From: "Michael E. Michna" <mich3349@wi.net> Subject: Programs of interest to museums and historical societies Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:32:13 -0500 Message-ID: <!~!UENERkVCMDkAAQACAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgAAAAAAAAAVPX+Wlr5jECpNRPUYzLMGsKAAAAQAAAAUIhAoj+uYUiQbZMAj3qWDQEAAAAA@wi.net>
I checked with Janet Seymour before posting this. Wanted to make sure I
wasn't breaking any rules, etc.
If your Historical Society is interested in a fantastic program please look
us up.
Jessica has performed at the State Museum as well as historical societies in
Jackson, Jacksonport, West Bend, Plymouth, Walworth and many others in
Wisconsin and the Midwest.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Jessica Michna has become widely known for her riveting portrayals of First
Ladies Abigail Adams, Mary Todd Lincoln and Eleanor Roosevelt and
storyteller Sari Semple. She has entertained groups throughout America
including guests from as far away as New Zealand, Japan and Brazil.
Audiences ranging from young children to senior citizens have been equally
enthralled. She has appeared before historical societies, schools,
libraries, living history museums, senior centers, churches, and has been
guest hostess at parties.
Mrs. Michna's performances are compelling and emotionally enthralling.
Audiences laugh along with her humorous anecdotes about life in the White
House. They share in her tears as she relates how the horrors of war have
impacted the First Families. She has a powerful effect on an audience. Once
they have seen one First Lady they can't wait to see the next one.
A performance can include a prelude of pre-recorded period music giving the
audience time to get comfortable and "in the mood". The presentation runs
approximately an hour. The program can be shortened or lengthened to meet
specific needs. Two act versions for community theatre can also be provided.
Jessica is always open to questions after the program. Performance fees are
very reasonable, based on the length of program and distance traveled.
CONTACT: Jessica Michna
5328 Willowview Road
Racine, WI 53402
marytodd1880@yahoo.com mich3349@wi.net
262-681-2591 or 262-758-2131
VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.historicalfirstimpressions.com
<http://www.historicalfirstimpressions.com/>
COMING IN Fall 2011:
CORDELIA HARVEY: "The Story of Wisconsin's Angel"
COMING IN 2012:
DOLLEY MADISON: "The Lady Who Saved Washington"
HELEN KELLER: "A Life Nearly Lost"
MARY ANN BICKERDYKE: "To Heal A Nation"
"First Impressions" and its' materials are protected by US copyright laws.
References, biographical information, detailed program information and
photos available upon request.
First Impressions presents Jessica Michna
as
Abigail Adams - "A Lifeline Of Letters"
As the nineteenth century dawned the infant nation of America stretched and
grew across the continent. For the second time the reins of power had been
peacefully transferred to the newly elected president, Thomas Jefferson.
John and Abigail Adams had retired to their farm outside of Weymouth,
Massachusetts. Abigail settled into the calm life of the Adams' farm,
content to finally have Mr. Adams to herself. After forty years of marriage
Abigail looks back to the days of her early marriage as the young wife and
mother. Referring to the many letters written between the Adams, she recalls
the days of revolution and uncertainty. She reminisces about the friendships
forged in France and England as a diplomat's wife. Mrs. Adams brings to life
the early days of Washington, D.C. as seen from the windows of an unfinished
White House.
as
Mary Todd Lincoln - "The White House Years"
Mary recalls her early years and education in Lexington, Kentucky. She tells
of her move to Springfield, Illinois, where she would meet and marry the
young prairie lawyer. Mary introduces the audience to life in Washington,
regaling her listeners with stories about her boys, including her biggest
boy Mr. Lincoln. In this time of national strife, the Lincolns would suffer
personal tragedies, concluding on that fateful day in April of 1865.
as
Mary Todd Lincoln - "The Widow Reflects"
After the assassination of her husband, Abraham, Mary Lincoln was an
unsettled spirit. She had lived in New York, Chicago and even Europe, but
could never find rest. Mary had lost three of her four sons and suffered
estrangement from her eldest, Robert. Set upon by creditors, plagued by
declining health and always weighed down by her overwhelming grief, Mrs.
Lincoln had become a sad and dejected figure. This was a far cry from the
youthful woman who had captured the hearts of Springfield in 1837. Mrs.
Lincoln's life has come full circle as she returns to Springfield, Illinois
to take up residence with her sister Elizabeth. She recalls the days of her
girlhood in the genteel society of Lexington, Kentucky, her marriage to the
gangly young lawyer, and eventually her rise to become the First Lady.
as
Eleanor Roosevelt - "First Lady of the World"
As the Second World War ended, America experienced the loss of its' stalwart
leader, President Franklin Roosevelt. After thirteen years as First Lady,
Eleanor Roosevelt hoped to retire and perhaps write her memoirs. By 1948 the
world had changed dramatically and so had Eleanor.
She shares with the audience her tragedies and triumphs. Born into the
opulent wealth of America's "Golden Age" she would grow from the shy, homely
orphan into a confident, driven woman. Annealed by personal tragedy, she
would emerge as a champion of civil rights, author, and stateswoman. She is
best summed up by President Harry S. Truman, who dubbed her "The First Lady
of the World."
as
Sari (Ma) Semple - "The Truth, As I Recollect"
In the great oral tradition of the story teller, Sari Semple takes us back
to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains of the mid-nineteenth century.
As Sari spins her tales the listener is transported to those hills. The
stories blend together the folklore and the gritty reality of life in the
ridges and hollers of Appalachia. Young and old alike will be spellbound by
the rich tapestry of words woven by Sari. She is the First Lady of
Appalachia.
What others are saying
"This month's entertainment was the most captivating and moving historical
presentation that I have, personally, ever experienced!!!" "If you missed
it, you missed an extremely memorable experience."
Newsletter - United Commercial Traveler of Racine/Kenosha
"We've seen a lot of Lincolns here but none compare with your Mrs. Lincoln."
Resident, Villa West, Sherman, Illinois
"Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln, portrayed by Mrs. Jessica Michna, kept our members
of all ages spellbound with the story of her life, including reminiscences
of her girlhood, her courtship and wedding, and her life with the young
lawyer and then politician, Abraham Lincoln."
Burlington Historical Society
"BRAVO, you brought tears to my eyes three times during your rendition."
"You were better than Hal Holbrook doing Mark Twain and all the Lincoln
impersonators I have ever seen". "A big fan."
Susan, Waunakee, WI
"I would like to let you know you were a BIG hit at the meeting." "I had
several people tell me "that was about the best program we have had."
Ron Nurmi, Des Moines Civil War Roundtable
"Take care of her." "She is a national treasure!"
Spectator, Lincoln Boyhood Home National Shrine
"Jessica Michna's reputation for an excellent performance precedes her." "We
shall have to invite Mrs. Adams or Mrs. Roosevelt in the future."
Washington County Historical Society and Museums, West Bend, WI
"Fantastic!" "I wanted to cry and laugh with Mrs. Roosevelt."
Resident, Hickory Glen, Springfield, Illinois
"I felt as though I was in the room with Mrs. Lincoln." "I felt as though I
was IN the theater that night."
Member - New Berlin Historical Society
"It was due to her strong and vivid characterization that those present were
left with the distinct feeling of having briefly known Abraham Lincoln's
wife".
Darlene M. Wurl - Tomahawk Historical Society
"The staff was very impressed, they couldn't stop talking about you." We had
such wonderful comments from the guests." "We want to book you again to make
sure you are available for next year."
Dan Liedtke - Heritage Hill State Park
"You are mesmerizing, Mrs. Michna".
Dr. Webb PHD - Cardinal Stritch University
"An ovation-caliber Mary Todd Lincoln and Eleanor Roosevelt,"
Reclaiming Our Heritage - Milwaukee Wisconsin
"Your Mary Todd Lincoln presentation was exceptional." "Your program brought
in one of the largest audiences that we have ever had for that type of
program." "I look forward to working with you again in the future."
Mark Herman, Director of Education - Midway Village and Museum - Rockford,
IL
"Our residents were spellbound." "Not a word was said during your
performance."
Ginny - Luther Manor Terrace