Posted: February 6, 2012

Tired of the political squabbling of late? The Carnegie Cultural Center and the Chickasaw Event Center invite you to take a political break…a theatrical break actually. On Sunday, April 15, the two agencies are co-sponsoring a performance entitled “Eleanor Roosevelt Reflects” by historical reenacter, Jessica Michna. The presentation is scheduled for 2:00 pm at the Event Center, 301 N. Water Ave, New Hampton, with dessert served following the performance.

While most people find the current political rhetoric uninspiring, the story of the wife of America’s 32nd president is just the opposite. Born into the opulent wealth of America’s “Golden Age”, Eleanor Roosevelt grew from a shy, homely orphan into a confident, driven woman. Annealed by her 13 year tenure as First Lady during which the country endured the Great Depression and the horrors of the Second World War, as well as the loss of her husband near the War’s end, Eleanor emerged as a champion of civil rights, author, and stateswoman. She is best summed up by President Harry S. Truman, who dubbed her “The First Lady of the World.”

Michna’s compelling portrayal of Roosevelt is historically accurate and is done in a voice that is amazingly similar to that of the first lady. The presentation will be approximately one hour in length after which Jessica will entertain questions from the audience about Mrs. Roosevelt as well as her own background.

Admission at the door is $7 for adults and $5 for students. For more information, contact the Carnegie Cultural Center at (641) 394-2354, or the Chickasaw Event Center at (641) 394-3173.

PHOTO: In addition to Eleanor Roosevelt, Jessica Mischna’s repertoire includes First Ladies Mary Todd Lincoln and Abigail Adams.