When hope is hard to find, voices from the past can inspire our future. Through the magic of theatre, Dramatists Guild playwright Phil Paradis, as Ralph Waldo Emerson, entertains visitors in Concord, Massachusetts, in 1871. With characteristic wit, wisdom, and self-effacing manner, Emerson charms guests with anecdotes of Henry David Thoreau, Bronson Alcott, and Abraham Lincoln, and shares his thoughts on reading and writing, nature, religion, politics, and science. In this witty and touching one-man show, you are introduced to the man Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes called “the Buddha of the West.” Time travelling to America 150 years ago, you will gain a new perspective of America and leave hopeful, inspired by Emerson’s sage advice and optimism.
Intimate one-man play based on the life and writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “America’s greatest intellectual.” 60 minutes. For black box, library, museums, schools, universities. To schedule a performance, contact me at https://newplayexchange.org/users/7934/phil-paradis
Past venues:
Unitarian Fellowship of Yellow Springs, October 19, 2025, Xenia, OH
Yellow Springs Public High School, Yellow Springs, OH. October 20, 2025
American Theatre of Actors, 314 West 54th Street, New York, NY. September 23, 2025.
Harriet Beecher Stowe House Lecture Series, September 21, 2025 at 4 pm. First Unitarian Church, Cincinnati, OH.
Benefit Reading for 8 North Community Arts Center, March 15, 2025. Benefit One Night Only. Mary Haas Theater, Village Players, Fort Thomas, KY
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.
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.”