Veterans star in upcoming American Stage production
Article published on Monday, June 30, 2008 |
ST. PETERSBURG – American Stage Theatre Company has cast Neva Rae Powers (Florence Foster Jenkins) and James Valcq (Cosme McMoon), two Broadway veterans, to star in the theatre’s upcoming production of Stephen Temperley’s hilarious musical with a heart, "Souvenir: A Fantasia on the life of Florence Foster Jenkins," July 16 through Aug. 10.
Show times are Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
Tickets prices are $22-$35 depending on date and time of performance. Students Rush tickets are $10, 30 minutes prior to curtain. Pay What You Can Nights are scheduled for Tuesday, July 22 and 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Neva Rae Powers (Florence Foster Jenkins) comes to "Souvenir" with much experience with the character of Florence Foster Jenkins, having played her in award winning productions at Vienna’s English Theatre in Austria and the Ensemble Theatre of Cinncinati.
James Valcq (Cosme McMoon) has an extensive music and theatre background, having conducted the recent Broadway and national tour productions of several popular shows.
For more than half a century before “American Idol,” the name Florence Foster Jenkins was guaranteed to produce explosions of derisive laughter. Not unreasonably so, as this wealthy society eccentric suffered under the delusion that she was a great coloratura soprano when she was in fact incapable of producing two consecutive notes in tune. Nevertheless, her annual recitals in the ballroom of the Ritz Carlton hotel, where she resided, brought her extraordinary fame. As news of her terrible singing spread, so did her celebrity.
"Souvenir" by turn hilarious and poignant, tells her story through the eyes of her accompanist, Cosme McMoon. A talented musician, he regards her at first as little more than an easy way to pay the rent, but, as he gets to know her, his initial contempt gives way to reluctant admiration, then friendship and affection. Faced with her boundless certainty, Cosme comes to revise his attitudes, not only towards her singing but to the very meaning of music itself. A true musical odd-couple for the ages.
For more information or tickets, call the box office at 727-823-PLAY (7529) or visit www.americanstage.org.
American Stage Theatre Company is located at 211 Third St. S. in St. Petersburg.
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Article published on Monday, June 30, 2008
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