Comedy and Music abound in this true story of found friendship in SOUVENIR
- Encore Staff Writer
- Sep 17
- 2 min read
ROCHESTER, MI – Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance colleagues unite in a
delightful story of an unlikely duo in Stephen Temperley’s Souvenir: a fantasia on the life of
Florence Foster Jenkins. Faculty members Alta Boover Dantzler and Jacob ben Widmar join
forces to present the funny and charming journey of Florence Foster Jenkins and her unwitting
accompanist as they fight their way through music to a true friendship. Souvenir will be
performed on Oakland University’s campus in Varner Recital Hall on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 7:30pm.
Souvenir will have one performance only in the newly refurbished recital hall, as an early
offering in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance’s professional series. Temperley’s play
follows the unpredictable relationship between a wealthy eccentric, self-described great
soprano and the hapless accompanist who knows she is incapable of producing two consecutive
notes in tune.
This rollicking play with classical music is a collaboration between two accomplished colleagues ideal in these endearing roles.
Mezzo-Soprano Alta Boover Dantzler is praised by critics for her “richly nuanced voice with
manifestation and endearing sincerity” (Fanfare). Like Florence Foster Jenkins, she has
appeared as a concert soloist at Carnegie Hall, in addition to Lincoln Center and on opera and
concert stages across the country. She has enjoyed over 500 performances in 50 separate
productions of European and American Operetta. Lake Orion is her Michigan hometown.
Broadway veteran Jacob ben Widmar (The Book of Mormon, Xanadu, White Christmas) and
Assistant Professor of Theatre plays Cosme McMoon. With credits spanning first national tours,
esteemed regional theatres, Radio City Music Hall, and even Olaf in Frozen for Disney Cruise
Line, Jacob brings over 20 years of professional training to the next generation of performers.
He splits his time between NYC and his home in Rochester Hills.
Souvenir is directed by Distinguished Professor Emerita Karen Sheridan. Ticket prices are $12
for adults, $9 for seniors and non-OU students, $7 for OU employees and veterans, $10 for 18
and under and free for SMTD students, faculty and staff. Running time is two hours with one
intermission.
So, join us for this musical confection starting in 1964, returning to 1932 through the ‘40s.
Varner Recital Hall on September 20 at 7:30 p.m.—a theatrical celebration of dreams,
aspirations and lasting friendship.
And if you think you’d like to see Souvenir more than once, this production premieres at
Stone’s Throw Theatre in Lapeer, Michigan the weekend before! Details on their website.
Performances:
Souvenir: a fantasia on the life of Florence Foster Jenkins by Stephen Temperley
Stone’s Throw Theatre in Lapeer, Michigan
Friday, September 12 @ 7:30pm
Saturday, September 13 @ 7:30pm
Sunday, September 14 @ 2pm
Oakland University’s Varner Recital Hall in Rochester, Michigan
Saturday, September 20 @ 7:30pm
