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Regional Reviews: Washington, D.C. Mister Lincoln Also see Susan's reviews of Exception to the Rule, Jaja's African Hair Braiding, Clue: Live on Stage
Mitgang drew on Lincoln's own words to create this portrait, in which the man recounts the major events of his life in the shadow of the theater box where that life ended. Under the fluid direction of José Carrasquillo, Bakula is in constant motion for most of the 90-minute run time, following a trajectory that began in poverty and led to his tenure as the most important president in the nation's history. The action takes place on a mostly open stage; along with a few pieces of furniture, scenic director Misha Kachman focuses on a large image of Lincoln's face, which gradually comes into full focus, and a profusion of sheets of paper referencing the words he wrote and spoke. Matthew Taylor's lighting design allows for shifting moods and transitions as Lincoln recounts his life. As conceived by Mitgang and presented with great warmth by Bakula, Lincoln was eloquent when he needed to be, but in conversation he was more casual and down to earth. He recounts his early work on board a riverboat, where he first witnessed the "dealers in human degradation" selling enslaved people kidnapped from Africa, and began his lifelong determination to end the practice in the U.S. While many of the signposts in this man's life are familiar–his early law career and term in the U.S. House, his debates against Stephen Douglas during a campaign for the U.S. Senate (which he lost), then on to the presidency–this Lincoln also covers some of the less official moments. He recounts his courtship of Mary Todd and the birth of his four sons (three of whom died by age 18), and shares some examples of his natural dry wit. As one might expect, the most stirring part of Bakula's performance comes after Lincoln wins election as president and was forced to lead a divided country in the Civil War. With Sarah O'Halloran's sound design conjuring up crowd and battle noise, Lincoln labels the rebels "Disunionists" and gives an impassioned recitation of the Gettysburg Address. Mister Lincoln runs through October 13, 2024, at Ford's Theatre, 511 Tenth St. NW, Washington DC. For tickets and information, please call 202-347-4833 or visit fords.org. By Herbert Mitgang Cast:
Abraham Lincoln: Scott Bakula |
