SOUVENIR

Gravenhurst Opera House’s First Performance of its 84th Season

June 18, 2018 – MUSKOKA ON

Gravenhurst Opera House’s summer theatre is a part of the Muskoka Signature Experience Collection, a collection of Muskoka’s must-do experiences!

Attention all shower singers –
There is still hope

Review by Paul Feist
Photo Credit: Larry Carroll

‘SOUVENIR’, written by Stephen Temperley, this year’s season opener at the Gravenhurst Opera House, follows the real-life career of wealthy New York’s socialite, Florence Foster Jenkins.

Madame Flo, whose tonal dysfunction sounds pitch-perfect to her tin ear, performs with unabashed relish to help support her various charities. Played with exhausting style and panache by Mary Pitt, we are transported through a lifetime of sour notes, a loving heart and dreams of quixotic proportions. Determined to bring her voice to the masses, she embarks on a journey of discovery in order to perform her undefinable musicality at Carnegie Hall. Mary Pitt, an accomplished vocalist is challenged with singing off-key – not an easy task. Her high C’s deserve an A+.

Cosme McMoon, her devoted piano accompanist is played brilliantly by Clive Walton.

His versatility shines as he plays piano and sings throughout the 2 Acts.

Cosme narrates their partnership and is the cohesive calm for this musical odd couple.

Multi-talented, award-winning Sheila McCarthy, directs this tour-de-force. She pulls an energy from her talented cast that moves the play seamlessly through 12 years of missed notes. Artistic Director Dave Campbell’s collaborative team includes set design by Tim Webb, lighting by Claude Labrecque and costumes from Chris Cristobal. Their combined talents capture the 1940’s New York setting to perfection.

Guaranteed to keep you smiling, this ‘Souvenir’ should be added to your treasure chest of great summer theatre memories.