"WILDFLOWER."

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 6, 8 January 1934, Page 12

"WILDFLOWER."

SUCCESS AT HIS MAJESTY'S.

BRILLIANT COMIC OPERA

"Wildflower" unfolded its petals and blossomed with all its exotic charm of colour and romance at His Alajeety's Theatre on Saturday • night. It is perhaps the most enjoyable, of the three operas presented during the present season, and the audience which packed every part of the house was not slow to show its appreciation, encores being demanded again and again, it has been said that "Flowers are worde which even a babe may understand," and the secret of the charm of "Wildflower" is that it is so easily understood. It is just a simple, sweet story of a lovable country girl, Nina, a typical wildflower, who, although transplanted for a time to the hothouse of luxury, retains her fragrance and freshness until such time as she can bring gladness and sunshine once more into the lives of her loved ones at Luigi's farm in Lombardy. Consisting of good lyrics, bright dialogue, ample comedy, excellent dancing, beautiful ecenic effects and gay costumes, "Wildflower" can hardly fail to appeal to all. A particularly appealing scene is that at the farmyard when Nina makes her first appearance in a donkey cart. The diminutive donkey had to be held in check, as it was frightened by the loua applause that greeted Miss Hansen s advent. Nina is heiress to a huge fortune left by an eccentric grandfather, who made a condition in his will that Nina must live at his palatial home for six months and during that time must not lose her temper. This is a difficult condition for Nina, as she has an almost uncontrollable temper, which leaves her as quickly as it appears. She is loved by the whole countryside, nevertheless. The fun of the opera revolves around this unusual condition and those who are interested in the country girl losing the fortune try every ruse imaginable to make Is ma fly into a rage, but without success. Miss Hansen added fresh laurels to her reputation by her fine performance. She is well suited to the part, and brought "Bambalina" to life with dash and charm. She is the possessor of a fine voice and an actress of no mean ability. Mr. Herbert Browne as the love-lorn Guido sang with his usual feeling and understanding The comedy was in the capable hanas of Mr. Phil Smith, as Gaston La Roche, "the legal eagle," Mr. Don Nicol-, as Gabrielle, and Miss Marie Le Varre, as the wife of the legal luminary La Roche. This team provided much tun and frolic, which kept the house in roars whenever they were on stage. Mr. Eric Bush as Alberto, Mr. Charles Albert as Lmgi and the other members of the cast acted commendably. The musical direction was in the capable hands of Mr. Harry Burton. "Wildflower" will be played until Wedj nesday night. On Thursday "Horodora will be presented. There will be a Wildflower" matinee on Wednesday.