‘FDR’ to visit Tioga County
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At 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, the Deane Center's History Comes Alive series will feature actor and living historian Neill Hartley portraying Franklin Delano Roosevelt, (January 30, 1882-April 12, 1945), the 32nd President of the United States.
FDR was the only US President to have served more than two terms. Elected in 1932, 1936, 1940, and 1944, Roosevelt was President from 1933 until his death in 1945.
According to a news release, "it's Dec. 29, 1940 when the show opens. The President is greeting his friends (the audience) who have gathered at the White House. He has just been re-elected to an unprecedented third term in office. But the world is in a crisis. Nazi Germany has blazed the path of destruction across Europe, and America may soon be drawn into war."
The audience is meeting with the president just prior to the delivery of his famous "Arsenal of Democracy" speech during his 16th Fireside Chat radio broadcast. Find out what President Roosevelt is thinking, and listen to his plea for the support of America's Allies. Experience firsthand the history that shaped our nation.
"Hartley brings Roosevelt to life in this fully staged historical presentation that will entertain and educate school age children to adults. He talks like FDR, using words he spoke and wears period clothing," the news release says. "One large contributing factor in bringing FDR to life is the research Hartley does before stepping into a role. He has studied FDR's vocal patterns and physical movements as well as his speech and its historical context. "People love getting caught up in a good story," Hartley said, according to the news release. "That's the enjoyment of storytelling. I'm always pleased when I play FDR and people feel they saw him come back to life."
Following the presentation, Hartley will answer questions from the audience as FDR, one of the most influential presidents of all time.
Hartley earned a Master of Fine Arts in acting from Temple University. From 1989 to 2000, he was a Temple University faculty member and returned in 2005 to teach acting there. He was on the faculty of the University of the Arts from 1994 to 2024, teaching speech and voice.
This AFTRA/SAG/CORE theater professional joined the American Historical Theatre in 2000 with his one-person shows. He presents three different programs about FDR. They are: "A New Deal for America," Arsenal for Democracy" and "The Four Freedoms". He also portrays 8 others from PT Barnum, Ichabod Crane and Sherlock Holmes to Joshua Lionel Cowen (trains). Hartley credits his voice and movement training from Temple University for his fluid "morphing" from one easily identifiable character to another. His programs have been tremendously popular at theaters and venues across at least 14 states.
This History Comes Alive show is made possible by grants from America250PA and the Charles Knox and Margaret Etner Foundation.
Children 12 and under accompanied by a paying adult will be admitted free. For information or to purchase tickets, call 570-724-6220 or visit deanecenter.com. If available, will also be sold at the door.