TR comes alive: John Vining’s Theodore Roosevelt electrifies Woodward Opera House

The Woodward Opera House in Mount Vernon was alive with energy on the evening of Nov. 20 as MadCap Living History presented a riveting theatrical portrayal of Theodore Roosevelt. Before a captivated and well-attended audience, actor John Vining stepped into the role of America’s 26th president, bringing Roosevelt’s unmistakable vigor, intellect, and personality to life in a performance that was both educational and deeply engaging.

Vining captured Roosevelt through a blend of physical authenticity, commanding presence, and insightful interpretation, bringing the former president to life in a way that resonated deeply with the audience. Dressed in Roosevelt’s signature style; three-piece suit, spectacles, and mustache, he took his place behind a podium that echoed the formal settings in which Roosevelt so often spoke. From his very first words, Vining embodied the former president with enthusiasm and authenticity, capturing the cadence, force, and humor that defined Roosevelt’s public life.

Yet this performance stretched beyond the familiar image of Roosevelt as a robust leader charging up San Juan Hill or championing conservation. Vining opened by exploring Roosevelt’s early years, reminding the audience that the man later celebrated for his toughness was once considered a sickly, asthmatic child. Rather than accept frailty as his fate, young Theodore dedicated himself to ‘the strenuous life,’ a philosophy that shaped every chapter of his remarkable career.

One of the more surprising stories Vining shared was Roosevelt’s fascination with natural science, which began at a very young age. Too weak to participate in many childhood activities, he turned to studying animals, eventually learning taxidermy with an intensity and seriousness that startled adults around him. That early passion for the natural world would develop into a lifelong expertise, one that later made him an authority on large American mammals and a respected naturalist whose expeditions in South America and Africa contributed significantly to American scientific institutions.

Vining also highlighted Roosevelt’s impressive academic path. Despite health challenges, Roosevelt excelled in his studies, particularly in history and languages. His education at Harvard shaped both his intellectual rigor and his wide-ranging interests, from politics to literature. Those scholarly foundations later supported his prolific writing career, which produced more than 35 books and over 150,000 letters, an extraordinary output by any measure.

As Vining transitioned into Roosevelt’s political and public life, the audience was reminded why Roosevelt remains one of America’s most dynamic leaders. Before becoming the youngest president in U.S. history at 42, Roosevelt held an astonishing array of positions: New York State Assemblyman, deputy sheriff in the Dakota Territory, New York City Police Commissioner, U.S. Civil Service Commissioner, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Colonel of the Rough Riders, Governor of New York, and vice president. Abroad, he expanded America’s role in global diplomacy and won the Nobel Peace Prize for mediating the Russo-Japanese War. At home, he reshaped the modern presidency, broke monopolistic trusts, protected consumers, and — perhaps most famously, laid the foundation for the U.S. conservation movement, setting aside nearly 230 million acres of public land.

MadCap Living History, founded in 2020 by Amy K. and Jim Stoner, is dedicated to bringing the past to life through unscripted, deeply researched performances. Their mission is simple: to make history accessible, interactive, and engaging for all ages. Each actor crafts original dialogue based on extensive study, culminating in performances that feel both authentic and personal. True to MadCap tradition, the evening concluded with a lively question-and-answer session, giving audience members the chance to explore Roosevelt’s life even further.

MadCap’s Living History Nights operate on a donation only basis to ensure accessibility for the entire community. Their commitment to educational entertainment was clearly on display during Vining’s captivating portrayal of Roosevelt, a performance that left the audience with a renewed appreciation for one of the nation’s most influential figures.

The next Living History Night will take place on Dec. 18 at 7 p.m., featuring Jane Austen portrayed by Rayleen Hlavaty. Madcap invites the community to return for another evening of immersive storytelling and unforgettable historical insight.