“You not only have a right to be an individual.
You have a responsibility.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt
Laguna Playhouse has announced that Mary Roosevelt, a direct descendant of Eleanor Roosevelt, will share personal stories and reflections on the life and legacy of one of the 20th century’s most iconic women following the 2pm performance on Saturday, January 25, 2025, of Eleanor, which opens January 12. For this one-woman drama that condenses the life of Eleanor Roosevelt into a glowing portrait of one of America’s great ladies, Stage and Cinema‘s review states: “Each minute is golden as actress Kandis Chappell and playwright Mark St. Germain bring to life the iconic Eleanor with wit, drama, sympathy, passion, and intelligence.” Directed by David Ellenstein, this is an encore of North Coast Rep’s West Coast premiere production.
Following the talkback on January 25, the floor will open for a Q&A session, where attendees can ask questions and dive deeper into Eleanor’s legacy and the personal connections that continue to keep her story alive (the talkback is open to the public). As you savor the experience, guests are invited to enjoy a warm cup of tea – creating a cozy and conversational space to brew bonds and become steeped in dialogue, just as Eleanor would have done herself.
MARY ROOSEVELT (photo Griffith University, 2016)
Eleanor Roosevelt died in 1962 at the age of 78. She was one of the great women of her time, admired for her warmth, charm, and strength of character. For four decades, she carved out a brilliant career through her contributions as a political force in American and international life. She won the hearts and minds of millions of people through her journalism, personal appearances, and her influence as the First Lady of President Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1932 until FDR’s death in 1945.
As Eleanor believed, tea is the perfect setting for tackling the tough questions of life. In this rare opportunity with Mary Roosevelt, you’ll have the chance to reflect on Eleanor’s transformative work in civil rights, human rights, and politics, while also learning about her humanity, resilience, and unwavering dedication to justice.
This talkback promises to be a memorable and enriching experience that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the woman who inspired millions. Eleanor Roosevelt famously said, “A woman is like a tea bag – you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.” Eleanor believed that any problem could be solved over tea, and this talkback invites guests to do just that. This is truly a time to reflect on Eleanor’s enduring influence, and engage in thoughtful dialogue.
photos of Kandis Chappell as Eleanor by Aaron Rumley
Eleanor
Laguna Playhouse
606 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach
Wed at 7:30; Thurs at 2 and 7:30; Fri at 7:30; Sat at 2 & 7:30;
Sun at 1 & 5:30 (dark Jan 19 at 1 and Feb 2 at 5:30)
previews on January 15; then runs January 19-February 2, 2025
for tickets ($51-$100), call 949.497.2787 x1 or visit Laguna Playhouse
