Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
The Phoenix Theatre Company presents Looking Over the President’s Shoulder, a powerful one-man play running from Oct. 29 to Dec. 14, 2025, in the Judith Hardes Theatre.
Written by James Still and directed by Ms. Chanel Bragg, the production is based on the autobiography My 21 Years in the White House and tells the remarkable true story of Alonzo Fields, who served as chief butler to four U.S. presidents.
Fields bore witness to pivotal moments in American history, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt learning of the attack on Pearl Harbor and President Harry S. Truman’s decision to enter the Korean War.
“Fields’ story feels as urgent now as it did nearly a century ago,” Ms. Bragg said. “His journey reminds us of the power of service, sacrifice and quiet resilience—and how ordinary people shape history in lasting ways. He deferred his own dream in support of the leaders who worked to uphold that ideal. His life stands as a timeless reflection of dignity, perseverance and purpose.”
The production stars Mr. Kelcey Watson* in his company debut, with Mr. Calvin J. Worthen as understudy (*Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association).
“Alonzo Fields described his experience as ‘being in the front row and watching the passing parade of history,’” said James Still, playwright. “This play gives audiences the chance to sit in that front row with him.”
