'Souvenir' Florence Foster Jenkins Show Opens July 5th

By: Beau Higgins Jul. 03, 2008

Elizabeth Dimon as Jenkins (Photo by Shel Shanak)

"Souvenir"

A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins

Palm Beach Dramaworks will present Stephen Temperley's witty play with music "Souvenir," when it launches its summer season on Saturday, July 5th (8PM) at their intimate downtown Studio Theatre (322 Banyan Boulevard.) The production will run through August 17th. The comedy surrounding the poignant and true story of the musical career of Florence Foster Jenkins, a wealthy New York society eccentric of the 30's and 40's will be staged by J. Barry Lewis.

Told in flashback, from the point of view of her long-time accompanist, Stephen Temperley's Souvenir is an affectionate salute to the fascinating story of a unique artist who suffered under the delusion that she was a great coloratura soprano. Unfortunately, she had no ear for pitch and those in her circle of friends, mostly out of politeness, would compliment her voice to the point where she decided to hold small recitals for charity. The cult status of her regrettable singing spread through New York, culminating in a smash hit record and a sold-out Carnegie Hall solo concert.

Elizabeth Dimon and Tom Kenastonwill star as the singing sensation and her long suffering musical director. The play will feature scenery designed by Michael Amico and costumes designed by Erin Amico.

Souvenir was first developed at the Berkshire Theatre Festival. It has since played New York's York Theatre Company and Broadway's Lyceum Theatre, where it starred Judy Kaye as Jenkins and won her a 2006 Tony Award nomination.

Performance times are Wednesday through Saturday at 8PM with matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2PM. Individual tickets are $42 for evening performances and $40 for matinees. Group rates for 20 or more, and discounted season subscriptions are also available. The theatre is located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach, at 322 Banyan Boulevard, between Dixie Highway and Olive Avenue, Florida 33401. Parking is offered across the street for a nominal fee, or in the City Garage on the corner of Olive Avenue and Banyan Boulevard for $1.00 per hour with the first hour free. For ticket information contact the box office at (561) 514-4042, open Tuesday through Saturday from 10AM to 4PM, or visit their website at www.palmbeachdramaworks.org.

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