FEB 18 – MAR 23, 2025 Mandell Weiss Theatre
Book by Joe DiPietro
Lyrics by Daniel J. Watts & Joe DiPietro
Music by Crystal Monee Hall
Co-Choreography by Jon Rua and Daniel J. Watts
Directed by Christopher Ashley
Featuring Brian Stokes Mitchell as President Abraham Lincoln
Change the conversation. Change the world.
Featuring celebrated Tony winner Brian Stokes Mitchell in the role of Lincoln, this gripping new musical marks the sixth Playhouse collaboration between Joe DiPietro and Christopher Ashley (including the hit shows Babbitt, Diana and Memphis), and they’re thrilled to be joined by composer Crystal Monee Hall and lyricist Daniel J. Watts.
Summer, 1862. The bloody conflict that was supposed to last only 90 days has now been raging for more than a year. President Abraham Lincoln must find a way to end the Civil War. Enter powerful abolitionist Frederick Douglass. If he can meet Lincoln face to face, he can help the president cement a vision of the future that ends slavery along with the war — all while preserving the Union. Just three meetings took place between the two men — pivotal conversations between two fierce and equally brilliant leaders that shaped the course of history.
This epic score blends gospel, R&B, powerhouse anthems and Broadway to tell the inspirational story of one of the most important friendships in our nation’s history, and that of a brutally divided country coming together.
Watch a chat about the shows
Artistic Director Christopher Ashley and Artistic Producing Director Eric Keen-Louie talk about each show and why they are excited to share them with Playhouse audiences.
Tickets are currently only available as part of a 2024/25 Season subscription.
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The Mandell Weiss Theatre is a 492-seat proscenium arch theatre, with two front rows of removable seats allowing for a greater stage length. The theatre also maintains an upstairs wooden deck for parties, receptions and outdoor gatherings, and a small outdoor amphitheatre for pre-show entertainment.
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