Before the American Idol Train Wreck
Travel back in time before there were the singing train-wrecks on American Idol to 1930s New York City high-society. The play, Souvenir, now running at The Studio Theater, tells the real-life story of the famous (or infamous) opera “singer” and wealthy socialite, Florence Foster Jenkins strives to become a success after everyone close to her tells her to give up her dream and any change at a career singing opera.
As a talentless “opera soprano”, she eventually became famous in the New York opera world, not for her singing talent, but for her total lack of rhythm, pitch and tone. With virtually no singing ability and completely unable to sustain a note, she achieves notoriety with her flair for funding her own extravagant productions, complete with lavish and multiple costume changes. Her reputation grew until climaxing just a month before her death at the age of 76, with a sold out performance at Carnegie Hall in 1944.
For a sample of her singing “talents”, check out this sample from one of her albums on Amazon. Just click the Listen to samples link.
Some people suspect her bad singing was just an act, as singing THAT horrible is truly challenging to do.
Souvenir
The Studio Theatre (Milton Theatre)
1501 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
Dates and Times - Wed. - Sun., through July 29th
Tickets - $39.00 - $42.00 and are available online.
Nearest Metro Subway Station - Mcpherson Square - Blue and Orange lines, then a half-mile walk.
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POSTED IN: Music, Performing Arts – Plays & Dance
1 opinion for Before the American Idol Train Wreck
Matt
Jul 21, 2007 at 4:31 pm
Oh man… I checked out the samples of her “music”… if you can call it that. Awful! Who knew a sound like that could come out of a person, lol.
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