Mary Shelley -  Living History

Eleanor Roosevelt

“Frontczak is meticulously precise in her historical research, and her performance in character is simply dazzling.”— Dr. Carrafiello, Miami University

“Susan Marie Frontczak belongs to that small percentage of gifted people, whose performances are the epitome of perfection. Susan sets the standard by which all Chautauqua presentations should be judged. A stellar performer!” — Fort Morgan Public Library, Fort Morgan, CO

“As with her previous historic personage programs, Susan's portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt was impeccably researched and thoughtfully presented in such a way that by the end audience members feel they knew not just the facts about her life, but her heart and soul. Susan is so familiar with every detail of that life, that her handling of the audience questions while she was still in the Eleanor character was positively stunning!
"’Bravo" ’was again heard from an audience on their feet for the final ovation. And I had numerous comments, positive to say the least, from patrons thanking the library for hosting the premier of this new program.”
— Carol Heepke, Special Programs Coordinator, Boulder Public Library

“We were spellbound by the virtuosity of her voice and gesture, intellectual challenge and emotional involvement.” — Dr. Brad Bowles, Chair, Department of Theater, University of Colorado, Denver

“Eleanor felt very real to me. Though I've always admired her, I now have a greater appreciation for the kind of person she was.” — Joan Podgorski

“Belonging to the generation that experienced her and remembering all the pros and cons as to her activities, the evening was a grand refresher about those times.”
— Mary Trembour

“Your vignettes are powerful and poignant. You clearly show the special intelligence and intensity of Eleanor.”— Jim X. Borzym

“America needs a big reminder right now of how important it is to help one another and become involved with the community and with raising the standard of living for the poorest people. Thank you for doing this!”— Dorothy Becker

“I was awfully impressed with how you fielded questions while in character. I kept having to remind myself that that part wasn't scripted. It flowed so naturally.” — Kit Basom

“Much of what Eleanor talked about is timely today especially regarding the need for human curiosity.” — Richard Kiefer

“It was not like watching an actress portray Eleanor Roosevelt: You were Eleanor.” — Dan Nibbelink

“It's just wonderful that you are bringing such a strong woman into the lives of those who might not realize how forward thinking she was. It's good for all to realize that women of past times did make their points and have their influences.” — Barbara Jane Miller

“It's over?— it seemed like five minutes!” — Brad Hackman


“Susan Marie Frontczak's portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt was so popular, we had several of the attendees check out books about her life in the Library the next day. Frontczak, and her Eleanor, encouraged curiosity and taught history at the same time. Because of her skill in portraying Eleanor, our patrons told us they will be more interested in attending our other Chautauquas this year. This one program has proved to be a powerful marketing tool for the Library.” — Marty Frick, Librarian, West Custer County Library

“September School’s high school students and teachers were treated to a remarkable performance by Susan Frontczak as Eleanor Roosevelt. Her character was utterly believable, both in her voice and mannerisms. Most importantly, we all learned so much about the First Lady … Everyone in our school agrees that Susan brought Eleanor Roosevelt and the social, economic and political issues of her time to life.” — Brus Westby, Principal, September School

“Frontczak’s ability to portray this intensely interesting character, present her thoughts in a form we can all relate to, and show the stress, humor and emotion of this great lady during these trying times will mesmerize your audience.”— Barbara Brannen, CEO, Playmore, Inc.