6th Street Playhouse Presents 'SOUVENIR...LIFE OF FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS,' 5/11-27

6th Street Playhouse presents "Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins" by Stephen Temperley May 11-27.

"Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins" recounts the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a wealthy, tone deaf socialite who dreamed of being a great opera singer. Memories and experiences are recalled by her accompanist and friend, Cosmé McMoon in this poignant comedy that celebrates the spirit of a woman who defied criticism and followed her bliss.

Perhaps more famous now than when she pursued her dream, Florence Foster Jenkins efforts to become a great coloratura soprano led to fame and notoriety with annual private recitals at the Ritz Carlton Hotel; a sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall in 1944; and an impressive list of celebrity fans of her day including Cole Porter, Enrico Caruso and Tallulah Bankhead. Florence Foster Jenkins celebrity continues even today by enthusiastic fans who discover her story and her notorious vocal recordings on the Internet.

Featuring award-winning actress Mary Gannon Graham as Florence Foster Jenkins and John Shillington as accompanist, Cosmé McMoon - "Souvenir" takes audiences into Jenkins' world completely and even reveals the beautiful voice she believed to possess.

Directed by Michael Fontaine and featuring award-winning actress Mary Gannon Graham as Florence Foster Jenkins and John Shillington as accompanist, Cosmé McMoon, the show runs May 11 to May 27, 2012, 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays May 13, 20 & 27, 2012 and 2 p.m. Saturday May 26, 2012. 6th Street Playhouse Studio Theatre is located at 52 West 6th Street, Santa Rosa, Calif.

TICKETS: $15 to $25. Ticket prices 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays: General $25; Senior (62 and over) $20; Youth (13 to 21) $20; Children (5 to 12) $10. Ticket prices 8 p.m. Thursdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays: General $20; Senior (62 and over) $15; Youth (13 to 21) $15.

Order tickets by telephone, 707-523-4185, online at http://www.6thstreetplayhouse.com or purchase at the door.

Photo credit: Eric Chazankin

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