Re-enactor’s peformance follows Saturday’s parade
Charles Dickens, author, playwright, actor and social activist, was indeed a master of characters. Many of his characters were drawn from his surroundings and life experiences.
Meet Catherine Dickens, as re-created by Jessica Michna, his long-suffering wife and mother of 10 children.
In this first-person monologue, Mrs. Dickens will give the audience an unflinching look into the lives of this couple and introduce the audience to Dickens’ women such as Nancy from Oliver Twist, Miss Havisham from Great Expectations, Betsey Trotwood from David Copperfield and others.
Her presentation is set for 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Iola Historical Society’s ‘Machine Shed’ at 222 Depot Street.
The re-enactment takes place after the Iola Lioness’ annual Santa Parade, which starts at 10 a.m. and ends at the Machine Shed with a Santa visit and a children’s Christmas concert by David Dahl. The Mrs. Dickens presentation immediately follows the Santa visit at  the Shed.
Michna appears in a period-appropriate costume and will be walking through the crowd during the Santa visit. She will take questions from the audience. Her presentation is free (as is the Santa visit and concert), although good-will donations to the historical society are welcome.
Michna is well-known statewide as an impersonator of historic figures, including Eleanor Roosevelt (she gave a Roosevelt presentation at the Iola Mills), Mary Todd Lincoln, Helen Keller and Dolly Madison, among others.
For more information on the Iola Historical Society, go to www.iolahistoricalsociety.org.