LEWISTON — It was September 1994 when Reindeer Theatre Company presented its debut performance of “Among My Souvenirs,” a tribute to legendary princess of pop Connie Francis, in the upstairs auditorium of the Warren Memorial Library in Westbrook.

It was a show that was a long time in the making, a jukebox musical created by Louis Philippe, RTC Artistic Director, that heralded the journey, accomplishments and challenges of “America’s Sweetheart.” Tidbits of her childhood and career were narrated, while the audience strolled down memory lane watching nostalgic images and listening — and singing along — to some of her timeless hits.

“My most vivid memory of ‘Among My Souvenirs’ was that at the end of the show, nobody wanted to move,” recalled Philippe. “It’s as if the audience — some teary-eyed and overwhelmed with sentiment — had been transported to a period of time when life was simple, easy, carefree … and they did not want the show to end.”

The show was a remarkable success for its limited, grassroots, run, Philippe said, but it wasn’t until 2015 when “The Connie Francis Show”—as many affectionately refer to it as — was resurrected.

Philippe had been wanting to bring “Among My Souvenirs” back to life and was inspired to do so when he heard the voice of Krista Lebeau Johnson singing in the choir he had been directing at St. Anthony of Padua in Westbrook.

“I recall Krista’s voice reminding me of someone, and during Communion one Sunday, I got a big-time revelation,” said Philippe. “While she had no clue who Connie Francis was, she jumped at the chance to sing in a show, and within days rehearsals had commenced.”

After 21 years, “Among My Souvenirs 2.0” was rolled out at the Westbrook Eagles on Aug. 22, 2015, before a full house of family, friends and Connie Francis fans.

“A power point presentation replaced the slide carousel, and the script was revised, but Krista and the four-piece ‘Connie Combo’ successfully recreated some powerful, emotional memories of the late ’50s and ’60s,” said Philippe.

The Franco Center in Lewiston took a chance and booked the show in November 2015, the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Ticket sales were higher than anticipated, and the show was moved to the main performance hall upstairs. That event sold out with 426 attendees, so by popular demand, the Center brought back the show in November 2016, 2017, and now 2018.

“It’s almost like one of those cult musicals like ‘Rocky Horror’ or ‘Mama Mia’ where everybody goes and sings along, reminisces, reconnects and has a predictably very fun time,” Philippe said.

Among the songs one can expect to enjoy are “Among My Souvenirs,” “Where The Boys Are,” “V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N,” “Frankie,” “Lipstick On Your Collar,” “Guess My Heart has a Mind of Its Own,” “Who’s Sorry Now,” “I’ll Follow the Boys,” “Stupid Cupid” and more. Plus, for this performance only, the audience will be treated to a special “Connie Christmas Sing-along.”

In addition to Johnson as the featured singer, the “Connie Combo” incudes Philippe as music director on piano, Tom O’Donnell on guitar (a member of the original 1994 cast), Jimmy McGirr on bass and Joe Napoleone on drums.

“Among My Souvenirs (The Connie Francis Show)” will be performed one show only at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, at the Gendron Franco Center, 46 Cedar St. Doors will open at 1 p.m. with a cash bar.

For tickets and information, call the box office at 207-689-2000 or visit www.francocenter.org.

Krista Lebeau Johnson will be the lead vocalist for “Among My Souvenirs,” a Connie Francis tribute concert, at the Gendron Franco Center.

Copy the Story Link