August 28, 2025
Oakland University Professors Alta Boover Dantzler and Jacob ben Widmar will unite to tell the story of an unlikely duo in Stephen Temperley’s Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins.
The play, which 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, will be performed in Oakland University’s Varner Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20. There will be one performance only in the newly refurbished recital hall, as an early offering in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance’s professional series.
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| Jacob ben Widmar |
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. The play’s running time is two hours with one intermission.
Prior to the performance at Oakland University, Souvenir will premiere at Stone’s Throw Theater in Lapeer, Mich. with performances at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12; 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14. Stone’s Throw Theater is located at 423 W. Nepessing St. in historic downtown Lapeer, inside Beyer’s Furniture. For more information, visit www.stonesthrowtheater.org.
For tickets to the Sept. 20 performance at Oakland University, visit etix.com.
About Alta Boover Dantzler
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.
About Jacob ben Widmar
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 New York City and his home in Rochester Hills.