But "his" last performance on Nov. 22 is sold out.
Otherwise, it's a pleasant break from the worries of the day to escape to yesteryear and Will Rogers (1879-1935) whose homespun brand of humor delighted audiences worldwide, and they still do at the Little Theatre of Alexandria where Rob Cork plays the essayist, actor, and man of extraordinary talents.
It's the right kind of uplift we need right now.
Mr. Rogers was an Oklahoman known for his western-style philosophy which rang true then, which rings true now. He was born a Cherokee Indian in the Cherokee Nation and as a youngster, says Wikipedia, loved reading the New York Times, although he dropped out of school after the 10th grade.
Mr. Rogers found his way to Argentina and South Africa where he was a ranch hand and began his show business career as a trick roper on a pony. He spent hours watching his mentor, "Texas Jack," and "from him I learned the great secret of the show business—knowing when to get off. It's the fellow who knows when to quit that the audience wants more of."
After ranching in faraway place, it was on to Australia, the World's Fair in St. Louis, and then, the mother of them all, New York, Hollywood, films, a newspaper column, radio, and advocacy for the aviation industry until a plane crash in Alaska.
It's the right kind of uplift we need right now.
Mr. Rogers was an Oklahoman known for his western-style philosophy which rang true then, which rings true now. He was born a Cherokee Indian in the Cherokee Nation and as a youngster, says Wikipedia, loved reading the New York Times, although he dropped out of school after the 10th grade.
Mr. Rogers found his way to Argentina and South Africa where he was a ranch hand and began his show business career as a trick roper on a pony. He spent hours watching his mentor, "Texas Jack," and "from him I learned the great secret of the show business—knowing when to get off. It's the fellow who knows when to quit that the audience wants more of."
After ranching in faraway place, it was on to Australia, the World's Fair in St. Louis, and then, the mother of them all, New York, Hollywood, films, a newspaper column, radio, and advocacy for the aviation industry until a plane crash in Alaska.
His life ended there but not his legacy which lives on in Alexandria, enlivened by Mr. Cork, who reflects Mr. Rogers's persona in a captivating manner.
Under direction by Frank D. Shutts, "Will" brings his soft humor and remembrances of stable times in unstable times with his witticisms. He moves back and forth across the stage, waving his hands, changing his attire to keep the audience engaged visually, too.
Rogers's actual words comprise the script some of which is below:
I never met a man I didn't like.
Never let yesterday use up too much of today.
Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.
I belong to no organized party. I am a Democrat.
I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.
All I know is just what I read in the papers, and that's an alibi for my ignorance.
Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.
Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.
.Everything is funny, as long as it's happening to somebody else.
Last year we said, 'Things can't go on like this', and they didn't, they got worse.
Worrying is like paying on a debt that may never come due.
The best way out of a difficulty is through it.
Will Rogers is the right kind of person to be around today... and every day.
The theatre is strict about practicing safety measures in this time of covid and only seats 25 percent of its capacity. Tickets were free, and donations are welcome.
Other members of the Will Rogers production team are Russell Wyland, producer and rigging; Marg Soroos, state manager; Jeffrey Auerbach and Kimberly Crago, lighting; Alan Wray, sound; Ken Brown and Jim Hutzler, construction; Myke Taister, set design; Helen Bard-Sabola and Bobbie Herbst, props; Kit Sibley and Jean Schlichting, costumes.
What: Will Rogers' U.S.A.
When: The last show on Sunday, Nov. 22, 3 p.m. is sold out.
Where: Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Duration: 45 minutes; no intermission
Tickets: Free! Donations, welcome!
Public transportation: Check the Metro website.
Parking: On the streets and in many garages nearby with free parking at the Capital One Bank at Wilkes and Washington streets (when the bank is closed).
For more information: Box Office: 703-683-0496; Business: 703-683-5778. Asklta@thelittletheatre.com
Next up: Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol told by actors, virtual reality, and animation, Dec. 4 - 19, 2020. Tickets start at $20.
patricialesli@gmail.com
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