Judy Kaye to Star in Souvenir in Los Angeles, 10/5-11/5

Judy Kaye, who received a Tony nomination for her turn as tone-deaf society matron Florence Foster Jenkins in the Broadway run of Souvenir, will take the hit play with music to the Brentwood Theatre in Los Angeles from October 5th through November 5th.

Souvenir, which was directed by Vivian Matalon, opened on November 10th after beginning previews on October 28th at the Lyceum Theatre. It ran for 10 previews and 70 regular performances.

Souvenir, which began its original run at the York Theatre Company late last year, is a two-character fantasia on the life of Florence Foster Jenkins, an unmarried socialite whose delusions of singing grandeur led her to Carnegie Hall, where she performed her off-pitch operatic trills to the delight of thousands in the 1940s. Donald Corren co-starred with Kaye as Cosme McMoon, her pianist; the play with music examines their rocky but ultimately affectionate relationship. While it is unknown whether the real-life Foster Jenkins knew that she was not a great soprano, the comedic but compassionate play is based around the premise that she remained ignorant for the majority of her career.

Souvenir's design team features R. Michael Miller (sets), Tracy Christensen (costumes), Ann G. Wrightson (lighting) and David Budries (sound). Tom Helm served as the musical director for the Broadway production.

Kaye (who is renowned for her vocal range) is a Tony-winner for her performance as Carlotta in The Phantom of the Opera. She will next step in for Patti LuPone as Mrs. Lovett in the hit revival of Sweeney Todd; she will play the role from June 20th through 25th and again while LuPone is busy with Gypsy at Ravinia. Kaye previously received a Tony nomination for Mamma Mia!, in which she originated the role of Rosie on Broadway. She received a Theatre World Award for On the Twentieth Century, in which she replaced Madeline Kahn as the tempestuous Lily Garland. Other Broadway credits include Ragtime (in which she played Emma Goldman), Oh, Brother! and Grease. In addition to numerous studio cast albums, she has released two solo CDs--"Diva by Diva" and "Songs for the Silver Screen."

Visit www.judykaye.com for more information on Kaye.