‘Theodore Roosevelt’ to appear at the Grand Opera House

BY ANN MIRE

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Step back into America’s history this Thursday with “An Evening with Teddy Roosevelt” at the Grand Opera House in Crowley. 

In this one-man show, Joe Wiegand, who bears “an amazing physical resemblance to a young and vigorous Theodore Roosevelt,” steps seamlessly into the role of the nation’s 26th president.

Having appeared at the opera house two years ago, he is back by popular demand, and the show is once again being sponsored by The Florence Mauboules Trust.

With wonderful stories of adventure and inspiration, Weigand realistically depicts Roosevelt’s passion for life in this unique performance. He tells of how, as a frail boy, the future president built his body and dedicated himself to what he called “the vigorous life.”

Show-goers will be entertained by the telling of Roosevelt’s adventures as a rancher, Rough Rider, naturalist and president, as well as his amazing exploits as a hunter. Topics range from Roosevelt’s efforts to conserve America’s natural beauty by establishing a national park system to his role in the construction of the Panama Canal and his Square Deal for Americans.

Born and reared in Chicago, Wiegand  moved with his family to Hollywood in 1976. Perhaps his naturalness on stage comes from his father, who had a career in standup comedy.

Having graduated from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, Weigand has had a lifelong interest in American history and government.

With his wife and daughter, he traveled across America in celebration of Theodore Roosevelt’s 150th birthday in 2008. He has performed at the White House, as well as at Roosevelt’s birthplace in New York City.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see “Theodore Roosevelt live and in person” at the Grand.

The show will start at 7 p.m., and admission is $20. Tickets may be purchased by contacting the Grand at 337-785-0440 or visiting the website www.thegrandoperahouse.org. They may also be purchased at the opera house, which is located at 505 N. Parkerson Ave.