Souvenir tells the comedic and musical true story of Florence Foster Jenkins: a New York socialite whose tin ear couldn't keep her off the stage at Carnegie Hall. Seen through the eyes of her beloved accompanist, Souvenir is a touching and comic tribute to Ms. Jenkins' sincerity, ambition, deep love of music and complete lack of talent, all of which brought a unique joy to thousands.
"How is Florence Foster Jenkins any different than American Idol contestant Sanjaya, who neared the finish line for singing off key? Is he next in the Florence Foster Jenkins legacy?," says BJ Jones. "Souvenir is the celebration of Florence Foster Jenkins' unbridled respect for the art and craft, regardless of her capability. It is endearing and a little sad, but when looking at the larger canvas, I cannot help but admire the wild imagination and the simplicity of her soul. Though it looks like hubris, there is purity there that masks the trembling insecurity of all artists yearning for acceptance and appreciation."
The cast includes Neva Rae Powers as Florence Foster Jenkins and Mark Anders as her accompanist Cosme McMoon.
The designers are Tom Burch (Set Design), Theresa Ham (Costume Design), Lee Fiskness (Lighting Design) and Victoria DeIorio (Sound Design) . The stage manager is Laura D. Glenn and the dramaturg is Meghan McCarthy.
Tickets for Souvenir, $35-50, are available by phone, 847.673.6300, or online at northlight.org . Young Adult tickets (25 and Under) are $10 (one per person with valid ID).
The Box Office is located at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Boulevard , in Skokie . Box Office hours are Monday-Friday 10:00am-6:00pm, and Saturdays 12:00pm-5:00pm. On performance days, the box office hours are extended through showtime. The Box Office is closed on Sundays, except on performance days when it is open two hours prior to showtime.