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Arts & Entertainment

Experience the tuneful surprise of "Souvenir" at the Walnut Street Theatre

"Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins" runs through October 15 at the Walnut Street Theatre

Believe in the power of music once more through the Walnut Street Theatre’s production of SOUVENIR: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins, running now through October 15.

The show is based on the story of one of opera's most unforgettable stars. Florence Foster Jenkins, an eccentric and wealthy socialite, believes she is an enchanting coloratura soprano and wants to share her talent with the world. After teaming up with a new pianist, Cosmé McMoon, she begins to hold recitals at the Ritz Carlton, festooned in fabulous costumes. She becomes a sensation! Unfortunately, the truth is Mrs. Jenkins can't sing. But, there’s more than one way to get to Carnegie Hall... Based on a true story, this tuneful comedy beguiles the hopeful artist that lives in us all.

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Jonas Cohen and Rebecca Robbins in "Souvenir" at Walnut Street Theatre. Photo by Mark Garvin.
Playing the eccentric soprano is Walnut veteran Rebecca Robbins. No stranger to the Walnut stage, Robbins has appeared multiple show-stopping productions including A Grand Night for Singing, Aspects of Love, The Music Man, and Mary Poppins. Souvenir marks her 15th production with the Walnut. Ironically, Robbins is a classically trained opera singer who is an alumna of the Curtis Institute of Music. She also performed both on Broadway and with the national tour of The Phantom of the Opera.

Cosmé McMoon, Jenkin’s confidant and accompanist will be played by Jonas Cohen in his Walnut debut. Regionally, Cohen has performed with Portland Stage Company, Hangar Theater, Flat Rock Playhouse, The Arvada, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, New Harmony Theatre, Capital Repertory Theater and Fulton Theater.

Souvenir plays now through October 15. Tickets are $35-$45 and are now available at 215-574-3550 or 215-336-1234. Tickets are also available at walnutstreettheatre.org.

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[Photo credit] Jonas Cohen and Rebecca Robbins in the Walnut Street Theatre's production of Souvenir. Photo by Mark Garvin.

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