Souvenir Debuts at New Hope Arts Center

Souvenir Debuts at New Hope Arts Center

Stephen Stahl's latest play is helping the resurgence of The New Hope Arts Center, and raising money for abandoned and abused animals at the same time

NEW HOPE, Pa., July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- In 1944, the socialite soprano, Florence Foster Jenkins, finally realized her dream -- a recital at Carnegie Hall. Despite a jarring singing voice, she attained a cult-like status, and had audiences coming to her concerts by the droves. Her story, which was told on Broadway in the 2006 production, Souvenir, written by Stephen Temperley, recounted her funny, yet touching story. This August, Stephen Stahl, the award-winning director, filmmaker and playwright, will bring Souvenir to The New Hope Arts Center, hoping to showcase Jenkins' story, bring new audiences to the local theatre, and help raise funds for The Animal Rescue Kingdom or (ARK).

Adding to the Souvenir's eclectic message is its cast. Playing the lead role of Jenkins is Grant Waldman, a.k.a. Margot Montesque, who is the co-owner of the popular New Hope restaurant, Wildflowers. Waldman's love of the theatre began as a child when his mother would take him to shows on Broadway. Even though he's been in the restaurant business for more than 25 years, he's still found the time to write two plays, which were also staged in New Hope. But Waldman's real passion is his love for animals, especially those who are abandoned or abused. Six years ago, while on one of his regular trips to Thailand, he decided to open a shelter which he called ARK that provides medical care and permanent homes for the more than 100 dogs and cats living on its nine-acre sanctuary in Chiang Mai.

"I've always loved writing and the theatre, and when Stephen and I discussed possibly working together, we both thought Souvenir would be the perfect play for me to produce and appear in," Waldman said. "Along the way, I wanted to not only give theatre-goers a wonderful entertainment experience, but also help support my animal shelter in Thailand, which is my true passion in life. In fact, all of the net proceeds from the play will be going directly to support and expand the great work we do to help the dogs and cats who need medical care and a place to call home."

Waldman, who actually has a good singing voice, will transform himself into Foster Jenkins, with elaborate costumes, and the worst rendition of arias one could imagine.

For Stahl, the relationship between the singing socialist and her accompanist, Cosme McMoon, played by noted actor, singer and musician, Casey Molino Dunn, is the play's compelling message. "We love this play because it's not only very funny, but it shows how this woman, who clearly has no talent, but a great heart, can actually make a difference in the lives of others," said Stahl. "McMoon, who tells his story over a number of years, comes to recognize Foster Jenkins' real gift -- her friendship and wisdom -- and that helps him become the person he dreams of being. We're also very excited about the play because all of the proceeds will help Grant continue his amazing work with animals in Thailand. And, this is the beginning of our collective efforts to help The New Hope Arts Center embark on a major resurgence, and we hope with planned renovations and an expanded programming schedule, we will make it into the premier venue for the arts in the region," Stahl added.

According to New Hope Mayor, Larry Keller, who is on the board of the New Hope Arts Center, Souvenir will bring in new audiences to the theatre, and raise awareness and funds for the major capital campaign underway.

"For the past six years we've been primarily a community-based arts organization," Keller said. "Now, we are working to establish New Hope as a cultural oasis in Bucks County and the arts center is top on our priority list. That's why we're excited about Stephen bringing a professional production to the venue, and we hope this will be the beginning of many more plays, concerts and other performing arts activities. I'm personally thrilled that Grant has been so generous as well, and we will do everything we can to support him," Keller added.

Stahl said that attendees will find Molino Dunn's performance "stunning," and added that "the 26- year-old phenom will absolutely thrill the audience with his amazing voice, piano playing and acting skills."

Tickets are available through SmartTix.com, or by calling, 877-238-5596, or at box office.

Coverage is invited.

Souvenir is produced in association with The Bridge Theatre Company, a 501(c) 3 organization.

   CONTACT: Dava Guerin,   Guerin Public Relations, Inc.   215-293-9020 or 215-262-0740  

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Source: New Hope Arts Center

CONTACT: Dava Guerin of Guerin Public Relations, Inc., +1-215-293-9020
or +1-215-262-0740

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Profile: International Entertainment