“FLORODORA.”

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 31 October 1924, Page 4

“FLORODORA.”

A BRILLIANT DISPLAY. GREAT SUCCESS. SECOND PERFORMANCE ' TO-NIGHT. Stratford is to be heartily congratulated on possessing a society which has the energy, enterprise and enthusiasm as is shown by the musical society, and which combines with those features an array of histrionic and musical talent such as has been apparent m the two noteworthy performances they have given in the field of musical comedy. This phase of art is always very popular and allows much / scope tor ability in those directions. . Florodora is. a bright and attractive musical comedy, which’ abounds in pretty and effective scenes, has a series of very clever and taking ? songs •' and choruses, and has running through it a. vein of, comedy- that creates much mirth and lends itself to form many ridiculous situations. There is therefore scope, ample for the good ar, d f° r the clever actor, and °t these the principals and the chorus; aided by a and well controlled 1 orchestra, took full advantage The story is the old one of the temporary success of the schemer and the attempt to thwart the; course of true i°^ e Y * n the end the villain is foiled and all ends happily as a marriage bell. „ The society are extremely fortunate in .haying ...three young ladies of undoubted talent and ability to fill the three leading roles. Each of them is eminently adapted to the part allotted to her, and each scored a distinct success. ' . ■ As Dolores Miss B. Shcahan was quite fascinating. . She has a fine, clear soprano voice afid a marked ability in production which combine to make her singing of the many prfetty ‘ n.rias given to her most effective and delightful to the audience. In all she was very good, but perhaps her best were “Hie Silver Star of Love,” “Queen of the Philippine Islands” and “Island of Love.” Her acting, too, was very attractive. ; k Miss R, Grubb made a charming Angela. She acted with a naturalness that was altogether convincing; and her song with chorus,“The Fellow Who Might,’’ was J excellent. Her duet “Galloping” with ;Donegal was a strikingly-good number. Miss M. Ward, as the dashing, scheming sooiety widow, Lady: Holyrood, fitted the part to perfection. Her acting was very effective. She made the most of the clever dialogue in. which she took part. Her songs, “When I Leave Town,” “Tact,” “I’ve an Inkling, ’ ’ with their pretty melody and clever local hits were well sung; The artist brought; out the points of the “patter” exceedingly well. .Mr- N. H. Moss, as the schemeri Gilfain, gave a very good interpretation of the character and looked the part to the life. His song, “ Phrenology,” made a distinct hit, and, in the trios he was very good. His byplay was also very good and served to keep the fun; moving;. , In the part of the entomologistphrenologist, Tweedlepuneh, Mr. G. F. Harkness kept the fun moving fas£ and furious while he was on the boards. His assumption of the dual character -demanded good acting, and be made the most of a very amusing character sketch. • His voice alto combined well in the pretty trios with, the other principals. Mr. Addinell as Abercoed, Mr. T. Bridger as Leandro, and Mr. ... L. Wood as Donegal all acted and • sang well.. Mr., Addinell’s v.souedS, “The Shade of the'Palm” and “The Roses Have Made Me. Refnember,” were sung with great effect. Very strikingly good was the singing of the Spanish girls, English girls and Gilfain’e clerks. “The Credit*® Due to Me,’’ “Tell Me, Pretty Maiden,” the chorus to “I Want to be a Military Man” were all good and formed three of the best concerted numbers in the whole performance. / The. solo dancing of Miss E. Riiey and the ballet girls’ numbers were all very good, and formed a distinct attraction. Special credit is due to the producer, stage manager, scenery and lighting artists for their very excellent, work and the very pretty results they achieved. The dressing of the players, the scenery, and the general stage effects, especially in the second act, with the moonlight effects on the water, were a real triumph, and reflect the greatest credit on all concerned. The general direction of the music was in the capable hands of Mr V. N; Lester, and he is to be congratulated on his good work. He controlled very well both orchestra and chorus. The orchestral accompaniments were all very, good and nicely subdued, while the overture and incidental music were capitally played. The production, especially in the second act, was most successful, and delighted the large audience present, who showed their appreciation in no uncertain wav. At the conclusion a number of very pretty boucjuets were presented to the lady principals. TO-NIGHT. - The opera will be repeated tonight, and with the experience of the first night should be an even greater success. Seats should be booked at ■Mrs. Cook’s store at the Opera House.