Photo Flash: First Look at SOUVENIR at Walnut Street Theatre

Walnut Street Theatre's 2017-2018 Independence Studio on 3 season opens with Broadway's tribute to a woman of song, SOUVENIR, A FANTASIA ON THE LIFE OF Florence Foster JENKINS. Written by Stephen Temperley and directed by Debi Marcucci, the production continues through October 15th. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

It's time to believe again in the power of music! SOUVENIR is based on the story of one of opera's most unforgettable stars. Florence Foster Jenkins, an eccentric and wealthy socialite, believes she is an enchanting coloratura soprano and wants to share her talent with the world. After teaming up with a new pianist, Cosmé McMoon, she begins to hold recitals at the Ritz Carlton, festooned in fabulous costumes. She becomes a sensation! Unfortunately, the truth is Mrs. Jenkins can't sing. But, there's more than one way to get to Carnegie Hall... Based on a true story, this tuneful comedy beguiles the hopeful artist that lives in us all.

SOUVENIR had its world premiere Off-Broadway in 2004 at the York Theatre Company. In 2005 the show had its Broadway premiere starring Judy Kaye, and was translated to German for a production in Munich in 2013. The show is currently being produced by regional theatres nationwide. The life of Florence Foster Jenkins also inspired the 2016 film, which starred Meryl Streep.

Debi Marcucci returns to the Walnut to direct SOUVENIR. Previously, Marcucci directed the hit musical Always... Patsy Cline in Walnut's Studio 3, as well as Lobby Hero, Mr. Baily's Minder and The Ugly One. Her credits also include No Way To Treat A Lady at the Alpine Theatre Project and Assistant Director for Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story and Good People at the Walnut. Formerly a resident of South Philadelphia, Marcucci held the position of Stage Manager for the Walnut's Mainstage for 18 years during her career.

Walnut veteran Rebecca Robbins plays Florence Foster Jenkins. Robbins is a classically trained opera singer. She was first introduced to Jenkins while studying at the Curtis Institute of Music. SOUVENIR marks Robbins' 15th show at the Walnut Street Theatre. Audiences will remember her from Rodgers and Hammerstein's A Grand Night for Singing, Mary Poppins, Jerry's Girls, Irving Berlin's White Christmas, Oliver! and Musical of Musicals (The Musical!). Robbins has also performed both on Broadway and in the North American Tour of The Phantom of The Opera. Additional credits include the Broadway production of A Tale of Two Cities and Off-Broadway in 5 shows with City Center Encores!.

Jonas Cohen makes his Walnut debut as Cosmé McMoon. Cohen's Off-Broadway credits include Love Jerry and Master Class. On television, he's been seen in The Tap, Blue Bloods and All My Children, and in films including The Pixie Fighters and Forgetting Sandy Glass. Regionally, Cohen has performed with Portland Stage Company, Hangar Theater, Flat Rock Playhouse, The Arvada, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, New Harmony Theatre, Capital Repertory Theater and Fulton Theater.

Setting an elegant stage perfect for a memorable evening of music, the Walnut welcomes back set designer Roman Tatarowicz (I Love a Piano, Red). Joining Tatarowicz are costume designer Amanda Wolff (The Other Place, Shipwrecked! An Entertainment), lighting designer Troy A. Martin O'Shia (Always... Patsy Cline) and sound designer John kolbinski (Always... Patsy Cline).

Tickets are $35-$45 and are now available at 215-574-3550 or 215-336-1234. Tickets are also available at walnutstreettheatre.org or Ticketmaster.com.