“WILDFLOWER.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20039, 4 March 1927, Page 10

“WILDFLOWER.”

SUCCESSFUL REVIVAL. Last night was not the first occasion on which Miss Marie Burke has captivated a Dunedin audience in the popular and delightful comic opera “Wildflower, but despite the fact that the footboards at His Majesty's Theatre once before felt the impatient stamp of Miss Burke’s feet in her role of the impetuous Nina, last night’s presentation was one of the most appreciated of the season. The company is a large one, but there is scope in the piece for everyone. The story around which the love affair of Guido and Nina is woven is not unfamiliar to theatregoers. Nina is to inherit a fortune if she can go six months without losing her temper, a habit inherited from her father. The attempts of her cousin and her cousin’s friends to make her forget the conditions of her legacy make an amusing story, and supply the principals with endless opportunities for brilliant dialogue. The play sparkles with delightful and clever humour, which, if not always quite new, is served up in a pleasingly original manner. The music singing, and dancing are the features of the production, and whether it is in solo or chorus singing every piece leaves the audience with a strong desire for more. Miss Marie Burke is irresistible as Nina Benditto, and finds ample scope for her ability in the changing moods and passions of that impetuous young lady. Her dancing and singing arc just what she has taught her audiences to expect from her. Mr R. Barrett-Leonard had the house in fits of laughter over his portrayal of the character of Gabriollc, the inoffensive novelist, who loves Nina, but is hounded by a scheming vamp, Lucrezia de la Roche (Miss Marie Eaton). His role was perhaps a little loss conspicuous than that of Mr Charles Zoli, who handled the part of Gastin de la Roche, the “legal eagle,” with groat skill. Mr Frank Hawthorne as Luigi, Nina’s guardian, Mr Noel Dainton as Alberto, the false lover whose affections followed the money, rvere seen to particular advantage in lesser roles. Mr Herbert Browne’s characterisation of Guida, the lover, was excellent, and Miss Linda Foy made a perfect Bianca, the catty cousin who lost a fortune. At the commencement of the second act Miss Sylvia Miller and Mr Robert Heffernan executed the tango in excellent fashion. The beat of the musical numbers were Wildflower (Mr Herbert Browne and chorus), Bambolina (Miss Burke and company), and April Blossoms (Miss Burke and Mr Browne). “You Can’t Blame a Girl for Dreaming” was sung beautifully by Miss Burke, assisted by a male chorus. From the rise to the fall of the curtain the audience was enthralled, and Alias Burke will leave Dunedin a firmer favourite than ever.