Stephen Temperley wrote
”
Souvenir
”
, a true story about a remarkable woman
– wealthy socialite Florence Foster Jenkins – who in her own
mind thought she was one of the most talented, creative,
”
perfect pitched
”
coloratura sopranos who ever lived, when in fact she had no
sense of pitch, rhythm or tone.
Stephen Temperley wrote “Souvenir”, a true story about a remarkable woman – wealthy socialite Florence Foster Jenkins – who in her own mind thought she was one of the most talented, creative, “perfect pitched” coloratura sopranos who ever lived, when in fact she had no sense of pitch, rhythm or tone. In spite of these disadvantages, she still enjoyed a remarkably successful professional life, giving recitals to a select group of friends cultivated from many social groups she headed or was a major force behind. None dared to tell her the truth, instead attending her concerts for the sheer enjoyment of being part of the “in” crowd that found great humor in her off-key offerings.
She shrugged off critic’s laments with the belief that they just didn’t know talent or music, even when they labeled her “unburdened” by talent and dubbed her the “Dire Diva of Din.” She dismissed her detractors as musically incompetent and, for the most part, kept them from attending her concerts, which were by invitation only with the proceeds going to charity. There is an adage – “you are what you eat” – and Jenkins turned that phrase into “you are what you think.” She made many recordings, and as her final hurrah, at age 76 she played to a sold out Carnegie Hall, turning away 2,000 hopeful fans. Cole Porter, Kitty Carlisle and Lily Pons were in the audience for that performance.
The story is told through the narration and subtle humor of Cosme McMoon (Mark Anders), Jenkins’ accompanist, who began their relationship with great trepidation but needed a job because of the Great Depression. McMoon developed a respect for – and grew protective of – Jenkins through 16 years of her amazingly bad singing.
This is a two-person play, and these two give magnificent performances. Tony-nominated Patti Cohenour embraces Jenkins with enthusiasm and the ability to sing off-key when her voice is trained otherwise – no small feat. She portrays Jenkins as a kind, extremely self-confident woman who believes herself to be a super diva.
The multi-talented Mark Anders plays McMoon, who comes to admire and respect her spirit. His tongue-in-cheek delivery and fine piano playing are presented as a perfect contrast to Cohenour’s Jenkins.
R. Hamilton Wright directs with a gentle touch and keeps the action moving at just the right pace. Marcia Dixcy Jory’s costumes steal the show and must be viewed to be appreciated. Lighting by Rick Paulsen, sound by Steve Schoenbeck and sets by Edie Whitsett create a balanced production that is easy and enjoyable to watch.
For a whimsical, enjoyable evening that borders on serendipity, “Souvenir” fills the bill.
‘Souvenir’
Where: San Jose Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays; through April 20
Tickets: $15-$59
Details: (408) 367-7255 or visit www.sjrep.com.
