MEDIA RELEASE | FORTUNE THEATRE 2014 | 40th ANNIVERSARY SEASON

PROUDLY PRESENTED BY: Mazda Dunedin City Motors 

NEW ZEALAND PREMIÈRE

SOUVENIR

Written by Stephen Temperley

Directed by Lara Macgregor

Featuring: Angela Johnson and Michael Lee Porter 

Hilarious and deeply touching…a loony triumph! Extraordinary! – NY Daily News

Fortune Theatre is thrilled to present the Broadway hit comedy Souvenir by Stephen Temperley, the third production in its 2014 40^th Anniversary Season. Angela Johnson (Cats, A Little Night Music, Chess) plays real-life eccentric heiress Florence Foster Jenkins and Michael Lee Porter (Avenue Q, The Jungle Book, I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change) plays her long-time accompanist Cosme McMoon.                                                                                                                

Dubbed by her critics as the “Dire Diva of Din,” Florence Foster Jenkins enjoyed a remarkably successful concert career even though she was unburdened by talent and deliriously tone deaf.

Her bizarre partnership with pianist Cosme McMoon yielded off-key recitals that earned them standing ovations and cultish fame – culminating in a sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall.

Says Director Lara Macgregor; “I predict Souvenir will be the runaway hit of our season. Aside from the fact that it is based on a true story, it delivers humour, pathos, sheer love of music and unbridled passion. How wonderful that our season runs right through the time Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is in town. All in one weekend, Dunedin can be touched by a truly great soprano, and a soprano who thought she was truly great. What a comparison. Delicious.”

A heartfelt, wickedly funny, true story about the limits of self-perception, Souvenir is a sweet and inspiring portrait of a passionate music lover who believed that “what matters most is the music you hear in your head”. Never has so little talent given so much joy and laughter!

You’ll laugh ‘til you cry – there aren’t many theatrical experiences as good as Souvenir – The Boston Globe

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

CAST
Florence Foster Jenkins Angela Johnson
Cosme McMoon Michael Lee Porter

CREW
Writer Stephen Temperley
Director Lara Macgregor
Musical Director Michael Lee Porter
Production Manager Lindsay Gordon
Set Designer Peter King
Set Build Peter King, Richard Clark
Lighting Designer Stephen Kilroy
Costume Designer Maryanne Wright-Smyth
Costume Assistant Zoë Fox
Stage Manager George Wallace
Properties Master Monique Webster
Operator Alexandra Le Cocq

KEY EVENTS / DATES 

Lunchtime Bites / Thursday, 8 May, 2014 - meet at 12.15pm in the Dunedin Public Library, ground floor. The cast will perform an excerpt from Souvenir with an opportunity to win tickets. Reading will commence at 12.30pm followed by afternoon tea. This is a FREE event.

New Zealand Première, Souvenir, Opening Night / Saturday, 17 May, 2014 7.30pm, Fortune Theatre.

Members’ Briefing / Sunday, 18 May, 2014 - meet at the Fortune bar at 3.00pm and join Director Lara Macgregor for a lively informal chat about Souvenir.

Forum / Tuesday, 20 May, 2014 - join the cast and crew for an open question and answer session following the 6.00pm show.

Audio Describe Performance / Sunday, 1 June 2014 - an audio described performance offered in collaboration with Experience Access for visually impaired patrons and friends. Bookings essential.

SOUVENIR
Written by Stephen Temperley
Production Dates 17 May – 7 June 2014
Running Time Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes (including interval)
Venue Fortune Theatre Mainstage, 231 Stuart Street, Dunedin
Directed by Lara Macgregor
Cast Angela Johnson, Michael Lee Porter
Performances Tuesday, 6.00pm, Wednesday - Saturday, 7.30pm, Sunday, 4.00pm (no show Monday)
Tickets Gala (first 5 shows) $34, Adults $42, Senior Citizens $34, Members $32, Tertiary Students $20, High School Students $15, Group discount (10 +) $34
Bookings Fortune Theatre, 231 Stuart Street, Dunedin
Box Office 03 477 8323 or visit www.fortunetheatre.co.nz