Glorious!A Williamstown Little Theatre productionpresented by Heidelberg Theatre Companyand by special arrangement with Dominie Pty Ltdwritten by Peter Quilterdirected by Doug Bennett16 SEP - 2 OCT 2010Weeknights and Saturdays at 8:00pmSundays at 2:00pmAbout the playGlorious! is a truly uproarious comedy based on the true story of wealthy eccentric American widow, Florence Foster-Jenkins (1868 - 1944), famous for her complete lack of rhythm, pitch, tone and overall singing ability. The 'First Lady of the Sliding Scale' gave an annual recital in The Ritz Ballroom, and a sell-out performance at Carnegie Hall shortly before her death. It was the overpowering awfulness of her voice that led to her becoming a star in her own right, with a large cult following despite her bad reviews. Regulars at her recitals included Cole Porter and Enrico Caruso! "I bet Nellie Melba never had to put up with this!" she said, while her critics said, "You will never hear a voice like this at Carnegie Hall again!" A household of people almost as eccentric in their own way ensure an evening of hilarity. We glimpse Florence at home and in concert in her outrageously over-the-top costumes. Reviewby John Gunn 23/9/2010 for 3CR's Curtain Up Earlier in the year I reviewed this production for its Williamstown season and loved it, the story is about Florence Foster Jenkins a wealthy American Socialite who was hailed as the world's worst singer, however she went on to great fame culminating in a sell out concert at Carnegie Hall in 1944. It is a very funny yet affectionate look at this lady who believed in her dream and those who supported her. Well, this excellent production has now transferred to Heidelberg Theatre Company and I must say that the beautiful set design by David Dare looks wonderful on the bigger stage, actually on the night reviewed it drew gasps of delight from the audience when the lights came up. The cast remain the same with one exception in that Lena Minto has now taken over the role of the Spanish Speaking role of Maria the maid and she does it very nicely indeed. Patricia McCracken in the role of Florence is again captivating, giving her all to this demanding role and the remainder of the original cast, i.e. Peter Dennis as Cosme her pianist, Robert Harsley as St Clair Byfield (part time actor full time boy friend to Florence), Robyne Legge as Dorothy the rather scatty friend and Christine McGowen as Mrs Johnson a 'real' music lover - all have all made the switch effortlessly. To sum up, it is wonderful to see this production once again and what a great thing for both Heidelberg and Williamstown that this production has a chance to be seen by an audience that perhaps would not have the opportunity to see it before, perhaps we will now see more companies exchanging shows which must lesson the work load for companies and their over worked committees. CAST:
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