‘FLORODORA'

Evening Star, Issue 21667, 12 March 1934, Page 6

‘FLORODORA '

WILLIAMSON COMIC OPERA COMPANY With modern staging and dressing the evergreen 1 Florodora ’ 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 Holrood, and the ridiculous antics of Tweedlepunch, showman, phrenologist, hypnotist, and palmist, make for the real success of the revival rather than any' of the modernised portions. The fragrance of the musical score has mellowed with time, and the large audience at His Majesty’s on Saturday night called for repeated encores. Modern musical comedy gives few songs that 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.’ Throughout the performance the dancing was one of the most attractive features, and, as usual, the chorus did sterling work. With artists of the calibre of Ilomqla Hausen, Herbert Browne, Phil Smith, Don Nicol, Eric Bush, . Lois Green, and Marie La Yarre the company was able to give a performance that aroused much enthusiasm, both the acting and the singing being of a high order. The work of a capable' orchestra assisted materially towards the success of the whole production. ‘ Florodora ’ will have its final production to-night. ' WILDFLOWER.’ . To-morrow evening, at 8, and also on Wednesday afternoon and evening, the J. C. Williamson Ltd. New Comic Opera Company will appear in the delightful musical comedy ‘ Wildflower, which is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable of the works in the present company’s repertoire. It has been said that “ flowers are words which even a babe may understand,” and the secret of the charm of ‘ Wildflower ’ is that it is so easilv understood. It is just a sweet, simple story of a lovable country girl, Nina, a typical wildflower, who. although transported for a time to the hothouse of luxury, retains her fragrance and freshness until such tune 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, simple and original comedy, excellent dancing, beautiful scenic effects, and gay costumes, ‘ Wildflower never fails to prove a great attraction for playgoers, and during its run in Wellington, Christchurch, and Auckland it did record business. As Nina, the tempestuous little peasant girl who becomes heir to a fortune and curbs her temper for a weary six months to comply with the terms of an erratic grandfather’s will, Miss , llomola Hansen sings beautifully and acts the part brilliantly. It is said she handles contrasting moods of lightheartedness and stormy anger with remarkable skill, and in Auckland sho was cheered for her acting at the end of the thrilling second act. Her all-round representation of the’part of Nina was more than favourably compared with Marie Burke’s. Mr Herbert Browne will, again appear as Guido, in which this talented tenor singer achieved a triumph when he appeared in the original., production of • Wildflower ’ with Miss Mario Burke, Miss Mario La Yarre was also in the initial New Zealand production, and sho will again take the part of Lucrezia. The comedy parts of Gaston and Gadreille are in the very capable hands of Phil Smith and Don Nicol, and Eric Bush will appear as Alberto, Dora Lightfoot as Bianca, and Charles Albert as Luigi. The work of the chorus and ballet is a feature of the revival. A special feature of the production will be a specialty dance by Mona Zeppel and Eric Bush. For two nights only, commencing on Thursday, ■ another wellknown musical play, 1 The Country Girl,' will be staged. For the final matinee and night of the season on Saturday, March 17, the company will present as a farewell offering that popular and successful musical comedy ‘ Katinka.’ The box plans for all performances of the season are now open at the D.1.C., and the day sale tickets may be obtained at the Rialto.,