"FLORODORA."

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 10, 12 January 1934, Page 2

"FLORODORA."

LIGHT COMIC OPERA. SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTION. With modern staging and dressing the evergreen "Florodora, which was presented by the J. C. Williamson, Co. at His Majesty's Theatre last night, retains the appeal it had for audiences a quarter of a century and more ago. The charm of the old melodies, the amusing chatter of Lady Holyrood, and the ridiculous antics of Tweedlepunch, showman, phrenologist, hypnotist and palmist, make for tne real success of the revival rather than any of the modernised ■ portions. The story is ■well known even to the younger generation of theatre-goers. The setting of the first act is in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands, and the American flag and "Yankee push" go side by side with due appreciation of marriage into the British The general atmosphere, however, is sufficiently Spanish to allow of delightfully picturesque dressing. From the flowers that grow so luxuriously, on the tropic isle a scent known as Florodora is made, and the secret process, is held by Cyrus Gilfain. He has stolen it from Dolores, daughter of the man who has really discovered the process, and during the first act he is allowed to enjoy his illgotten gains to the accompaniment of snappy dialogue and tuneful music. In the second act, while he is living in the family castle of Captain Donegal, in Wales (which be has purchased), retribution comes to him, chiefly through the instrumentality of Tweedlepunch. Conspicuous in the plot also is Lady Holyrpod, a widow, who made a journey to the island for the express purpose of making a "capture" of the wealthy American. The fragrance of the musical score has mellowed with time, and the large audience called for repeated encores. Modern musical comedy gives us few songs that will linger in the memory like "Silver Star of Love," "The Shade of the Palms," "Queen of the Philippines," and the most beloved of all, "Tell Me, Pretty Maiden." The strikingly-clad modern sextet made an effective contrast in the latter number to the bustle gowns of the "gay ninety" chorus with their dashing and bewbiskered cavaliers who put the modern young men to shame! Throughout the performance the dancing was one of the most attractive features, and, as usual, the chorus did sterling work. Against the picturesque island setting of the first act the dressing of the chorus 'was charming, the island girls' peasant costumes and the pastel shades of the modern frocks making a vivid medley of colour. Chief musical honours went to Miss Romola Hansen who* gave another fine performance in the character of the turbulent Dolores. Not only was she in good voice, but her dramatic acting was a feature of the evening. Mr. Herbert Browne, as Captain Donegal, gave a good interpretation of the'part and sang with distinction. Mr. Phil Smith was excellent as the phrenologist-showman. He kept the audience in a titter of merriment from the time when he arrived .on the island in dilapidated frock coat and carrying goit* sticks, until the final curtain. His comedy is infectious. Miss Marie Lβ Varra was bright and entertaining as Lady Holyrood. Mr. Don Nicol, as Cyrus Gilfain, looked the part and Rave his best performance of the season. For his eccentric dancing he was recalled again and again. Mr. Kric Bush, Miss Lois Green, Mr. Oliver Peacock and the remainder of the large cast nil acted commendably. Mr. Harry Burton directed the music. "Florodora" will be presented again tonight and to-morrow night, when the season will be brought to a conclusion. There will be a matinee to-morrow.