On the morning after a painful evening at the Marquette Park Pavilion watching Ed Asner labor to perform his one-man show "FDR," I woke up proud to be a part of this community.
From the moment Asner came on stage, it was obvious something was wrong. As he struggled to remember his lines, he became more befuddled. When Asner admitted he felt “very confused,” you could feel all the love and support flowing toward the stage from the 360 devoted fans there.
As we waited for emergency help, he was encouraged to talk about his life. We learned he came from Kansas City to work in the Gary steel mills, that he had good advice for the union/management relationship, and that his politics were as strong and intact as ever.
As the EMTs helped Asner off the stage he said in his big, booming voice, “I will be back." The audience spontaneously gave him a long, heartfelt standing ovation. I am so moved and proud to live in a place with so much humanity.
- Karren Lee, interim president, Miller Beach Arts & Creative District
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