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]
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]
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]
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.[ citation needed ]
The musical incorporated sixteen songs, orchestrated for eleven musicians. [9]
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Sheena Knowles is an Australian author of children's books.
Clement John "Jack" De Garis was an Australian entrepreneur and aviator. He worked in the dried fruits industry in the Sunraysia area around Mildura in the early 20th century, and was noted for his vibrant personality and colourful marketing style.
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Reginald Alberto Agrati Stoneham was an Australian composer and publisher of mostly topical songs, and a musical comedy F.F.F. He was perhaps Australia's leading exponent of jazz and ragtime piano styles in the first decades of the 20th century as both composer and performer. He was also a popular accompanist and recording artist.
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"Sleepy Seas" was a hit song which was first published 1920 by Private Reginald Stoneham while he managed the Melola Salon music store. It was an instant popular success with dance halls. The following year sales expanded to other music publishers. This vocal waltz was used to accompany silent movies, in the era before talkies.
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George Savin De Chaneet was a Hungarian-Australian composer, conductor, choir master, organist and music teacher. He was born in Hamburg, only son of Frederich de Chanéet. He arrived in Melbourne on 22 April 1884, where he spent his active life, seeking naturalisation in 1899.
Gorjes Christian Crawford-Hellemann was an Australian composer, conductor and organist. He was born in 1881 to William Thomas and Harriet Ann Crawford-Hellemann in Towrang, NSW Australia. He was an Associate of the Royal College of Music. He was organist of Christ Church St Laurence, Sydney, 1927-1931 and 1933–1934. He died 26 February 1954.
The Bunyip, also known by the longer title The Enchantment of Fairy Princess Wattle Blossom, was written by Ella Palzier Campbell. The pantomime was a highly successful musical comedy that toured Australia for a decade within Fuller Brothers theatre circuit. The show was produced by Sydney entrepreneur Nat Philips. The premiere of the show ran for at least 97 performances and was revived several times over the following decade.
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