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Urban Stages presents Ellen Abram’s latest play, “Eleanor and Alice — Conversations Between Two Remarkable Roosevelts,” featuring two outstanding talents portraying two iconic women. Tony award-winning actress Trezana Beverley stars as Eleanor Roosevelt, while Drama Desk Award-winner Mary Bacon plays Alice Roosevelt Longworth. The play takes place after a heated election and showcases two women on opposite sides of the aisle, working behind the scenes to shape the future of the White House and America. With their extensive experience in theater, these actresses promise to bring depth and nuance to their performances.
Frances Hill founding artistic director of Urban Stages and director of “Eleanor and Alice” said of her cast,” I have known Trezana’s magnificent work for years and directed her before; she has the soul and temperament of Eleanor. When I first saw Mary’s work 20 years ago, I thought she was one of the best young actresses in New York. She looks a bit like Alice and can create her flamboyant and unpredictable style.” She went on to say, “When they are on stage together, they create something very special, and the audience is in for a real treat. We are so lucky and fortunate that they were available to join us for this production.”
The play delves into the private feelings and motivations of these two remarkable women, exploring their different paths and personalities despite being closely related. In a time of divisive political discourse, the play reminds audiences to appreciate opposing viewpoints and personalities and to keep them in conversation.
In a recent interview, Mary Bacon described the play as a historical piece that examines the private feelings of these two women and their perspectives on major events in American history. The play offers insight into how they define themselves and who and what they want to be, showcased through their opposition to each other. Trezana Beverly sees the play as a narrative, dramatic window into the lives of two female icons of their era, with Eleanor representing great stature and integrity. At the same time, Alice embodies great fear and a bottomless need for love.
Both actresses find similarities between their characters and themselves, with Mary Bacon finding herself agreeing with Alice as she grows older and Trezana Beverly seeing personality traits of empathy, contemplation, and introspection in Eleanor that are similar to her own. The play offers a valuable lesson for today’s audience, reminding us to keep opposing viewpoints and personalities in conversation and to appreciate each other.
“Eleanor and Alice” are presented by Urban Stages’ and Off-Broadway theater, dedicated to developing and producing new and innovative work. The theater has been a champion of emerging artists, presenting new works from both American and international playwrights.
Over the years, Urban Stages has earned a reputation as an incubator for fresh and exciting voices in the theater world. In addition to its mainstage productions, Urban Stages offers a variety of programs to support and promote new and diverse voices in the theater, including a monthly reading series and workshops and its renowned Outreach Program, which works closely with libraries throughout the five boroughs and brings free programming reaching thousands of people each year.
Urban Stages has played a vital role in the development of new and interesting work in the theater world. Its commitment to supporting emerging artists and providing a platform for fresh and diverse voices is a testament to the importance of the arts in our society.
