FREEPORT - The Winneshiek Players, in correlation with the sesquicentennial celebration, will be performing "Mrs. Lincoln," written by Thomas Cullinan, and directed by Lynn Jones. Ten years after Lincoln's tragic death, his widow, Mary Todd Lincoln, was confined to the Bethlehem Place Sanitarium in Batavia, Ill. The play, set within the confines of her single room, recalls the incidents of her married life, far beyond the four walls that surround her and what has become of her wandering mind. It is intelligent, sophisticated, and brimming with complexities.
The play is best suited for mature audiences, not because it is offensive, but because of its intense emotion and the demand for concentration. The subtle humor contributes a contrasting lighter element and keeps the dialogue interesting. The director has gone to great lengths to lend authenticity to this production with period furniture, costuming, and music from the Lincoln era.
The cast consists of four women and five men, but the predominant dialogue is between Mrs. Lincoln and her young black attendant. Is Mrs. Lincoln crazy or is the doctor? The talented and versatile cast includes Todd Barr, Jay Donaldson, Laura Keyes, Pat Norman, Quynnetta Sanders, Elizabeth Ulrick, Dave Vrtol, and Glen Weigert.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. August 29; 6 p.m. August 30; 3 p.m. August 31; and 7:30 p.m. on September 4, 5 and 6. Tickets are $10 each and can be reserved by calling (815) 232-7023 or by e-mailing a request to tickets@wplay.org.
The play is best suited for mature audiences, not because it is offensive, but because of its intense emotion and the demand for concentration. The subtle humor contributes a contrasting lighter element and keeps the dialogue interesting. The director has gone to great lengths to lend authenticity to this production with period furniture, costuming, and music from the Lincoln era.
The cast consists of four women and five men, but the predominant dialogue is between Mrs. Lincoln and her young black attendant. Is Mrs. Lincoln crazy or is the doctor? The talented and versatile cast includes Todd Barr, Jay Donaldson, Laura Keyes, Pat Norman, Quynnetta Sanders, Elizabeth Ulrick, Dave Vrtol, and Glen Weigert.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. August 29; 6 p.m. August 30; 3 p.m. August 31; and 7:30 p.m. on September 4, 5 and 6. Tickets are $10 each and can be reserved by calling (815) 232-7023 or by e-mailing a request to tickets@wplay.org.
