'Glorious' is a funny comedy based on real events

This funny comedy by Peter Quiter, directed by Paco Mir, is based on real events. Florence Foster Jenkins was an eccentric New York millionaire who in the 40s risked her fortune to become an opera singer.

Florence had no talent (quite the opposite) but was convinced she sang like an angel. Persevering and with no sense of ridicule, she invested her capital to fulfill a dream: to sing opera at the prestigious Carnegie Hall. We don't know how, the worst opera singer of all time sold out tickets and became an icon of the era.

The worst opera singer in the world becomes an icon of the 40s

If it's already difficult to sing well, it's even more difficult to sing badly on purpose as the protagonist of Glorious, Marta Ribera, does, with great experience in musical theater. The singer's strident squawks and exaggerated movements are compensated by the optimism and sympathy she generates in those around her and especially in the audience. In an exercise of meta-theater, almost without realizing it, we end up applauding Florence's off-key singing amidst laughter as if she were Maria Callas. Needless to say, the distance separating them is enormous.

To accompany Marta Ribera on stage, two well-known people have been chosen. On one hand, Ramon Gener, cultural popularizer and director of television programs such as "Òpera en texans" or "Això no és una cançó", in the role of the pianist Cosmé McMoon who goes from initial stupor to a feeling of affection for Florence. And the popular television presenter Santi Millán, whom we haven't seen on stage for a long time, who brings St Clair, Florence's partner, to life.

Under the humor, interesting questions are hidden

Thus, Glorious is a fun comedy to have a good time. Nothing more, nothing less. Under the touches of humor, however, it raises interesting questions. What is our self-perception based on? On the opinion of others or on our own? Should we give up on dreams when we are told they are unattainable? What are we willing to risk to make them come true? In short, are we what we believe we are or what we are told we are?

Similar to Hans Christian Andersen's popular tale "The Emperor's New Clothes", the only person who doesn't see reality is Florence, but here it's not about vanity - as in the tale - but about absolute self-confidence. We applaud her for not giving up in the pursuit of her dream (not for her singing, of course) and for ignoring the opinion of others.

“People can say I can't sing, but no one will ever be able to say I didn't sing” (Florence Foster Jenkins)