THE BEST FIRST LADY IS COMING TO TOWN
Playwright Mark St. Germain (Camping with Henry and Tom, Freud’s Last Session) had a hit at North Coast Rep with his Becoming Dr. Ruth, starring Tovah Feldshuh. Now St. Germain returns to North Coast Rep to bring to life Eleanor Roosevelt, the most influential First Lady the world has ever seen. From her “Ugly Duckling” upbringing to her unorthodox marriage to Franklin, Eleanor puts her controversial life, loves and passions on the stage. The playwright loves to take us into the lives of renowned true-life personalities, offering us biographical insights into the development of their thinking and way of being, from The Collyer Brothers to Einstein, Edison, Ford and C.S. Lewis. This looks to be one of his best.
Eleanor is more than just a retelling of Eleanor Roosevelt’s life as diplomat, writer, champion of social justice. Playwright Mark St. Germain boldly peels back the layers of the private Mrs. R. and reveals the fascinating truths behind the woman who forever redefined the office of First Lady. The one-woman production takes the audience on a journey back in time
While sitting on a park bench in Washington, D. C., contemplating the death of her husband, former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt candidly reveals the many facets of her storied life in this riveting West Coast premiere. Award-winning actor Kandis Chappell deftly illuminates the witty, feisty, vulnerable woman who was considered the heart of FDR’s presidency. As with Becoming Dr. Ruth, both the public and private persona of this remarkable woman will be explored. Chappell will capture the essence of the woman who left an indelible mark on American history, while inhabiting the roles of those around her who shaped her legendary life. For those who love honest, pull-no-punches drama, this is one you cannot miss.
photos by Aaron Rumley
Eleanor
North Coast Repertory Theatre
987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach (San Diego)
plays June 7 – July 2, 2023
for tickets, call 858.481-1055 or visit North Coast Rep
