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]

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]

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]

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.
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