Capturing the extraordinary legacy of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter on stage

While the funeral of Former President Jimmy Carter marked the end of his remarkable story, that story will live on.

"Jimmy Carter: Stage Left," details his journey from humble beginnings in Plains, Georgia, to the White House - with both his and First Lady Rosalynn Carter's input. 

The play debuted at the Carter Center last fall through Duke Atlanta, shortly before Carter’s 100th birthday.

"I thought I'd give the character Jimmy a chance to tell his side of things," playwright Tom DeTitta said.

DeTitta shared the first draft of the play with Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter years before their health declined, and they provided detailed feedback.

"The language doesn't ring true to me," one of them scribbled on a sticky note. "I agree," the other added.

The Carters made corrections and suggested changes throughout the script, leaving notes on sticky pads and in the margins. 

DeTitta decided to incorporate these suggestions into the play.

"They really got beat up by the press and by writers," he said.

DeTitta noted that the Carters were cautious about how their story would be told. 

The revised version of the play, which premiered in October at the Carter Center, became an opportunity for them to share their perspective.

"I thought, well, it wouldn't be enough to just do the play that had been written, but I had all of these notes," DeTitta said.

DeTitta said the play captures an American story of honesty and integrity.

"He has us thinking of aspiring towards some greater good in American politics," he said. 

The Source: This article is based on original reporting by FOX 5's Rob Dirienzo.

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