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| The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
closes out their Studio Theatre season with a comical yet poignant story
based on fact. The play is Souvenir and playwright Stephen
Temperley has brought the amazing story of socialite Florence Foster
Jenkins to life on stage. Her stunning career began in the 30's when she believed she had a beautiful coloratura and, being somewhat of a philanthropist, decided to give concerts with proceeds going to charity. Wrangling a struggling young songwriter, pianist, singer into being her accompanist, they launched a series that lasted for over 20 years and culminated in a concert at famed Carnegie Hall. The problem was, even though she thought she had perfect pitch, she combined off-key singing, downright caterwallering and painful facial expressions into a high camp that had her audiences stifling laughter. First her friends then a wider audience laughed at her and not with her including through the recording of several albums. The crux of her life and thus the play was that she always believed she was a polished performer and naively carried on never knowing she was a laughingstock and not appreciated for her art. Her accompanist and long time friend, Cosme McMoon knew what was going on but got carried away by her sincerity. His internal struggle revolved around not wanting to hurt her feelings combined with his amazement that she was ecstatic in her naiveté. Edwin Cahill is simply electric as McMoon. It's easy to see in his performance the struggle he had with his part in this hoax while never wavering in his true love for this amazing performer. Neva Rae Powers is truly remarkable as the stunning Ms. Jenkins. Somehow capturing the downright absurdity of her singing while maintaining a dignity for her artistry is a performance we won't soon forget. The final scene is one that brought the best of us to tears. Director Michael Evan Haney brought out every nuance of this loving, respectful script. And certainly a nod to costume designers Betsy Krausnick and Tracy Christenson for their beautiful work- particularly in the Carnegie Hall sequence. Souvenir is a play you won't soon forget and both performances are worthy of the highest praise. This is one where the old line, "you'll laugh, you'll cry" certainly applies. Do not miss this one, folks, it's a real keeper. Souvenir plays at the Studio Theatre of the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis through March 29th. This is Steve Allen with a look at theatre in our town for CLASSIC99. |
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