The story of Florence Foster Jenkins (1868-1944) seems unbelievable, but only because it's true.

The soprano from Wilkes-Barre had a successful singing career despite her inability to carry a tune. She once even performed to a sold-out audience at Carnegie Hall. Her lack of musical talent was overshadowed by one quality that defined her career: She totally believed in herself.

Apple Hill Playhouse offers a look at her amazing life with the comedy "Glorious" by Peter Quilter.

Beverly Price of Greensburg, who plays the eccentric diva, says her character let nothing stand in her way to accomplish her dream of becoming a professional singer.

"She had such strength in her convictions," Price says. "She had such a love of music and felt she needed to sing. It was an overwhelming passion for her."

In all her performances, "Florence never heard the jeering and laughter; she only heard the applause," the playwright writes in his introduction to his work.

Jenkins was a wealthy New Yorker who started singing only after her husband died. She inherited his fortune and was able to personally finance many of her performances, including the Carnegie Hall concert not long before her death.

"She sponsored balls and recitals, and she would perform," Price says. "She believed in herself, and her charge-ahead personality made others believe in her, too."

Jim Mikula of Ligonier portrays Jenkins' boyfriend, St. Clair, who had a personal interest in the singer doing well.

"He encouraged her to do it because she was his meal ticket," he says. "All of her friends encouraged her."

In the Apple Hill production, David Leo of Delmont portrays Cosme McMoon, Jenkins' accompanist. Cindy Swanson of Presto is her Spanish-speaking maid, Maria. Shirley Ratner of Greensburg plays her friend, Dorothy, and the role of Mrs. Verrinder-Gedge. Joette Salandro of Latrobe directs, and Sara Baines-Miller of Pittsburgh is set designer.

Mikula says "Glorious" will spark a wide range of emotions from its audience.

"It's funny," he says. "You laugh at her, but you realize she's a good-hearted, decent person. You feel for her. It's funny, but really touching, too."

Price says she admires her character for her strength in her convictions. When she faced obstacles, she overcame them.

"The thing that attracts me most to her is her refusal to let doubt overcome her," the actor says. "That's the lesson in this work -- to not let fear stand in your way."

Price has starred in several community theater productions, including "Footloose," "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "Picnic" at Apple Hill, and "Steel Magnolias" at Theatre Factory. Mikula will direct Apple Hill's upcoming production of "Busy Body" in October.

Additional Information:

'Glorious'

When: Thursday through June 27, with performances at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. June 17

Admission: $16; $14 for senior citizens and students. All seats are $12 on opening night. Dinner theater package available.

Where: Apple Hill Playhouse , Delmont

Details: 724-468-5050

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