Kandis Chappell is brilliant as Eleanor Roosevelt in ‘Eleanor‘ in the one woman show now at the Laguna Playhouse.
On the left, Mary Roosevelt. On the right, Kandis Chappell as former First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt in ‘Eleanor’ now playing at the Laguna Playhouse. Photo by Jason Niedle.
Laguna Playhouse presents a stunning portrayal of one of America’s most iconic First Ladies. Kandis Chappell is absolutely mesmerizing as Eleanor Roosevelt in ‘Eleanor‘, written beautifully by Mark St. Germain and directed by the wonderful David Ellenstein, known for his exceptional work at Laguna Playhouse, ‘A View from the Bridge‘, ‘Holmes & Watson‘, ‘A Shayna Maidel‘ . This breathtaking solo performance captivated everyone in the audiences.
Chappell’s portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt is nothing short of extraordinary. She embodies the strength, vulnerability, charm, humor, and warmth of the former First Lady, making the audience feel as though they are sitting alongside this legendary figure. From her unwavering advocacy for social justice to her personal struggles and triumphs, Chappell brings to life the woman who shaped history through her passion and determination. Whether discussing her husband’s presidency or her own groundbreaking work in civil rights and women’s empowerment, Chappell captures Eleanor’s spirit with grace and authenticity.
As a seasoned actress, Chappell’s performance is a tour-de-force, showcasing her remarkable range and emotional depth. It is a performance that will resonate with audiences long after the curtain falls.
In addition to Chappell’s brilliance, Director David Ellenstein has brought his seasoned vision to the stage, creating a beautifully intimate and engaging production. The pacing, tone, and direction of ‘Eleanor‘ are masterful, ensuring that the story of Eleanor Roosevelt is both compelling and deeply moving, even creating gasp worthy moments for common knowledge of historical events. Chappell’s magnificence held the audience in the palm of her hand.
‘Eleanor‘ is more than just a historical account; it is a celebration of a woman who changed the course of history. Mary Roosevelt, a direct descendant of Eleanor Roosevelt, as the widow of her son James, will also be present for an exclusive talkback on January 25th. Mrs. Roosevelt will share personal stories and reflections on her mother-in-law’s life and legacy, providing a deeper, more personal connection to the woman at the heart of this powerful story. This event is open to the public and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
While ‘Eleanor‘ offers a captivating depiction of the First Lady’s life, there is a small point of historical clarification regarding the language used by St. Germain’s characterization of ‘Eleanor‘. The script states that it was “liberals” who freed the slaves and helped women gain the right to vote in 1920, which may mistakenly suggest the Democratic Party (at the time referred to as the “Dixiecrats“) played a pivotal role in these achievements. However, historically, it was the Republican Party that fought for the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments as well as the 19th Amendment, crucial milestones in the abolition of slavery and women’s suffrage. As a former U.S. History teacher, it is important to note the importance of historical accuracy even if by modern standard it is an uncomfortable truth. Mind you, that was also a time when the political parties were not divided into deep loyalties to their teams and reached across the aisle working together for the betterment of America, instead of their specific party.
None of that takes away from St. Germain being a distinguished playwright, known for his acclaimed works such as ‘Freud’s Last Session‘, ‘Camping with Henry and Tom‘ and ‘Best of Enemies‘. He has received numerous deserved accolades, including awards from the Outer Critics Circle and Lucille Lortel Awards. Notably, in 2010, Barrington Stage named their second stage “The St. Germain Stage” in recognition of his contributions to the theater. St. Germain’s insightful writing style, especially in ‘Eleanor‘ contributes to the production’s deep emotional resonance and historical exploration.
The production design of ‘Eleanor‘ is equally exceptional, with scenic design by Stephen Gifford, lighting design by Matthew Novotny, sound and projection design by Ian Scot, and costume design by Elisa Benzoni, all contributing to this immersive experience. The production is managed by Vernon Willet, ensuring a seamless and polished presentation.
‘Eleanor‘ at Laguna Playhouse is simply spectacular. Whether you’re an armchair historian, theaterphile, or simply admire the remarkable legacy of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, this production is a powerful and inspiring tribute to one of the most influential figures in American history. Don’t miss this chance to witness an unforgettable performance by Kandis Chappell and an extraordinary team of artists.
‘Eleanor‘ continues its run at the Laguna Playhouse, from now through February 2, 2025, as well as an exclusive Q&A with Mary Roosevelt on January 25, 2025.
To purchase tickets for ‘Eleanor‘ visit: https://lagunaplayhouse.com/ or call the box office at 949-497-ARTS (2787)
The Laguna Playhouse is located at:
606 Laguna Canyon Rd.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Summary
‘Eleanor‘ at Laguna Playhouse is spectacular one woman show. From the moment Chappell takes the stage, until her final bow, you will be captivated by the life of the first lady who helped reshape the 20th century.
