Observing Joe Wiegand portray Theodore Roosevelt Saturday, April 14 was informative and fun. As a society we are nearly singularly focused on our presidents in the political realm. One reason is the chief executive sets a tone in word and deed. Wiegand used his one-man show to inform the audience both about life in the very early 20th Century and about personal and professional sides to Roosevelt. There were many stories, some new the second time, in his appearances at the Santori Public Library of Aurora and the Paramount Theatre’s entrance where 75 were enthralled.
Roosevelt was one of the top presidents in U.S. history for a variety of reasons. He did what was best for the country and not what was best for his political party. In fact, he was such a thorn in the side of the Republican Party power structure, first in New York City, then in the U.S., he was continually siphoned by many leaders to where he would do the least damage to so-called party power and party unity.
The political leaders thought making him the vice-presidential candidate in the 1900 election would muffle his voice. The president elected, William McKinley, was in office for six months of his second term when he was assassinated in 1901.
Joe Wiegand demonstrated the independence of Teddy Roosevelt, his strong-mindedness, and even a few frailties. There was humor and entertainment. Roosevelt’s bust is on Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota with other elite presidents, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln. Roosevelt was unafraid to be a trust-buster because he saw business monopoly as bad for the country.
Joe Wiegand left Aurora after the performances to join his wife who works for the Professional Golf Association (PGA) and this week made his way to South Dakota. “I so enjoy (performing as Teddy Roosevelt) and am glad the performances went well,” he said.
In 2008 the Illinois native toured the country with his wife, daughter, and dog, to portray Teddy Roosevelt on the occasion of 100 years of the end of the Roosevelt presidency. Wiegand stays involved politically and has worked on campaigns. In the Roosevelt persona he covers the time from the youth to president. He has performed at the White House and in many venues for nearly 17 years. He will go to France in July as a Roosevelt repriser. Wiegand was graduated from Palatine High School and for a time lived in the small community of Fairdale in Ogle County near Rochelle and west of DeKalb County. It was devastated by a tornado April 9, 2015, after he had moved.
Both Joe Wiegand and Theodore Roosevelt are treasures. If you missed the recent performances plan on attending in a return engagement. Bully!