Tuesday, January 14, 2 pm & 7 pm

An Afternoon or Evening with Mustafa Kemal Ataturk

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk ("father of Turks"), was a Turkish field marshal, revolutionary statesman, author, and founder of the Republic of Turkey, serving as its first President from 1923 until his death in 1938. Ataturk will be portrayed by Chautauqua Scholar Jim Armstead.

Tuesday, February 4, 2 pm & 7 pm

An Afternoon or Evening with Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks was a civil rights leader whose refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Park's courage and quiet dignity were widely admired, and galvanized others to undertake similar nonviolent resistance to legal discrimination and sparked nationwide efforts to end racial segregation. The activist and mother of the Civil Rights movement will be portrayed by actress Betty Slater.

Tuesday, March 24, 2 pm & 7 pm

An Afternoon or Evening with Lady Bird Johnson

Claudia Alta Taylor "Lady Bird" Johnson, wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson, served as First Lady of the United States from 1963 to 1969. She was both an American socialite and a shrewd investor and manager. She expanded the role of First Lady by interacting with Congress directly and advocating strongly for beautifying the nation's cities and highways. The First Lady will be portrayed by actress Gay Storm.

Tuesday, April 14, 2 pm & 7 pm

An Afternoon or Evening with John C. Fremont

John C. Fremont was an American military officer and an early explorer and mapmaker of the American West. He was one of the principal figures in opening up the west to settlement and was instrumental in the U.S. conquest and development of California. Fremont will be portrayed by Chautauqua scholar Frank Mullen.

Tuesday, May 26, 2 pm & 7 pm

An Afternoon or Evening with Che Guevara

Che Guevara's name invites controversy. To many he is seen as a savior but to many others he is seen as a violent revolutionary and murderer. Che's story is complex and driven by an unwavering commitment to economic and educational equality and a relentless pursuit for meaning. The Communist leader will be portrayed by Chautauqua scholar Joey Madia.

Tuesday, June 9, 2 pm & 7 pm

An Afternoon or Evening with Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison is one of America's greatest inventors. Known as the Wizard of Menlo Park, he was most famous as the inventor who brought us the light bulb, phonograph, and motion pictures. Actor Peter Small will be depicting the famed American inventor.

Tuesday, July 21, 2pm & 7 pm

An Afternoon or Evening with Erma Bombeck

Erma Bombeck captured with poignancy and humor the ups and downs of a new American phenomenon: the suburban housewife. She brought to American awareness the struggles of women whose lives otherwise felt invisible and taken for granted. The beloved author and columnist will be portrayed by Chautauqua scholar Susan Marie Frontczak.

Tuesday, August 18, 2 pm & 7 pm

An Afternoon or Evening with Jacques Cousteau

Jacques Cousteau was a French naval officer, ocean explorer, and coinventor of the Aqua-Lung. He is known for his extensive undersea investigations and his iconic red hat. He brought marine biology to the masses through his many TV specials, and his name remains connected to oceanography and ocean conservation. Chautauqua scholar Doug Mishler will portray the famed marine biologist.

Tuesday, September 15, 2 pm & 7 pm

An Afternoon or Evening with William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was an English poet, playwright, and actor, and is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon." Despite having his work known and celebrated around the world, Shakespeare's personal life remains largely a mystery. Actor J.T. Turner will bring the beloved and mysterious William Shakespeare to life.

Tuesday, October 13, 2 pm & 7 pm

An Afternoon or Evening with Audie Murphy

Audie Murphy, America's most decorated WWII combat soldier and Hollywood star, is coming back to Pleasanton by popular demand! Award winning actor Duffy Hudson will portray the war hero in his moving one-man show about Murphy's life, entitled "To Hell and Back."