Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins (BCP)

[Buck Creek Players]

The Buck Creek Players Board of Directors is pleased to announce their selection for the January/February 2012 slot of their 38th season, It Takes Two:

Souvenir
A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins

A Play with Music by Stephen Temperley

For more than half a century the name Florence Foster Jenkins has been guaranteed to produce explosions of derisive laughter. Not unreasonably so, as this wealthy society eccentric suffered under the delusion that she was a great coloratura soprano when she was in fact incapable of producing two consecutive notes in tune. Nevertheless, her annual recitals in the ballroom of the Ritz Carlton hotel, where she resided, brought her extraordinary fame. As news of her terrible singing spread, so did her celebrity. Her growing mob of fans packed her recitals, stuffing handkerchiefs in their mouths to stifle their laughter—which Mrs. Jenkins blissfully mistook for cheers. The climax of her career was a single concert at Carnegie Hall in 1944. Famously, it sold out in two hours. SOUVENIR, by turn hilarious and poignant, tells her story through the eyes of her accompanist, Cosme McMoon. A talented musician, he regards her at first as little more than an easy way to pay the rent, but, as he gets to know her, his initial contempt gives way to reluctant admiration, then friendship and affection. Eyewitness accounts of their concerts vary so wildly it is almost impossible now to separate fact from gossip. Hence this fictional "biography," in which we follow the story of their partnership from its earliest days to their concert in Carnegie Hall and its aftermath. With each new imagined triumph Florence's confidence soars. Faced with her boundless certainty, Cosme comes to revise his attitude, not only towards her singing but to the very meaning of music itself.

The remainder of the season also includes:

BUS STOP
Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS
HAROLD & MAUDE
THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE JUNIOR

Buck Creek Playhouse is located on the Indianapolis' southeast side at 11150 Southeastern Avenue.

For more information, please visit us at www.buckcreekplayers.com.

[mickeyNjudy]

I am so excited to direct this production. I have been fascinated by this woman ever since I was in college. If you have no idea who Florence Foster Jenkins is, check out this YouTube clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MM6qntPpyZ0
I cannot wait!

But first, Frankenstein: A New Musical. Did I mention that auditions are April 4th and 5th?

[daveharold]

Wow! Hopefully, you'll be able to find the right two people who can really bring this off. Peg and I saw this show a couple of years ago done professionally at the Asolo Rep in Sarasota, starring Judy Kaye. Souvenir is, hands down, one of the funniest shows we've ever seen anywhere, and Indy theatre goers are in for a real treat next year! By all means, folks, go to the YouTube clip. This woman was unbelievable! Best of luck, Scott, casting this show. It won't be easy, but with the right players, you'll have a sure winner.

[figaroindy]

It's a huge favorite of mine also - I've always loved Florence Foster Jenkins, and am a huge fan of Judy Kaye, also.

I've seen the play twice, sadly never with Judy Kaye (I'm jealous, Dave!). Once in Chicago, at Northlight theater and once last fall in Bloomington. Both were very good productions, and both well-received by the audiences. I think Indy's going to love the show!

[agingdiva]

Will you have auditions for this show? Also, is this a production that will also be part of Oaklandon?

[mickeyNjudy]

Hi Susan,

Since the production is not part of the season judged by Encore, we do not have to abide by their limitations. The role of Cosme McMoon has already been cast and will be played by Kevin D. Smith. The role of Florence Foster Jenkins is still currently available. I have not yet decided whether I will pre-cast, audition by invitation, or hold open auditions at this point.

This production is not affiliated with Oaklandon Civic Theatre.

Thanks, Dave! It must have been great to see the original Broadway Cast of the show at The Asolo. I have seen interviews with the creative team who said that many of the elements of that production were even better than they were on Broadway!

This is definitely one hilarious comedy that I think Indianapolis audiences will truly enjoy!

[figaroindy]

Phew! Didn't know how long I could keep quiet about it - I am VERY excited to be doing this show....I LOVE it (as I said above)!

[Buck Creek Players]

Check out the newly designed logo attached to the initial thread!

[build_it]

I'm very excited to see Kevin return to BCP with his wonderful piano playing abilities... and singing.... and acting... and this time he'll be in front of the set, rather than under it!

[figaroindy]

I'm going to hold you to that, Aaron! And I'll need a bright light!

It's funny, but this is the first time I've performed in a show for BCP - I music directed "Grey Gardens" and assistant music directed "Forum" (100 years ago), but other than that, just played some auditions, and sang/played in a benefit or two. Heck, my name's on a seat, but I've never been onstage (visible, that is!). I'm really glad to get the chance...and in a show I've been dying to do for years!