schemes and general stage settings were a triumph for the producer, Mr. Theo. Trezise, and those associated with him. There was very little of the amateurish touch about the performance, from the effective opening chorus to the finale, and backed up by an excellent orchestra- the piece went with a swing and glad abandon that has established “Florodora” as one of the best productions credited to the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society. Many theatregoers look askance at anv amateur attempts to put over musical comedies, but then they have never seen the Auckland amateurs perform. The lovely music pervading the score, together with the lively dialogue, punctuated with high-class humour never overdone —that makes the 1929 production of “Florodora" — a popular musical comedy of late, with other of the Dominion’s amateur societies—almost an advance upon earlier pieces. The Auckland amateurs are seen m action too little, for their latest success makes one eager for more of their entertaining. A special word must be said about the chorus, which for tone and volume is more than a step ahead of many professional choruses which have visited 1 Auckland. It is illuminating, too, in that it indicates in no uncertain manner that this city is the possessor of every kind of voice that goes to make a splendid operatic chorus, a feature lacking to a large extent in outside amateur productions. All the principals, too, took their parts most naturally on Saturday evening, the solo work being nicely executed and delivered throughout. It is safe to say that “Florodora" lias gained a strong hold upon the musical susceptibilities of Aucklanders, a factor that ensures for the production a successful season for the remainder of this week. The comedy possesses many captivating numbers, and the choruses are tuneful and catchy. "The Credit's Due To Me,” the “Welcome" Chorus and "The Fellow Who Might" are all very popular numbers. The latter is led by Angela, a role daintily portrayed by Miss Audrey D. Ferry, who makes the best of all her opportunities. In "The Fellow Who Might," a wellgrouped number, Miss Perry made a distinct hit.