Preview of 'Souvenir' by Westport Community Theatre

Souvenir

Westport Community Theatre

April 11-27

“Souvenir” Next at Westport Community Theatre through April 27 -

Celebrates Florence Foster Jenkins, the Diva of Din

Westport, Conn. – Florence Foster Jenkins (Priscilla Squiers of Danbury) and her accompanist Cosme McMoon (Greg Chrzczon of Stamford) take center stage in Stephen Temperley’s play “Souvenir,” playing now through April 27 at Westport Community Theatre.

Directed by Ruth Anne Baumgartner (Fairfield), this funny and touching play recalls the real-life career of the charmingly earnest First Lady of the Sliding Scale, Florence Foster Jenkins.  A wealthy New York socialite who fancied herself a coloratura soprano, Jenkins completely lacked singing ability but was wildly popular with audiences in the 1930s and 40s who flocked to hear her tone-deaf technique. A reminiscence told from the perspective of her devoted accompanist, Cosme McMoon, this poignant story captures both Mrs. Foster Jenkins’ endearing folly and fierce artistic determination.

Performances for “Souvenir” run weekends through April 27, with curtain at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.  An additional performance is slated for Thursday, April 17 at 8 p.m.  Ticket range from $16-$20. For tickets, call the Box Office at 203-226-1983.  For information and directions, please visit the website at www.westportcommunitytheatre.com.  Westport Community Theatre is located on the lower level of Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, in Westport.  

This play is a wonderfully funny, charming look at Florence Foster Jenkins, a real-life society matron in the 30s and 40s, who fancied herself a coloratura soprano.  Only problem was…she couldn’t sing!  She and her devoted accompanist Cosme McMoon gave many concerts, culminating in a final public recital at Carnegie Hall.  She was kind of like a reality TV star before television was invented!  It’s an entertaining and poignant piece that will help you welcome the spring and the song (and laughter) in your heart.

Priscilla Squiers tells me that she is "loving the challenge of portraying Florence.  Greg Chrzczon, who was active in the Waterbury area theater scene years back, is playing my Cosme.  He lives in Stamford now and is an established musical director in lower Fairfield County, mostly at Curtain Call in Stamford. Ruth Anne Baumgartner is the director who has worked with the Newtown Players where she's directed many period pieces."

Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM, Sundays at 2:00 PM, Thursday, April 17 at 8:00 PM

Actress Priscilla Squires (last seen at WCT as Maria Callas in the memorable "Master Class") returns to WCT as the irrepresible Jenkins; she is joined by Greg Chrzczon, talented actor, accompanist and musical director.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances are $20 per person; Thursday performances $18 per person. Senior citizens, 65 years of age or older, receive a $2 discount on all tickets.

For reservations, go to www.westportcommunitytheatre.com and click on the “Reserve Tickets” tab or call the Box Office at 203-226-1983; for directions, please click on the “Directions” tab.

Westport Town Hall
110 Myrtle Avenue
Westport