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The La Jolla Playhouse has announced its full cast for the upcoming world premiere of 3 Summers of Lincoln, a new musical that explores one of the pivotal friendships in American history. The role of President Abraham Lincoln will be portrayed by Ivan Hernandez, while the production features a book by Joe DiPietro, music by Crystal Monee Hall, lyrics by DiPietro and Daniel J. Watts, and choreography by Jon Rua and Watts. The production will be directed by Christopher Ashley, the Rich Family Artistic Director at La Jolla Playhouse.
The musical is scheduled to run from February 18 to March 23, 2025, in the Playhouse’s Mandell Weiss Theatre.
The cast includes acclaimed Broadway performers such as Eric Anderson, who will take on the role of George B. McClellan, and Carmen Cusack as Mary Todd Lincoln. Quentin Earl Darrington will portray Frederick Douglass. Other notable cast members include John-Andrew Morrison as William Slade and Saycon Sengbloh as Elizabeth Keckley, along with a talented ensemble made up of Geno Carr, Alaman Diadhiou, Fernell Hogan, and many others, supported by a group of swings including Van Angelo and Michael Allan Haggerty.
The creative team is a powerhouse of talent, featuring scenic designer Derek McLane, costume designer Toni-Leslie James, and lighting designer Amanda Zieve, among others. The sound design is handled by Jonathan Deans and Mike Tracey, while David Bengali and Hana S. Kim are in charge of projection design. With a music supervisor, music director, orchestrator, and a sensitivity specialist, the production emphasizes a comprehensive approach to storytelling.
Christopher Ashley expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This bold new work is timely for our society. Collaborating with this remarkable cast and creative team to spotlight a history-changing friendship through soaring original music is an honor.”
3 Summers of Lincoln centers on the crucial meetings between President Lincoln and Frederick Douglass during the summer of 1862, amid the tumult of the Civil War. As Lincoln sought to bring an end to the conflict and address slavery, Douglass’s influence and vision for the future led to transformative discussions that had a significant impact on the nation. This collaboration marks the sixth partnership between DiPietro and Ashley, known for their previous works such as Babbitt and Memphis. The musical promises an enthralling score that fuses gospel and R&B elements, establishing it as an anticipated highlight in the world of theatre.
The production was initially set to star Brian Stokes Mitchell in the leading role; however, he announced that personal commitments would prevent him from participating, expressing regret over the situation.
About La Jolla Playhouse
Founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire, and Mel Ferrer, La Jolla Playhouse has established itself as a vital hub for innovative theatrical productions. Under the leadership of Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley and Managing Director Debby Buchholz, the Playhouse is recognized for nurturing new works, having launched 120 world premieres and commissioned numerous shows. With a history of sending 36 productions to Broadway and winning 42 Tony Awards, including one for Outstanding Regional Theatre, the Playhouse continues to play a significant role in American theatre.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com