Show History
From www.eleanorthemusical.com:
ELEANOR has been a regional theatre favorite since its first production at Seattle’s Village
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Critic Quotes
“Triumphant...a work of surprising visceral force. A potent profile in courage...deftly drawn.”
Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun Times
“A quality tribute to a First Lady … has warmth, humor, wisdom and some darned catchy tunes to boot.”
Scott Bessho, The Seattle Press
"Red-white-and-blue history with energy and warmth, pace and fluidity."
Donald Rosenberg, The Pittsburgh Press
"A beautifully realized dramatic piece that explores the hidden heart and soul of the young Eleanor Roosevelt."
Bill Morrison, The New York Observer
Writer's Notes
Thomas Tierney, ELEANOR – An American Love Story was originally to be a musical about the young Franklin Roosevelt, but when the show’s writers Jonathan Bolt (book), John Forster (lyrics) and Thomas Tierney (music) began to research their subject, they were overwhelmed instead by the dramatic possibilities of Eleanor Roosevelt’s story, not Franklin’s. Orphaned at a young age, Eleanor’s life became a series of challenges and setbacks, including struggles with self-doubt, a domineering mother-in-law and eventually the infidelity of her own husband. But her determination to overcome these challenges eventually leads her to triumph and to find a voice of her own – indeed, to become “First Lady of the World.”
The full length musical ELEANOR opened the season at the Village Theatre of Issaquah, Washington (near Seattle) in 1987, and was an instant hit in its initial six week run. Village Theatre had seen the earlier one-act version of the show produced by Theatreworks/USA (under the title, FIRST LADY) – and asked the writers if they would expand it to full length to open the Village season. FIRST LADY already had a loyal following with a successful three year national tour, New York City performances at The Promenade Theatre and Town Hall, excellent press reviews, and even a special performance at the White House for the Eleanor Roosevelt centennial celebration. Following the initial Issaquah, Washington run, ELEANOR was revised and transferred to the Seattle Center Theatre where it ran an additional 10 weeks in 1987 and 1988.
Next stop for ELEANOR was the Pittsburgh Public Theatre in 1990 with director Mel Shapiro (Broadway’s TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA) and choreographer Rob Marshall (director of the Academy Award-winning film CHICAGO) at the helm. The musical director was Keith Lockhart, now the conductor of the Boston Pops. This full Equity production of the show was again a hit, with enthusiastic press reviews and sell-out performances – leading to an extended run of seven weeks. As each production of ELEANOR was mounted, the authors remolded the show, adding new songs and scenes.
In 1992, ELEANOR was selected for presentation at New York City’s annual Festival of New Musicals sponsored by The National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT). There ELEANOR came to the attention of Marriott’s Lincolnshire Theatre (Chicago) which led to a 10 week production in 1995 – also a hit – with sold-out houses and excellent press reviews. The Marriott Lincolnshire suggested the addition of the show’s subtitle, “An American Love Story,” and it has remained since. The NAMT presentation also led to the 1997 Los Angeles production by Musical Theatre West (La Mirada and Long Beach) and seven Robby Award nominations.
In 1999, the historic Ford’s Theatre in Washington and Theater Previews at Duke (University) teamed up to present ELEANOR. The nation’s capitol embraced the show during its 11 week run, and its success there led to the making of the original cast CD recording in New York City on the ValKill Label. You can read the rave reviews on the show's own website (www.EleanorTheMusical.com). The two ELEANOR leads, Anne Kanengeiser and Anthony Cummings, each won Helen Hayes “best actor” awards for their Ford’s Theatre performances – and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton became a fan after attending a performance on Mother’s Day with a Roosevelt granddaughter and other White House guests.
Simultaneous with the Ford’s Theatre run in 1999, Seattle’s Village Theatre (Issaquah, Washington) did a successful revival of the show in their brand new 488 seat theatre – followed by a transfer to their theatre partner The Everett Performing Arts Center – for a total run of 9 weeks. In October of that year, ELEANOR was produced as a concert reading at Long Island’s Hofstra University.
In May 2001, the historic Barter Theatre of Abingdon, Virginia, presented ELEANOR for 12 weeks – again with excellent press and audience response. Since then, there have been several amateur productions, including the Woodland Opera House near Sacramento, California and the Trumbull New Theatre of Warren, Ohio.
Now ELEANOR – An American Love Story is proud to be represented by R&H Theatricals– alongside musical theatre classics like THE SOUND OF MUSIC, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, THE KING AND I, BIG RIVER and CATS.
License this show
1. How The Other Half Lives (Eleanor, Company)
5. The Conjugation (Franklin, Alice, Company)
