Humorist Lance Brown has studied the late American icon WIll Rogers to the extent he replicates the funnyman's skits and monologues perfectly. Brown is slated to perform at the PDC?on April 1, courtesy the Dyersburg/Dyer County Arts Council. [Click to enlarge]

"The income tax has made more liars out of the American people than golf has!"

"Ancient Rome declined because it had a Senate; now what's going to happen to us with both a Senate and a House?"

"I never expected to see the day when girls would get sunburned in the places they do today."

Will Rogers, 1879-1935

American humorist

Lance Brown will present his inspirational address "Will Rogers, Now!" at the Professional Development Center in Dyersburg on April 1. Will Rogers was born on Nov. 4, 1879, in Indian Territory (now Oklahoma).

"My ancestors didn't come over on the Mayflower, but they met the boat," said Rogers.

His diverse talents and humanitarian work kept him in the public eye most of his life. He wrote a column for the New York Times, was a radio and film personality, humorist, and a grass-roots philosopher. Will's direct, straightforward attitudes about life, politics, and the world reflect the values of the cowboy culture in which he was raised.

Brown's address, "Will Rogers, Now!" takes an entertaining and insightful look at the cowboy's life and values. As Will Rogers, Brown speaks on subjects ranging from leadership and teamwork to human folly and today's headlines. He uses Rogers' famous trick roping and playful humor to bring America's most loved citizen to life. He points up the irony of how many of Will Rogers' comments apply directly to our what is happening today.

Brown, 60, has an intimate knowledge of his subject. He has done extensive research at the Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore, Okla., having authored the book, "On the Road with Will Rogers." He has spent more than 16 years touring the country performing his theatrical production "Lance Brown's Tribute to Will Rogers."

The universal quality of Will Rogers' humor still holds true today, some 68 years after his death. It was Will Rogers who was quick to point out "I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts." Or looking on the bright side of taxes, he quipped, "Thank God we don't get as much government as we're payin' for."

As a beloved American humorist, the irony of Will Rogers lies in the fact that the things he said in the 1920's, 30s and 40s still seem to apply today. And that humor is just what he will bring to Dyersburg on April 1. The Dyersburg/Dyer County Arts Council is proud to bring Brown's production to the Professional Development Center for his presentation of Will Rogers Now! The show will feature the famous sayings, stories and antics of this gentle, but honest American.

After years of study, Brown has at his command a fascinating collection of Will Rogers' newspaper articles, radio monologues and off-the-cuff comments that still ring true. Brown has portrayed the affable Rogers for years and after such, now "wears the role like a second skin."

The Dyersburg performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Professional Development Center on College Street on April Fool's Day.

But you'll be foolish only if you miss this delightful, entertaining rope-trick of an evening.

For ticket information, contact Dyersburg/Dyer County Arts Council President David Willard at 731-445-0972 or Donna Smith at 731-285-9117.