Ed Asner takes us on a journey to another era, which most of
this generation will not remember. Only a few might have a glimmer
of the tempestuous days of one of our longest in-office presidents
ever to sit in the White House.
Ed Asner takes us on a journey to another era, which most of this generation will not remember. Only a few might have a glimmer of the tempestuous days of one of our longest in-office presidents ever to sit in the White House. We get a good, clear look at Franklin Delano Roosevelt, America’s 32nd president. (It was after his unprecedented period in office of four terms that the law was passed that two terms were the maximum a president could be elected for the office.)
Based on Dore Schary’s award winning Broadway play “Sunrise at Campobello”, “FDR” brings history to the forefront and Asner carries this one-man show as the powerful and dynamic world leader, who seemed to be in right place at the right time. The country desperately needed a leader of his mind set and tenacity. He was known as “that man in the White House,” who was controversial in some areas, but admired and beloved by most of a country that needed him through the Great Depression, Pearl Harbor and World War II.
From the time Asner makes his entrance in an antiquated wheelchair (due to polio), muttering, “Someone ought to motorize these things,” he plays the wheelchair-bound Roosevelt with a direct, strong performance wheeling around the sparse set with a definite purpose, covering his years in office from his inauguration to the difficult decisions of World War II. He ignored detractors, faced fear and managed his pain throughout his presidency.
“FDR” is a visit to one of the most important times in our country’s history. Considering Roosevelt’s presidency and the politics of the ’30s and ’40s, one can wonder how different our country would be if it weren’t for his guiding hand through those tumultuous times.
Multi award winner Ed Asner brings us his profound experience from the curmudgeon, Lou Grant, on the “Mary Tyler Moore Show” to the loveable, cranky widower, Carl, the cartoon hero in “UP”.
For an enjoyable evening with an old friend and a history lesson that should not be forgotten, “FDR” is a worthwhile venture.
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‘FDR’
Where: San Jose Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose
Through: July 18
Tickets: $45 – $74
Details: (408) 367-7255 or visit www.sjrep.com.
