An Actors Theatre of Louisville Storytelling (r)Evolution Lab Workshop
FDR's Very Happy Hour
written by Regan Linton
additional contributions by M. Graham Smith
conceived by Regan Linton and M. Graham Smith
directed by M. Graham Smith
Work-in-progress Lab Sharings on April 23 and 25 at 7 p.m. and April 26 at 2 p.m.
Live in the Bingham Theatre

Franklin Delano Roosevelt hosted a cocktail hour nearly every day at the White House, welcoming folks from different backgrounds to sip martinis, laugh, and connect. Inspired by FDR’s love of stirring up drinks and lively conversation to unwind in challenging times, this immersive new play mixes humor and history to build on this tradition for our era, asking how the 32nd President’s triumphs and failures might illuminate our own civic health. As FDR invites us to ponder life, a complicated legacy, and the pursuit of community, strangers become friends—and perhaps, together, we can find ways to talk with our neighbors again.  

This project prioritizes exploring the creation of an accessible experience for the fullest human spectrum possible. Captioning, ASL Interpretation, and design of the physical space for wheelchair access are part of the show. (FDR used a wheelchair, after all.) If you have specific access needs, please let us know in the access section at checkout.

Actors Theatre of Louisville’s Storytelling (r)Evolution Lab is a space of artistic experimentation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and new play development. The Lab uplifts work that reflects the wonder and complexity of our time, with a focus on nurturing creative exploration through resources that include workshop rehearsals, artist residencies, Lab productions, and more. FDR’s Very Happy Hour will receive support through a two-week workshop culminating in several work-in-progress sharings, where audiences will be invited into the process to experience this new play in development. 

 Captioning will be available at all performances.
 ASL Interpretation will be provided at all performances.

Run Time: Approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.
Age Recommendation: 13+, accompanied by an adult.
Grade Recommendation: 8th grade and up.
Content Warning: The story contains references to historical atrocities including Japanese-American internment during World War II. There are also unscripted elements that may include adult language or ideas. This is a non-exhaustive list, as it can be challenging to recognize how elements will affect individuals. Please email boxoffice@actorstheatre.org if you need more information.

Originally commissioned by Perelman Performing Arts Center | PAC NYC
Bill Rauch, Artistic Director; Khady Kamara Nunez, Executive Director

FDR's Very Happy Hour was developed by Off-Center at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

FDR's Very Happy Hour received additional developmental support from the following organizations:
American Conservatory Theater, San Francisco, CA
Arena Stage, Washington, DC
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC
Washington Center for the Performing Arts, Olympia, WA