EVENT: A Talk By John Sillito @ Department of Performing Arts (Ogden: 2/7)

John Sillito, Historian & Will Rogers/America’s Poet Lariat

Who: Weber State University Department of Performing Arts
What: A An American Original: Will Rogers as humorist and philosopher
A TALK BY JOHN SILLITO, WSU HISTORY
When:  February 7, 12:30 pm
Where: H Hetzel-Hoellein Room (Special Collections) Stewart Library, WSU Ogden campus
Weber State University Department of Performing Arts presents a talk by John Sillito, “An American

Original: Will Rogers as humorist and philosopher,” at 12:30 pm., Thursday, 7 February, in the Hetzel-Hoellein Room (Special Collections), Stewart Library, WSU Ogden campus. This event is free and open to the public.

John Sillito is adjunct professor of history at Weber State University. He specializes in late 19th and early 20th century political history. Last spring he spoke about The Depression for the WSU production of “The Cradle Will Rock.”

Sillito says, “For three decades, Will Rogers was an insightful commentator of the American political scene, while simultaneously making a name for himself as an actor and author. His homespun wit, and gentle humor not only brought insight into the foibles of American life, but he proved to be an important cultural critic during the dark days of the Great Depression. Rogers was ahead of his time as a humorist, foreshadowing a future generation of political satirists.”

Caril Jennings, WSU Department of Performing Arts Marketing Director says, “John is an excellent and entertaining speaker. We have had his assistance before to help the audience understand how a particular play fits into American history. I am convinced that the more you know about a play before you see it, the more you will enjoy it. John Sillito is a valuable asset in this project!”

The lecture is offered in conjunction with the WSU production of “The Will Rogers Follies,” by Peter Stone (book), Betty Comden & Adolph Green (lyrics), Cy Coleman (Music) and directed by Jim Christian; in the Allred Theater, Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts, February 7, 8, 9, 19-23 at 7:30 p.m. with a 2:00 pm matinee February 9 & 23. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided on Saturday, February 23. Ticket: Dee Events Center Tickets, the Browning Center Box Office, 1-801-626-7000 or weberstatetickets.com or at the Browning Center Box Office beginning one hour before the performance.