Ed Asner's Admiration of FDR Led Him to Take on the Challenging Role

Ed Asner distinctly remembers FDR's death. "When I heard of his death when I was 15, it was as if the bottom had fallen out and I thought, 'What will we do now?' He was like God the Father to me." This admiration is what led the actor to choose to take on the role of the President in the upcoming production at San Jose Rep.

Asner has done much research on the life of the President. When asked what FDR would think of modern politics, Asner replied, "FDR did not have the Tea Bagger mobs that exist now," says the politically outspoken actor. "I stare in fascination at those who rail against government and yet who survive because of government. I don't know where they're coming from. They call about reduction in taxes and keeping government out of their lives. But if big government wasn't there, they'd be falling on their faces. And they can't blame the hard times now on 'Big Government' because it was lack of government and regulation that got us into this [economic crisis]."

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San Jose Repertory Theatre will host Ed Anser in a solo performance of FDR as part of the Rep's Summer Blockbuster series. Ed Asner, recipient of seven Emmy Awards ("Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Lou Grant") and 16 nominations, five Golden Globe Awards, and a member of the TV Academy Hall of Fame, will star in the solo performance drama, FDR from July 14th to July 18th at San Jose Rep.

This theatrical production is based upon Dore Schary's Broadway hit Sunrise at Campobello, winner of four Tony® Awards, which ran 70 weeks on Broadway, making it one of the longest running plays of all time. This must see performance for six shows only begins July 14 and runs until July 18, 2010. Ticket prices range from $45.00 to $74.00 and are currently available for new and renewed Rep subscribers. Press opening night is Thursday, July 15 at 8:00pm.

"As we begin to celebrate our 30th Anniversary I can think of no better way than to kick off the celebration by having an American legend grace our stage this summer," comments Artistic Director Rick Lombardo. "Not only will we all get the chance to share some time with Mr. Asner, but during the Great Recession, I'm looking forward to spending some time with FDR as well."

Ed Asner is magnificent as FDR and delivers a fearless performance of this dynamic and powerful world leader.

FDR explores the life of one of America's best-loved presidents and the events and decisions that shaped a nation. This powerful play follows the iconic president as he reflects on his years in office, from inauguration to the trials of World War II. FDR features a bravura performance by Asner as "that man in the White House," scorned by many and admired by most. Travel along with one of America's most cherished actors as he takes you on a captivating journey through FDR's White House years from the depths of the Great Depression through the resident fabled "fireside chats," Pearl Harbor and World War II.

Mr. Asner's New York City Theatre credits include Ivanov, The Tempest, Face of a Hero, King Henry V, and Born Yesterday. Other theatrical credits include Woyzck, Volpone, Windowirs Houses, Dybbuk, Red Gloves, Murder in the Cathedral, Miss Julie, The Seagull, Peer Gynt, Juno and the Paycock, and Oedipus Rex. Additional television work includes appearances as a recurring guest star on the television series "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" and an Emmy Award-Winning role as Captain Davies in the mini-series "Roots." Most recently, Mr. Asner provided the voice of Carl Frederickson in Pixar's Oscar nominated 2009 film, Up.

THEATRE GUILD, INC has produced a total of 228 plays on Broadway, including 18 by George Bernard Shaw and seven by Eugene O'Neill. In the field of musical theatre, the Guild has promoted works by Richard Rodgers, teamed with Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II, George and Ira Gershwin, Jule Styne, and MerEdith Wilson, all of which have become classics. Notable productions include Porgy and Bess, The Philadelphia Story, Oklahoma!, and Carousel.

San Jose Rep is the premier non-profit, professional theatre company in the South Bay, presenting six main stage productions each year. As a major contributor to South Bay's cultural community for 29 years, the Rep's mission is to engage, entertain and inspire people. The Rep produces innovative theatrical performances that offer fresh perspectives into the human condition, educational programs that promote life-long learning, and outreach initiatives that benefit our diverse community.

For more information, visit www.SJRep.com.

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