Alibi Picks

Hey hipsters, think you invented ironic appreciation? Guess again. Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins tells the semi-true story of a New York society lady sadly and hilariously deluded about her own vocal talents—who nonetheless surges to a kind of stardom because of them. Packed annual recitals in the Ritz-Carlton ballroom led to a Carnegie Hall appearance in 1944 that sold out in two hours. To an audience gung ho to ridicule the tone-deaf singer.

This 2005 Broadway gem by Stephen Temperley centers on the memories of Jenkins' piano player, Cosmé McMoon, whose initial cynicism about accompanying the off-key chanteuse gives way over two decades to respect and affection. By turns riotous and poignant, Souvenir opens at Adobe Theater (9813 Fourth Street NW) on Friday, Feb. 20, starring Lorri Layle Oliver and Philip J. Shortell as the unlikely professional duo. Shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm, with a special pay-what-you-will performance on Thursday, March 5, at 7:30pm. Tickets ($15 to $17) are available at adobetheater.org or by calling 898-9222. Adobe Theater • Fri Feb 20 • 7:30pm • $15-$17 • View on Alibi calendar