Souvenir Delights Los Angeles Audiences

In such a pop-culture obsessed society, references to exploitative reality television behemoths akin to American Idol are an almost natural response to a show like Stephen Temperley's Souvenir, now playing at the Brentwood Theatre. 

Since the likes of William Hung and his ghastly rendition of "She Bangs" blanketed the airwaves and amazingly rocketed up the Billboard charts, is it possible to still find humor in the retelling of a similarly tone deaf character for nearly two hours?  For the most part, the answer is a resounding yes when in the hands of a delightful Judy Kaye, reprising her Tony nominated role of Florence Foster Jenkins, a socialite of the 1930s longing for a shot at operatic stardom, yet blissfully unaware of her vocal shortcomings.

Souvenir gazes at the improbable successes imparted on the real-life Jenkins, who bewildered New Yorkers for 30 years through recitals, albums and a shocking sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall in 1944, all while never hitting a note that could possibly be considered on key.  If only Simon Cowell were around to give the dreadful soprano a biting blow to her ego.

Told through the eyes of Cosme McMoon, gently played by Donald Corren, who takes the job as Jenkin's long-time pianist in hopes of making a quick buck to cover past-due rent since his "male roommate" skipped town.  Beginning in 1964, McMoon takes the audience back to the beginning of Jenkin's road to perdition at the Ritz Carlton.  Sadly, the inevitable end to Jenkin's story always looms over the nights riotous laughter, but in the hands of Kaye, is masterfully played.

There are beautiful moments in Souvenir, mostly surrounding the juxtaposed relationship of Kaye and Corren, and the ultimate adoration found for each other over the often-bumpy path to fame.  Yet, the great triumph of the evening comes from Kaye's ability to deliver each and every note in a pitch perfect screech, often calling to mind an owl swooping in for a kill.  For this accomplished vocalist, who has graced the stage at the New York City Opera in a rousing performance of the Old Lady in Candide to her Tony winning turn as Carlotta in Phantom of the Opera, she superbly rises to the occasion.

Vivian Matalon's direction might have benefited from a trimming of the work, as the second act begins to feel like the last unwanted dinner guest, unwelcome.  Mostly you keep waiting for Matalon's moving of Corren to the piano so another scene can begin.  Overall, it's a pleasure to see the likes of two accomplished Broadway veterans re-create their roles for Los Angeles audiences.

Tracy Christensen displays beautifully gaudy dresses on Kaye throughout the evening, and along with music by Temperley, Souvenir proves a merry night out at the theatre.

Souvenir, A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins runs through November 12, 2006 at the Brentwood Theatre.  Tickets are $35 to $60 and are available at the Wadsworth/Brentwood main box office, located at 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles.  Tickets can also be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone, 213-365-3500.

(Photos of RICHMARK Entertainment and Janice Montana's Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins by Carol Rosegg.  TOP: Donald Corren and Judy Kaye; BOTTOM: Donald Corren and Judy Kaye)

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