Tone-deaf comedy opens at Theatre Conspiracy

Florence Foster Jenkins was reputed to be the worst singer ever to play Carnegie Hall. COURTESY PHOTO Theatre Conspiracy presents the hilarious and musically tone deaf comedy “Glorious!” The true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, the worst singer in the world, opens at the Foulds Theatre at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5. Directed by Bill Taylor and written by Peter Quilter, “Glorious!” is about an unlikely and ill-fitting diva, set in the America of the 1940s.

This Southwest Florida premiere is a heart-warming new comedy that highlights the improbable but true story of a phenomenally talentless eccentric. Florence Foster Jenkins (1868-1944), an American soprano and socialite, became famous for her complete lack of rhythm, pitch, tone and overall singing ability. Despite her lack of ability, Ms. Jenkins was firmly convinced of her greatness. She became tremendously popular and was the toast of New York in the 1940s. Her credo was “People may say that I cannot sing, but no one can say that I didn’t sing.” She sold out Carnegie Hall for her concerts while the public roared with laughter.

Produced around the world, “Glorious!” has brought the same reaction from audiences everywhere.

“Glorious!” plays through Feb. 20. To make reservations, call the box office at 936-3239.

Peter Quilter’s plays have been translated into 18 languages and produced in 27 countries around the world. He has had two plays in London’s West End and hit shows in major cities, including Cape Town, Prague, Amsterdam, Helsinki, Toronto, Warsaw, Rio de Janeiro and Chicago. His writing career took off in the summer of 2005 with the awardwinning premiere of his play about Judy Garland, “End of the Rainbow,” at the Sydney Opera House in Australia. Then just two months later, came the premiere of “Glorious!” at London’s Duchess Theatre. These shows have since enjoyed dozens of international productions, including tours of Canada, the Netherlands, Brazil, Poland, Germany and Italy.

“Glorious!” was nominated for the Laurence Olivier Award as Best New Comedy and recently celebrated 2,000 performances worldwide and one million ticket sales.

Mr. Quilter’s other work includes an all-female comedy, “Curtain Up!,” a musical adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s “The Canterville Ghost,” and a show about the pop industry, “BoyBand.” 

if you go

>> “Glorious!” >> When: Feb. 5-20, Thursday, Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with a Saturday matinee Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. >> Where: The Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts >> Cost: $22 or $10. Opening night, Feb. 5, is “pay what you will.” Thursday, Feb. 11 and 18, are “buy one get one half price.” To make reservations, call the box office at 936-3239. >> Information: www.theatreconspiracy.org