Jefferson, Roosevelt coming to Raue Center

Author and humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson plans to bring Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt to life in a performance at the Raue Center.

Jenkinson will portray the United States' third and 26th presidents during "Christmas at Monticello" at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St.

The lively Roosevelt and reasoned Jefferson will share the stage with help from WGN's John Williams, who will serve as a moderator. After both presidents speak, audience members will have a chance to query them on any range of issues, Jenkinson said.

Different questions from spectators make each performance unique.

"I literally have no idea what the audience is going to ask," Jenkinson said Tuesday.

In light of recent events, Jenkinson said he expects questions about the recession, health care, federal bailouts and the Fort Hood shootings.  

Jenkinson answers questions without breaking character by drawing on his research of the two former presidents.

"I always go back to what they knew," he said. "I don't use these characters as vehicles for my own views or modern views."

Though he approaches each performance from a scholarly perspective, Jenkinson said laughter is much a part of the show.

"There is a lot of humor," he said. "Roosevelt is inherently funny. The hard part is letting Jefferson get enough of a response in."

Tickets to the event cost $40 or $50. The event will benefit both the Raue Center and Crystal Lake Library Foundation. Tickets can be purchased by calling 815-356-9212 or online at www.rauecenter.org.

Christmas at Monticello

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21

Where: Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake

Tickets: $40 to $50, available by calling the box office at 815-356-9212 or online at www.rauecenter.org