Cast

Synopsis

Based on a true story, Peter Quilter’s comedy “Glorious!” invites us into the world of Florence Foster Jenkins (1868-1944), a gregarious soprano who in the early 1940s became the must-see artist in New York. Spinning from charity recitals before groups of devoted friends to extravagant balls, Florence’s enthusiasm and joy more than made up for her imperfect pitch. Paying little attention to her critics, the ‘first lady of the sliding scale’ resolutely restricted her professional performances to an annual recital, yet her unconventional career culminated in a triumphant sell-out concert at Carnegie Hall, New York, shortly before her death.

Directors Notes

Based on a true story, Peter Quilter’s comedy Glorious! invites us into the world of Florence Foster Jenkins (1868-1944), the legendary New York heiress who wanted to be a great operatic diva, despite having one of the worst singing voices in history! She used all her money, charm and unstoppable will-power to make it happen, spinning from charity recitals, before groups of devoted friends, to extravagant balls, where Florence’s enthusiasm and joy more than made up for her imperfect pitch. The soprano voice she heard in her head was beautiful, and it never occurred to her that this was not the sound issuing from her mouth! Paying little attention to her critics, the unconventional career of the ‘?rst lady of the sliding scale’ culminated in a triumphant sell-out concert at Carnegie Hall, New York, shortly before her death. The play opens in 1940s New York, in the apartment at the Seymour Hotel which Madame Jenkins shares with the English actor, St. Clair, and where we ?nd her auditioning her pianist Cosme McMoon. Add in a Mexican maid who speaks no English (while Madame Jenkins knows no Spanish!), her ditzy companion Dorothy, and just one dissenting voice – that of Mrs Verrinder-Gedge – and we have a very funny, yet at times touching, play.

It has been my privilege and joy to work with this fabulous cast and backstage crew. I thank them all for their hard work and the enjoyable times we have shared on this Glorious! production!

I hope you enjoy your evening!