Lunch & Learn "Looking Over The President's Shoulder"
Don't miss this unique Lunch & Learn and performance based on the true story of Alonzo Fields. When Fields accepted a job as a butler at the White House in 1931, his plan was to work there for the winter. That winter lasted 21 years. Based on the real-life story of the grandson of a freed slave who grew up in an all-black town in southern Indiana, Fields is forced by the Depression to give up his dreams of becoming an opera singer and accept the job at the White House where he quickly was appointed Chief Butler. Looking Over the President’s Shoulder is told from the unique perspective of the Chief Butler who served four U.S. presidents and their families: Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower. Famous guests through the years included Winston Churchhill, Marian Anderson, Errol Flynn and the king and queen of England. As Fields says in the play: “It was like being in the front row and watching the passing parade of history…” Set on the eve of his last day on the job, Fields reflects on his 21 years of service to his country with humor and pride. Culled from Fields’ private papers, diaries and interviews, Looking Over the President’s Shoulder has played at major theaters across the country including the Indiana Repertory Theatre (where it premiered) and the famous Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C
Our Lunch & Learn will begin with a "White House" buffet of dishes mentioned in the performance. On display will be an array of historical artifacts from the 1930s-1950s. This step-back-in-time is filled with humor, and memories of those who lived in the White House. For this event, reservations are required to kate@stpaulstoledo.org with a suggested $20pp
collected at the door. HeART Gallery is located in St Paul's Lutheran Church, 428 N Erie in downtown Toledo. Parking is
free in the KWIK Park adjacent to the building which is handicap accessible.
Tyrek Hyde of Tiffin OH portrays Alonzo Fields in "Looking Over The Presidents Shoulder".