VINING-THEATRICALS
VINING-THEATRICALS presents: Speak Softly but… an evening with Theodore Roosevelt
"John Vining presented a riveting theatrical portrayal of Theodore Roosevelt stepping into the role of America’s 26th president, bringing Roosevelt’s unmistakable vigor, intellect, and personality to life in a performance that was both educational and deeply engaging. Vining captured Roosevelt through physical authenticity, commanding presence, and insightful interpretation bringing the former president to life in a way that resonated deeply with the audience"
. Denise Neff, Knox Weekly News
Speak Softly but... an evening with Theodore Roosevelt, is perfect for intimate settings featuring an hour long drama in 3 scenes exploring the decision on the part of former president Theodore Roosevelt to challenge the second term of William Howard Taft as President. Roosevelt felt that the Taft administration was allowing the use of public land for private profit, especially the use of national forest land in Alaska for open pit coal mining. Scene 1 takes place at Roosevelt's home at Sagamore Hill, Scene 2, on the rear platform of a train during a campaign whistle stop, and scene 3, the President's post election reflection culminating the his famous "man in the arena" speech.
The production is available to Churches, schools, Libraries, and community centers for a suggested donation of $10 per person 10% of which will be returned to the sponsoring organization. Vining-Theatricals provides a beautifully set, costumed and professionally lit production which is suitable for any setting seating up to 100 people. A performance space 20' square is required. The production company provides promotional posters and programs that can be reproduced with your organizations date time location and contact information. we require two individuals to help with load in, set up, assistance during the performance , and tear down and load out.
Meet the Creative Team
John Vining is a nationally acclaimed artist with a long history in the performing arts. He has degrees from The Cleveland Institute of Music, Case Western Reserve University, and Mount Vernon Nazarene University. He studied at the Metropolitan Opera in NYC and has performed in theaters throughout the US including Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, The Brooklyn Academy of Music and Carnegie Hall. He has appeared with Opera Memphis, Chicago Opera Theatre, Glimmerglass Opera, Chamber Opera Theater of New York, The Santa Fe Opera, Eugene Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, Cleveland Opera, Illinois Opera Theatre, Opera Grand Rapids, The Music Theatre Group of NY, founded and directed the Magic Lantern Opera of NY, served as Assistant Director of the Northern Westchester Center for the Arts, Founded the Pearlspring Center for American Folksong which managed the touring performances of The Vinings, a highly acclaimed folk duo, producing recordings and managing a recording studio and 102 seat on site theater. He has appeared in numerous award winning Off-Broadway shows gaining critical acclaim for his thoughtful and engaging performances. He spent 30 years in the field of education, the past 27 years as Music theater Director at Mount Vernon’s St. Vincent School where he directed 54 musicals. In 2026 he founded Vining-Theatricals, a production company featuring his one man play, "Speak Softly but ... an evening with Theodore Roosevelt", and His two cabaret shows, a A BIT OF BROADWAY, and A BILLY JOEL TRIBUTE.
While retired from teaching he continues as an accomplished piano/vocalist and performer in theatrical productions.
The critics say:
John Vining is outstanding...
The New Yorker
Beautifully sung...endearing...so Likable...
The Chicago Tribune
John Vining has a Chaplinesque quality...
Hartford Courant
John Vining won all hearts with his sweet voice...
The Washington Times
John Vining articulates the show's rich theatricality...
The New York Post
John Vining adds stature and warmth to the role...
The Schnectady Gazette
A touching character splendidly performed by John Vining
The Washington Post
John Vining was delightful...
The Chicago Sun Times
I could go on and on mentioning John Vining...
The Berkshire Eagle
VINING-THEATRICALS
Theodore Roosevelt for the classroom
There are four US Presidents depicted on the face of Mount Rushmore. Three are obvious choices, George Washington, the first President and the father of our nation. Thomas Jefferson, The third President, and the author of our most important document, the declaration of independence, and Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth President, who saved the nation from destruction in one its darkest periods and delivered us from the grave sin of slavery. But the fourth figure, Theodore Roosevelt, our twenty sixth President, why is he depicted on such a grand monument? What did he do to deserve such a notable place etched in granite?
President Theodore Roosevelt is remembered as a dynamic, multi-talented, charismatic man who became a hero to millions of Americans. Born on October 27th 1858 in New York City, by the time he rose to the presidency at age 42, still the youngest person ever to hold the office, Roosevelt already had served as a New York State Assemblyman, a deputy sheriff in the Dakota Territory, Police Commissioner of New York City, U.S. Civil Service Commissioner, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Colonel of the Rough Riders, Governor of New York, and Vice President.
In addition to these official positions, Roosevelt was and original member of the American Institute of Arts and Letters,, a founder of the Boon and Crocket club, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. As historian, he served as president of the American Historical Association, and as naturalist, was considered an authority on large American mammals. In the latter role he led major scientific expeditions for prominent American museums, one in South America, and one in Africa. Between these busy enterprises, Roosevelt found time to ranch in the West, hunt on several continents, raise a family of six rambunctious children, read a remarkable number of books (often one a day), write more than thirty five himself and develop an extraordinary network of friends and contacts which he maintained mostly by mail writing well over 150,000 letters.
until Barack Obama, Roosevelt was the only President to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his actions in ending the Russo-Japanese war. He was instrumental in modernizing the game of football, making it a less deadly and more entertaining outlet for the aggressiveness of young collegians.
He spearheaded the completion of the Panama Canal, and built the US Navy into an internationally impressive fleet which he used to affect US foreign policy. Roosevelt left an indelible mark as President, by establishing the office of chief executive as the center of the federal government, thereby creating the modern presidency. After two terms in office, Roosevelt ran unsuccessfully for a third term as President as head of the progressive or Bull Moose party.
Roosevelt's greatest legacy in in the field of conservation. He set aside 150 national forests, 51 bird reservations, five National Parks, 18 national monuments, four national game preserves, 21 reclamation projects all in all placing 230 million acres of land under federal protection in perpetuity for the benefit of the American people.
Towards the end of his life, Roosevelt was a major voice for military preparedness. He died at the age of 60 on January 6, 1919 at his home, Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay, New York.
Among Theodore Roosevelt's many firsts:
The first President to fly in an airplane, a Wright model B military flyer.
The first President to travel underwater in a submarine.
The first President to own an automobile.
The first President to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. (he refused the monetary portion)
Facilitated the formation of the NCAA developing rules for a safer game of football.
Signed the Antiquities Act, protecting cultural and natural resources.
Signed the pure food and drug act.
First President to travel outside the US while in office.
Named the first Jewish member of the cabinet, Oscar Strauss Secretary of Commerce.
Sent the US Navy's Great White Fleet on an international goodwill tour.
Declared the Grand Canyon a National Monument.
Hosted the first national Governor's conference.
further materials for the classroom can be found at: trlibrary.com/teach-tr
Broadway Cabaret
The Best of Broadway and more
Join John on a journey through the songs of your favorite Broadway shows and selections from writers like Hoggy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer, Andrew Lloyd Webber and many more. A highly acclaimed piano vocalist vining will charm you with his warm vocals and stylistic piano playing .
Billy Joel Tribute
John shares the charm of one of Americas greatest songwriters in a cabaret setting reminiscent of Billy Joel's days playing under the pseudonym of William Martin at at LA's Executive Club.
Before the Stadiums and roaring crowds...
before all that Billy Joel was just a piano man playing in a bar where the regulars came in nightly to find some rest from a hectic world and to hear songs that spoke to their hearts.
