Racine Theatre Guild, 2519 Northwestern Avenue, Racine, WI 53404
Contact Us: 262.633.4218
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Upcoming at the Theatre...
“Glorious!”
January 20-February 5
sponsored by Lincoln Lutheran 
The Racine Theatre Guild’s production of “Glorious!” is sure to brighten winter nights and warm audiences with its hilarious and heartwarming humor. Peter Quilter’s comedy based on the true story of the joyous Florence Foster Jenkins, perhaps the world’s worst singer, lights up the RTG stage at 2519 Northwestern Avenue (Highway 38) in Racine, January 20-February 5. Neither her parents nor her husband gave Florence Foster Jenkins (1868-1944) any encouragement to pursue music, but with her divorce, and the money inherited from her father, she was free to go to New York and follow her dream of becoming an operatic diva. “The world first heard my voice in 1912, the year the Titanic went down,” says Florence (Kathy Berg) in the play. Follow Madame as she auditions a new accompanist, Cosme McMoon (Dimitri Shapovalov), gives charity recitals and extravagant balls, and warbles her way through bizarre recording sessions. Discovering after a car accident that she can now hit F sharp above high C, she reaches the note onstage by hitting her forehead to simulate the collision. What endears her to audiences is her passion and enthusiasm for the music, not to mention her flair for costume design. (Her “Angel of Inspiration” and Carmen outfits, for instance, are nearly as startling as her voice.) Those wishing to purchase tickets to one of Madame’s performances must first be interviewed by herself. What she hears in her head is beautiful, so how does she react to the hysterical laughter evoked by her singing? The delusional but charming lady chooses to delight in seeing people enjoy themselves. When one rare detractor, Mrs. Verindah-Gedge (Mary Buchel), mounts the stage, she is booed and shouted off. As Madame’s following grows to cult status, she becomes the hottest ticket in town. Finally in 1944, she takes a leap from hotel ballrooms to Carnegie Hall—and fills it! The play is a charming reminder of what it is to dream: “People may say that I can’t sing but no one can ever say I didn’t sing.”—Florence Foster Jenkins Besides the sensitive pianist Cosme, Madam’s inner circle includes St Clair (Ron Halvorsen), her suave English boyfriend; Maria (Kate Mooney), her insubordinate Mexican maid who doesn’t speak English (nor does Madame speak Spanish); and Dorothy (Dawn Van Ess), her ditzy friend with a peculiar pet poodle. Directing this production for the Racine Theatre Guild is Norman McPhee. Geoff Greeley heads the volunteer crew as production stage manager. Steve Barnes designed the set. Performances of “Glorious!” are sponsored by Lincoln Lutheran and run from January 20 to February 5. Each weekend there are shows at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. There are additional performances at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 28; at 7 p.m. on Sunday, January 29; at 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 2; and at 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 4. The adult ticket price is $17 for the 7:30 p.m. shows, $13 on Thursday night, and $15 at all other times. Discounts are available for seniors, students, groups and season subscribers. Box office hours are 12 to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 90 minutes prior to curtain through intermission at performances. For further information and reservations, call 262-633-4218 or go to www.racinetheatre.org.
