Ralph Waldo Emerson, author, philosopher, lecturer, poet. (May 25, 1803 – April 27, 1882)
In this often funny and touching one-man show, playwright/actor Philip Paradis brings Ralph Waldo Emerson to life with his characteristic wit, wisdom, and self-effacing manner in a dramatic portrayal of the public figure and private citizen whose ideas and writing continue to enlighten us today. Through the magic of reader’s theatre, you will meet America’s greatest philosopher of the Nineteenth Century in his home in Concord, Massachusetts, in September of 1871. As you travel back in time to America 150 years ago, you will be introduced to the man Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes called “the Buddha of the West.” You will learn his views on reading and writing, Nature, science, and be entertained by anecdotes from his life and times, his contemporaries Henry David Thoreau, the Alcotts, and Abraham Lincoln; and you will come away inspired by his thoughts on social activism, religion, politics, and how to live a meaningful and purposeful life.
Benefit Reading for 8 North Community Arts Center, Mary Haas Theater, Fort Thomas, KY reading by Phil Paradis. March 15, 2025 https://www.villageplayers.org/event-details/ralph-waldo-emerson-the-sage-of-concord-1
Campbell County Historical and Genealogical Society, Wilder, KY reading by Phil Paradis. Feb 13, 2025.
The Beaufort Culture Club, Dancing Baristas Cafe, Beaufort, NC. Stage reading by Phil Paradis. July 17, 2025.
First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati, OH. Reading by Robert Allen. April 27, 2025.
Falcon Theatre, Newport, KY. Stage reading by Robert Allen. Jan 31, 2025.
Intimate one-man play inspired by the life and writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “America’s greatest intellectual” at home in Concord, Massachusetts, September 1871. 60 minutes. For black box, library, museums, schools, universities. To schedule a performance, contact Mr. Paradis at https://newplayexchange.org/users/7934/phil-paradis
Audience responses:
“I wish he [Emerson] were alive today to run for President.”
“We really needed to hear this now.”
“I’m feeling hopeful.”
“The play was well written and well acted–thank you!”
“Just what we needed. Thank you for writing it.”
“Amazing genius. Ahead of his time. We need him now!”
“I’m more interested in learning more about him and his writings.”
“His thoughts or ideals are needed today as much as they were during his time.”
“I’m more drawn to him and his ideas. I want to read more Emerson.”