Latest Centaur production is a definite crowd pleaser

Much of their positive reaction can be attributed to the excellent acting by the delightful Rosemary Dunsmore, a past recipient of Les Masques Award for her tour-de-force performance in Wit and best known as Katherine Brooks in Anne of Green Gables.

Dunsmore jumps into the role of eternally optimistic and perpetually tone deaf, Florence Foster Jenkins, with relish and pizzazz. Like her young piano player, Cosme McMoon, we can't help but fall in love with her. How could a woman with so little talent be so full of joy? Marc Twain once remarked that "To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence." Florence Foster Jenkins seemed to have both of those qualities in spades; plus the money to make her dreams of being a singer – despite the apparent lack of a singing voice—a reality.

Aside from Rosemary Dunsmore, Keith Knight as Florence's jovial and constantly supportive boyfriend, St Claire, is a delight to watch. Victoria Sanchez, last seen at the Centaur performing in <@Ai>Anna in the Tropics<@$> plays Maria, the Spanish speaking maid, with just the right amount of spunk and attitude, while Patricia Yeatman is entirely believable, endearing and extremely funny as Dorothy, the slightly frazzled and confused neighbour and dear friend.

The production team, led by director, Sarah Stanley, does an excellent job of conveying the innocence and gaiety of the 1940s, while allowing the story to unfold seamlessly on stage.

The world of the Soprano of the Sliding Scale is a real world, where strife and war compose the background, but where unbridled joy and the sweetness of the human spirit are at the forefront. The light-hearted banter is ultimately designed to entertain and amuse, but also manages to make us think of the possibilities. By daring to chase her unlikely dream and perform at Carnegie Hall, Florence manages to make us dream a little too.

Glorious by Peter Quilter, directed by Sarah Stanley and starring Rosemary Dunsmore, Keith Knight, Patricia Yeatman, etc. will be playing at the Centaur until February 25. For tickets and/or information, you can call 514-288-3161.