The Roosevelts meet Ding Darling in Amana

AMANA — Join TKM Theatrical Productions for an evening with American legends at The Amana Performing Arts Center Sept. 14 at 7 p.m.

For one night only, theatergoers will hear the stories behind two characters’ lives.

“Cartoons and Conservation: A Visit with Ding Darling” is Act 1 for the evening.

This one-act play premiered at the 2016 Iowa State Fair and has been in demand since then.

In this hourlong presentation, Jay N. "Ding" Darling, played by Tom Milligan, visits with the audience in his 11th floor office at The Des Moines Register. Beginning with his early years in Sioux City, where he became aware of the natural world around him and developed his skills as an editorial cartoonist, Darling reflects upon his remarkable life journey.

Darling’s story includes two Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoons for The Register, and a remarkable career as a nationally known conservationist.

From the introduction of The Duck Stamp to the creation of the National Wildlife Federation, Darling's influence was felt, not only through his cartoons, but through his actions.

Darling is considered by many to be one of the most influential members of the modern conservation movement in the first half of the 20th century, and the impact of his work is still felt.

Act 2 for the evening will be “Roosevelt Takes on National Parks, Conservation and Preservation.”

Milligan becomes Theodore Roosevelt as describes how he felt about conservation and preservation throughout his life, how his family felt about it and how he saved more than 200 million acres of land for future generations to enjoy.

The Amana Performing Arts Center is located at 39 38th Ave. in Amana.

Tickets for the evening cost $15. Contact deborahkennedy@live.com for more information.