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 played in Australia with production by Robert Greig in 1920[1] and is generally considered the first Australian musical comedy, as distinct from operetta or light opera.[2]

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.[3]

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 a week in Perth and a fortnight in Melbourne.[4] Several of its songs were recorded and were popular in Australia for a few years.[2]

Critical reception

Reviewers found this production one of the best shows seen in Adelaide.[5] Some reviewers considered it equal to any import.[6] The scenery and Australian character roused enthusiasm.[7] Overall, the show had a successful run,[8] but it was not revived.

Musical numbers

The musical incorporated sixteen songs, orchestrated for eleven musicians.[9]

  • "The Murray moon"[10][11]
  • "Soli mio dazzle"[12]
  • "Fitz-Fitz-Fitz-William"[13]
  • "The magic call Coo-ee!!" [14]
  • "The wattle waltz"[15]
  • "A garden of girls"[16]
  • "O-o-meo"[17]
  • "My name's Smith"[18]
  • "Proposing song"[19]
  • "The riddle of F.F.F."[20]
  • "The Aussie glide"[21]
  • "Moo-Noo-Loo"
  • "The Courtship"
  • "Wait For Me"
  • "We Feel Fine"

References
  1. "New Producer for "F.F.F."". The Arrow. No. 1259. New South Wales, Australia. 23 July 1920. p. 4. Retrieved 14 June 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  2. van Straten, Frank (2002). "The Riddle of 'FFF,' a Forgotten Australian Musical Comedy". Australasian Music Research (6): 105–119.
  3. Pinne, Peter. "Theatre Heritage Australia - The A-Z of Australian Musicals - The Adelaide Connection". Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  4. "AusStage - Reginald A. A. Stoneham". www.ausstage.edu.au. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  5. "F.F.F." The Advertiser. South Australia. 6 September 1920. p. 9. Retrieved 20 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
  6. "F.F.F." The Farmer and Settler. Vol. XV, no. 33. New South Wales, Australia. 23 July 1920. p. 5. Retrieved 20 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
  7. "F.F.F. Well Received". The Sunday Times. No. 1811. New South Wales, Australia. 10 October 1920. p. 2. Retrieved 20 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
  8. "F.F.F." Daily Herald. Vol. XI, no. 326[?]. South Australia. 6 September 1920. p. 2. Retrieved 20 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
  9. "02 Jul 1920 - "F.F.F."".
  10. Stoneham, Reginald A. A., 1879-1942; De Garis, C. J. (Clement John), -1926 (1920), The Murray moon [music] : song / written and composed by R. A. A. Stoneham and C. J. de Garis, Melola Phonograph & Publishing Co. for C. J. De Garis{{citation}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. http://web.nfsa.gov.au/olcmedia/audio/00009103.mp3
  12. Stoneham, Reginald A. A., 1879-1942; De Garis, C. J. (Clement John), -1926 (1920), Soli mio dazzle [music] : song / written and composed R. A. A. Stoneham and C. J. de Garis, Melola Phonograph & Publishing Co. for C. J. De Garis{{citation}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  13. Stoneham, Reginald A. A., 1879-1942; De Garis, C. J. (Clement John), -1926; Hugh D. McIntosh (Firm) (1920), Fitz-Fitz-Fitz-William [music] : song / composed by Reg. A. A. Stoneham and C. J. DeGaris, Melola Phonograph & Publishing Co. for C. J. De Garis{{citation}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  14. Stoneham, Reginald A. A., 1879-1942; De Garis, C. J. (Clement John), -1926; Hugh D. McIntosh (Firm) (1920), The magic call Coo-ee!! [music] / composed by R. Stoneham and C. J. DeGaris, Melola Phonograph & Publishing Co. for C. J. De Garis{{citation}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  15. The wattle waltz. 1920.
  16. A garden of girls. 1920.
  17. O-o-meo : Song. 1920.
  18. My name's Smith : Song. Melbourne Melola Phonograph & Publishing Co. ... for C. J. De Garis. 1920.
  19. Proposing song. 1920.
  20. The riddle of F.F.F. : Song. 1920.
  21. The Aussie glide : Song. 1920.
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