COLTS NECK – Visitors to the Colts Neck Library will have a chance to learn about Dolley Madison when Linda Turash portrays the former first lady in her onewoman show “Hello, Dolley Madison” at 2 p.m. Sept. 19.
Dolley Madison was the wife of James Madison, the fourth president of the United States (1809-17).
Before Madison was president, he was the U.S. Secretary of State (1801-09) under President Thomas Jefferson. During that period, Dolley Madison created the position of first lady to be a social hostess at the White House and a trendsetter.
Turash will dress as Dolley Madison and speak in first person while telling stories about growing up, how she met James Madison and her time in the White House.
When asked what it is like to portray a historical figure, Turash said, “It is pretty exciting because it is not like playing a character somebody created. It is a person who lived and it’s neat. I do my own research to gather my thoughts and what I really think of their personality.”
Turash has been an actress, performer and director for 30 years. She said she has worked on stage, but for the past few years she has concentrated on performing at libraries and adult communities. She has performed one-woman shows about historical figures such as Mary Todd Lincoln, Florence Nightingale and Clara Barton.
“You are on your feet even more (than in an ensemble) because you know you are carrying the show,” Turash said about performing a one-person show.
Other events at the Colts Neck Library include a tribute to Neil Diamond from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 10. Phil Bruschi will perform songs by Diamond and give a presentation about the singer’s life and career.
The library will host the 16th annual Friends of the Colts Neck Library Fine Art Show and Sale on Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24- 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Patrons will be able to view and purchase works of art from local artists.
The Colts Neck Library is at 1 Winthrop Drive, off Cedar Drive, Colts Neck. For more information, call 732-431-5656.
— Peter Elacqua