By Eva Trieger in Poway, California
For many of us our passions align with our god-given talents. For others….not so much. For Florence Foster Jenkins that was certainly not the case. While this real life socialite fancied herself an opera diva, that image was not shared by the majority of those for whom she performed. Madame or Lady Florence (her preferred autograph), began holding recitals in her apartment, local clubs and the Verdi club.
Foster hand-selected her audiences, in this way assuring that attendees would be generous. Often her patrons were members of clubs that she sponsored or was a member, thereby stacking the deck for more favorable reviews.
In addition to attempting operas that far exceeded her technical skills, Foster also donned costumes to accompany her performances, often homemade and quite theatrical. Dedicated fans often applauded or cheered loudly to drown out the laughter of many attendees.
PowPac’s production really captures the energy, enthusiasm and vibrancy of this woman. Through her humor and spirit, she created strong loving bonds with those around her. Her pianist, Cosme McMoon (Raymond Evans) tactfully responded to Foster’s ineptitude with grimaces and snide utterances, but grew to love and admire her. Her longtime boyfriend, St. Clair Byfield (Geoffrey Graeme) was lovingly attentive and enjoyed Foster’s bounty, even while he flirted with everyone from her best friend, Dorothy (Lesa Sailors) to her surly maid, Maria (Lois Munos-Merka).
Florence Foster Jenkins (Cindy Shea) took her zeal for music to heart and would not be quelled, even by harsh critics such as Mrs. Verrinder-Gedge (Connie Terwilliger). When Florence could not manipulate which patrons could buy tickets, some reactions were less than kind. However, her programs became famous in spite of her butchering of the music. She engaged with her audiences in a way that won her fans, especially of some of the celebs of her day including Cole Porter, Lily Pons and Enrico Caruso.
Each actor’s performance was delightful and while the show was certainly a comedy, it did contain some poignant moments where truths were discovered and revealed. The story is one of inspiration and hope. This brave woman pursued a dream even in the face of resistance and ridicule. She was quoted as saying to a friend, “People may say I can’t sing, but no one can ever say I didn’t sing.” Director Dennis Floyd has also appeared on the PowPac stage, memorably for his role in It’s Only a Play. Greg Oberle produced this show written by Peter Quilter.
The diva’s passion for performance certainly outpaced her skill, yet she refused to be daunted. Fortunately for Jenkins, she inherited a tidy sum of money from her father, and after moving to New York City with her mother, immersed herself in many elite social clubs and musical societies. Despite her exuberance and joyful air, the wannabe coloratura soprano had her own share of sorrows. Jenkins married at 15 years of age. Her husband was a medical doctor 16 years her senior. Shortly after they married, the young bride contracted syphilis from her husband, and left him. Unfortunately one of the complications of this disease is hearing loss. While there is speculation about whether or not Florence Foster Jenkins knew how poorly she sang, it is probable that the music she heard in her heart was more euphonious.
Hearing about this true story a friend urged me to look up Margaret Truman, daughter of President Harry S. Truman. It seems she also did not possess musical gifts, but when music critic, Paul Hume, wrote a negative review, President Truman wrote to him and said, “Someday I hope to meet you. When that happens you’ll need a new nose, a lot of beefsteak for black eyes, and perhaps a supporter below!”
While we cannot all carry a tune, or execute mastery of an aria, PowPac does deliver a very touching, uplifting show with some very excellent actors.
Glorious: The True Story of Florence Foster Jenkins the Worst Singer in the World, will run through June 21. Tickets may be purchased online at www.PowPac.org or by phone at 858.679.8085.
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Eva Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts.