Souvenir Debuts at New Hope Arts Center

Stephen Stahl's latest play is helping the resurgence of The New Hope Arts
Center, and raising money for abandoned and abused animals at the same time

NEW HOPE, Pa., July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- In 1944, the socialite soprano,
Florence Foster Jenkins, finally realized her dream -- a recital at Carnegie
Hall. Despite a jarring singing voice, she attained a cult-like status, and
had audiences coming to her concerts by the droves. Her story, which was told
on Broadway in the 2006 production, Souvenir, written by Stephen Temperley,
recounted her funny, yet touching story. This August, Stephen Stahl, the
award-winning director, filmmaker and playwright, will bring Souvenir to The
New Hope Arts Center, hoping to showcase Jenkins' story, bring new audiences
to the local theatre, and help raise funds for The Animal Rescue Kingdom or
(ARK).

Adding to the Souvenir's eclectic message is its cast. Playing the lead role
of Jenkins is Grant Waldman, a.k.a. Margot Montesque, who is the co-owner of
the popular New Hope restaurant, Wildflowers. Waldman's love of the theatre
began as a child when his mother would take him to shows on Broadway. Even
though he's been in the restaurant business for more than 25 years, he's still
found the time to write two plays, which were also staged in New Hope. But
Waldman's real passion is his love for animals, especially those who are
abandoned or abused. Six years ago, while on one of his regular trips to
Thailand, he decided to open a shelter which he called ARK that provides
medical care and permanent homes for the more than 100 dogs and cats living on
its nine-acre sanctuary in Chiang Mai.

"I've always loved writing and the theatre, and when Stephen and I discussed
possibly working together, we both thought Souvenir would be the perfect play
for me to produce and appear in," Waldman said. "Along the way, I wanted to
not only give theatre-goers a wonderful entertainment experience, but also
help support my animal shelter in Thailand, which is my true passion in life.
In fact, all of the net proceeds from the play will be going directly to
support and expand the great work we do to help the dogs and cats who need
medical care and a place to call home."

Waldman, who actually has a good singing voice, will transform himself into
Foster Jenkins, with elaborate costumes, and the worst rendition of arias one
could imagine.

For Stahl, the relationship between the singing socialist and her accompanist,
Cosme McMoon, played by noted actor, singer and musician, Casey Molino Dunn,
is the play's compelling message. "We love this play because it's not only
very funny, but it shows how this woman, who clearly has no talent, but a
great heart, can actually make a difference in the lives of others," said
Stahl. "McMoon, who tells his story over a number of years, comes to recognize
Foster Jenkins' real gift -- her friendship and wisdom -- and that helps him
become the person he dreams of being. We're also very excited about the play
because all of the proceeds will help Grant continue his amazing work with
animals in Thailand. And, this is the beginning of our collective efforts to
help The New Hope Arts Center embark on a major resurgence, and we hope with
planned renovations and an expanded programming schedule, we will make it into
the premier venue for the arts in the region," Stahl added.

According to New Hope Mayor, Larry Keller, who is on the board of the New Hope
Arts Center, Souvenir will bring in new audiences to the theatre, and raise
awareness and funds for the major capital campaign underway.

"For the past six years we've been primarily a community-based arts
organization," Keller said. "Now, we are working to establish New Hope as a
cultural oasis in Bucks County and the arts center is top on our priority
list. That's why we're excited about Stephen bringing a professional
production to the venue, and we hope this will be the beginning of many more
plays, concerts and other performing arts activities. I'm personally thrilled
that Grant has been so generous as well, and we will do everything we can to
support him," Keller added.

Stahl said that attendees will find Molino Dunn's performance "stunning," and
added that "the 26- year-old phenom will absolutely thrill the audience with
his amazing voice, piano playing and acting skills."

Tickets are available through SmartTix.com, or by calling, 877-238-5596, or at
box office.

Coverage is invited.

Souvenir is produced in association with The Bridge Theatre Company, a 501(c)
3 organization.
CONTACT: Dava Guerin,
Guerin Public Relations, Inc.
215-293-9020 or 215-262-0740

SOURCE New Hope Arts Center

Dava Guerin of Guerin Public Relations, Inc., +1-215-293-9020 or
+1-215-262-0740