Ed Asner Stops to Visit

The Northeast Kingdom is nothing like the bright lights and red carpets of Hollywood, but in St. Johnsbury Wednesday night it would be hard to tell the difference.

Mark Breen, a St. Johnsbury Resident said, "Just from a theatrical stand point it's a pretty amazing thing to do. A one-man show and if you know trying to memorize lines for two hours is an impressive feet. Tinalyn Kaisse, a Barnet Resident said, "really passionate interesting different experiences that bring and attract a lot of people and its exciting cause it's sold out. Excuse me what is sold out in Saint J?"

What could bring such an excited crowd together? What could like people up around the block just to be squeezed into a hot auditorium? What could possibly be so important that people would ignore the Fire Marshall warnings and let their cars be towed away? The question wasn't what, but who. Ed Asner, some might remember him as Lou Grant from the Mary Tyler More Show.

He was in St. Johnsbury Academy's Fuller Auditorium last night to perform the one-man show FDR. Where he portrayed our thirty-second president. Ed Asner, Seven Time Emmy Winner says, " Yea its the president I ever knew. I adored him. When he died when I was in college I thought the world died." The sold out crowd then made there way to their cars hoping to not find a ticket. Donations were accepted for this after show meet and greet hosted by Catamount Arts.  Jody Fried, Executive Director of Catamount Arts said, "Really an icon in terms of the theatrical world to into St. Johnsbury and put on a marquis performance its really phenomenal." You might recognize Asner's voice in a recent movie. He played Carl Fredricksen in the movie Up. He wishes his movie success but is still very passionate for his role as Franklin Roosevelt. Ed Asner, Seven Time Emmy Winner said, "He was not deterred by his enemy's he was very careful gandy dancer he knew when to push and when to relax."

Who knows what Franklin Roosevelt would say about our president right now, but for now Ed Asner would be the closet thing. Asner said, " I had my disadvantages you have your disadvantages. People in the end will respect you if you stand tall and lash out when to. Speak the truth and let the devil damn your opposition"

The movie, Up, could potentially win the Oscar for best picture.  The Oscars are this Sunday at 7pm on ABC.