February 20, 2008
Presidents' Day/Week Guest:
"Thomas Jefferson"
(Dale Reynolds)
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Part One (29 min. 51 sec.) | Part Two (30 min. 6 sec.)
Barry talks in studio with the third president of the United States, "Thomas Jefferson" (as portrayed by actor/historian Dale Reynolds), about the controversies of his time -- slavery, women's roles, the Bill of Rights, etc. -- and of our time -- the election, gay marriage, separation of church and state, etc.
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"Thomas Jefferson, Man From Monticello"
As Performed by Dale Reynolds
For thirty years, actor/historian Dale Reynolds has brought American history and its constant struggle for a viable democracy -- with all its drama, intrigue, tortured introspection, and debate -- to schools, colleges, corporations, and community groups across the country, through his brilliant and absorbing performance as the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson.
"To me, Thomas Jefferson represented the highest ideal of intellectual thought," says Reynolds. "He was a powerful leader who laid the foundation of Democracy as we know it today for America: an adventurous, bold, revolutionary thinker. I love this man ... in spite of the fact that, for us, his human frailties can outweigh his myriad accomplishments."
Jefferson, the man, was so much more than just the drafter of the Declaration of Independence, one of The Founding Brothers, and an early president. As an archeologist, architect, botanist, philosopher, politician, plantation owner, musician, inventor, husband, father, prolific letter writer, and slave owner, he backed his strongly held beliefs with reason, using a scientist's mind and a leader's courage. His views on war, justice, world politics, race relations, ethics, and personal integrity are as timely today as they were back then.
Authentically costumed and be-wigged, always in character, Reynolds relies on his vast knowledge of American and world history, plus Jefferson's writings and historical and biographical material on the period to bring Thomas Jefferson to life. A completely interactive, audience-participation show, Reynolds' Jefferson delivers in a vibrant question-and-answer style that allows "Jefferson" to tackle tough issues, draw correlations to today's difficult times, and illuminate the dark corners that have always challenged our country's greatness.
"What seems to work -- taken from my three decades of experience playing Jefferson -- is that if not condescended to, people are quite willing to ask pertinent quesitons and learn from the answers," says Reynolds. "I came to that conclusion as I've never had an audience not ask questions. People are fascinated when history is brought to life. Humans are curious creatures; and having the opportunity to ask a 'real-live president' some pertinent questions of how he might deal with problems of today, knowing what he wrote and said about similar issues in the past, is both exciting and quite fun."
"Thomas Jefferson, Man from Monticello" may be booked to suit virtually any program, venue, or event, indoors or out, and can be tailored from 20 to 60 minutes in length. The show is perfect for college classrooms, school assemblies, corporate meetings, church services, patriotic events, and national holidays, with a program appropriate for all ages and educational needs.
Contact: reynolds.dale@gmail.com or call 213-842-1277