"WILDFLOWER"

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23203, 29 May 1937, Page 18

"WILDFLOWER"

THREE-ACT MUSICAL COMEDY " Wildflower," the gay and tuneful three-act musical comedy which is being presented by the Dunedin Operatic Society, commences with a gala matinee next Saturday night for a season of one week only.. The story, of the play is as-sweet; as-it is simnle. Nina, a lovable madcap, is bequeathed a fortune oh condition that she does not lose her temper within six months; She is placed under the care of Gaston, a rascally lawyer, who enters into a plot with Bianca, Nina's cousin, to arouse* Nina's temper, and thus secure the ', money for themselves. The story runs through three acts, love, romance, hate and brilliant comedy all having their allotted parts, and, like all musical comedy stories,, has its own way of reaching a happy ending. Miss Freda Elmes is being featured as Nina, and it is said that she handles contrasting moods 'of light-hear tedness and stormy". anger with remarkable skill.. Miss Elmes sings beautifully and acts i;he- part brilliantly. Mr Arthur Lungley will appear as GUidO (Nina's lover), a role in which this talented singer should achieve even greater success than he did in "The Maid of the Mountains." Miss. Louise Henderson will appear as Bianca, a part demanding perfect rendering of several delightful numbers. The comedy, parts of Gabrielle arid Gaston are in the very capable; hands of Mr Stan Lawson and Mr R. P. (Spud) Murphy. Miss Sybil Thompson Will appear as Lucretia, the comedienne, and should prove - ail outstanding success. Mr Roy M'Dougall, as Alberto, and Mr Reynolds Herbert, as Luigi, complete a brilliant cast. • The Lawson-Powell School *' of Dancing has created ' ballets of. beauty and originality for the production, and the large chorus, under the baton of, Mr George Wilkinson,, the - musical director, has reached a high standard of excellence. Thssociety in its effort to make " Wild-i flower" its most outstanding effort has specially imported scenery arid 5 wardrobe from Australia, and thi* is being augmented by locally-made creations. The box plans for ,ths' season will be opened at the DJ.C.vi on Wednesday. Day sales will ; br< situated at the Rialto. •.. )'