SMTD, Theatre, faculty, performance
September 2, 2025
Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance colleagues will unite in a
delightful story of an unlikely duo in Stephen Temperley’s "Souvenir: a fantasia on the life of
Florence Foster Jenkins" at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025. The performance will take place in the newly refurbished Varner Recital Hall as an early offering in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance’s professional series.
Faculty members Alta Boover Dantzler and Jacob ben Widmar will 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.
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.
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.
Souvenir is directed by Distinguished Professor Emerita Karen Sheridan. Tickets 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.