F.F.F. (musical)

F.F.F., styled as F.F.F.: An Australian Mystery Musical Comedy, written by C.J. De Garis with music by Reginald A.A. Stoneham. It is generally considered the first Australian musical comedy, distinct from operetta or light opera.[1]

Synopsis

The convoluted plot involved a budding English playwright Fitzwilliam Ferguson who is sent to Australia by a rich uncle, and who falls in love with his typist, Flo Hastings. His uncle recalls him to England and promises to make him his heir, if he can become a 'proper' English gentleman. All the complications are resolved in the end.

The "mystery" centred on the meaning of the enigmatic title, for which solutions were solicited and a prize offered.[2]

Productions

The original production, produced by the Tivoli Circuit, starred Maggie Moore, Rex London, Minnie Love, Billy Rego, Hugh Steyne, Marie Le Varre and Charles H. Workman. The musical opened 28 August 1920 at the Prince of Wales Theatre in Adelaide, followed by seasons in Perth and Melbourne.[3] Several of its songs were recorded and were popular in Australia for a few years.[1]

Critical reception

Reviewers found this production one of the best shows seen in Adelaide.[4] Some reviewers considered it equal to any imports.[5] The scenery and Australian character roused enthusiasm. [6] Overall, the show had a successful run.[7]

Musical numbers

The musical incorporated sixteen songs, orchestrated for eleven musicians.[8]

  • "The Murray moon"[9] [10]
  • "Soli mio dazzle"[11]
  • "Fitz-Fitz-Fitz-William"[12]
  • "The magic call Coo-ee!!" [13]
  • "The wattle waltz"[14]
  • "A garden of girls"[15]
  • "O-o-meo"[16]
  • "My name's Smith"[17]
  • "Proposing song"[18]
  • "The riddle of F.F.F."[19]
  • "The Aussie glide"[20]
  • "Moo-Noo-Loo"
  • "The Courtship"
  • "Wait For Me"
  • "We Feel Fine"

References

  1. 1 2 van Straten, Frank (2002). "The Riddle of 'FFF,' a Forgotten Australian Musical Comedy". Australasian Music Research (6): 105–119.
  2. ↑ Pinne, Peter. "Theatre Heritage Australia - The A-Z of Australian Musicals - The Adelaide Connection". Retrieved 2017-06-12.
  3. ↑ "AusStage - Reginald A.A. Stoneham". www.ausstage.edu.au. Retrieved 2017-06-12.
  4. ↑ ""F.F.F."". The Advertiser. South Australia. 6 September 1920. p. 9. Retrieved 20 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
  5. ↑ ""F.F.F."". The Farmer And Settler. XV, (33). New South Wales, Australia. 23 July 1920. p. 5. Retrieved 20 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
  6. ↑ "F.F.F. Well Received". Sunday Times (1811). New South Wales, Australia. 10 October 1920. p. 2. Retrieved 20 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
  7. ↑ "'F.F.F.'". Daily Herald. XI, (326[?]). South Australia. 6 September 1920. p. 2. Retrieved 20 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
  8. ↑ http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article210243761
  9. ↑ http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/39626867
  10. ↑ http://web.nfsa.gov.au/olcmedia/audio/00009103.mp3
  11. ↑ http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/25611395
  12. ↑ http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/34083872
  13. ↑ http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/34083915
  14. ↑ http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/246914212
  15. ↑ http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/246914211
  16. ↑ http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/167535826
  17. ↑ http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/248178121
  18. ↑ http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/41207850
  19. ↑ http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/34083800
  20. ↑ http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/177274408
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