Ed Asner will portray President Franklin Delano Roosevelt during a performance next week

"Ed Asner as FDR," an intimate, one-on-one conversation between an American leader and his audience, using Asner as his voice, will be performed Thursday at the River Campus.

"Ed Asner as FDR" explores the life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States, and the events and decisions that shaped a nation, according to a news release from Southeast Missouri State University. The play follows Roosevelt as he reflects on his years in office, from inauguration to the trials of World War II.

The work is an adaptation of Dore Schary's 1958 Broadway drama "Sunrise at Campobello," which was made into a movie in 1960, the release states.

Asner, 85, is primarily known for his role as Lou Grant during the 1970s and early 1980s on both "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and its spinoff series "Lou Grant." He also is known for portraying Santa Claus in the 2003 Will Ferrell comedy "Elf."

"Of course, when I heard Ed Asner was available, I jumped at the chance," Bob Cerchio, assistant director of Southeast's Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts, said in the release.

Ed Asner will portray President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in "Ed Asner as FDR" on Thursday at the River Campus. (Submitted photo)

"[Ed Asner's] one of the most well-known and respected actors on the American and international stage," Cerchio said. "He's been amazingly easy to work with, and I can't wait to see him in person. It should be a mesmerizing evening of theater, watching him portray another giant, FDR."

Roosevelt was president of the United States from March 1933 until April 1945, when he died in office. He was succeeded by Missourian Harry S. Truman, who served as his vice president before assuming office. Roosevelt was the only president to win four elections and was the longest-serving president in United States history. After he was elected four times, a Constitutional amendment was passed limiting the presidency to two terms equaling eight years.

Roosevelt participated in world events in the mid-20th century, leading the United States during a time of international depression and war. The New Deal, his program for relief, recovery and reform, expanded the role of the federal government in the economy.

"Ed Asner as FDR" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Bedell Performance Hall on the River Campus.

Tickets may be purchased by contacting the River Campus box office in the Cultural Arts Center, 518 S. Fountain St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, by calling (573) 651-2265 or online at www.RiverCampusEvents.com.

Before the performance, attendees may choose to have dinner in the Dobbins River Campus Center. The cost of the dinner, which will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m., is $21 per person, which includes the meal, tax and gratuity, along with preferred parking. Patrons will have a choice of entrees, and the meal will include salad, dessert, tea and coffee. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Dinner reservations must be received no later than four days before the dinner. Seating is limited; reservations may be made by calling (573) 651-2511.

Pertinent address:

518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.