WILLIAMSON OPERA CO.

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 111, 3 February 1934, Page 16

WILLIAMSON OPERA CO.

This afternoon, this evening, and until next Thursday, the J. C. AA illiamson new comic opera company will appear at the Grand Opera House in a gorgeous production of Leslie Stuarfs remarkably popular and exquisite musical comedy, “Florodora,” which attracted the largest audiences of all the operas staged by the company in Auckland. The story of “Florodora” is pretty well known even to the younger generation of theatiegoers. The setting of the first act is in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands. From the flower which grows so luxuriously a scent known as Florodora is made, and rhe secret process is held by Cyrus Gilfaiu. He has stolen it from Dolores, the daughter of the man who really discovered the process, and during the first act is allowed to enjoy his ill-gotten gains. Retribution is brought about chiefly through rhe instrumentality of Professor Tweedleptineh (Phil Smith), a phrenologist, whose knowledge has woven itself into the story. Miss Romola Hansen has won a place in the hearts of AVellington playgoers during the present season; hut charming as she has been in the three operas already staged, it. is prophesied she will be best remembered for her delightful impersonation of Dolores in “Florodora.” It is said she revels in the part of the Spanish girl, full of fire and passion, and an abundant, capacity for love and hate, and that while she excels as an actress she also looms to higher heights than ever in the display of her vocal qualities. Air. Phil Smith should be at his best in the role of Tweed’epunch. as the part gives him unlimited scope for providing humour. Miss Marie La Vnrre will appear as Lady Holyrood, a part she took very successfully during the company's tour of Australia. Herbert Browne has a good singing part in Captain Donegal, and so has Eric Bush as Frank Abecoed, including the wellknown number. “The Shade of the Palms.”