World Premier of “Lincoln: The Musical” July 7 in Orange

General Scott and Secretary of State Seward

World Premier of “Lincoln: The Musical” July 7 in Orange

The world premier of "Lincoln: The Musical" by Dr. Michael Riccards, with songs from the Civil War era, will open Saturday, July 7 at 7:00 pm at the Orange Town Hall, 6 Prospect Street, Orange, Massachusetts.  The play is produced by The Drama Circle and directed by Genevieve Fraser.  

Additional performances are scheduled for Sunday, July 8 at 2:00 pm, Saturday, July 14 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, July 15 at 2 pm.  A reception for Dr. Riccards will be held immediately following the opening night performance. All performances are free of charge and open to the public.  Any donations will be used toward a light and sound system for the the Orange Town Hall Ruth B. Smith Auditorium.

“Lincoln: The Musical” chronicles the Lincoln family’s entry into Washington DC.  The new president is determined to lead the nation into an era of prosperity. But soon, hope turns to despair as the American Civil War commences – “a small skirmish” that quickly leads to a nightmare that engulfs the president, his family, aides, generals, his cabinet and the nation.  Intertwined with the family and political crisis is the drama unfolding at a Washington DC tavern frequented by soldiers, members of Congress and an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth. Following the Emancipation Proclamation and the Cause of the Union’s triumph, Booth plots to take action.

Dr. Michael Riccards, the author of "Lincoln: The Musical" is a political scientist, writer, and professor.  Riccards has been the president of three American colleges and has written extensively on public policy, the American political process, and the history of the American presidency. His book The Ferocious Engine of Democracy was praised by President Bill Clinton.  He currently serves as executive director of the Hall Institute for Public Policy in New Jersey.  The director, Genevieve Fraser holds a BA and MFA  in Theater and Writing.

The part of Abraham Lincoln is played by Chuck Berube, Mary Todd Lincoln by Sally Howe and Willie Lincoln, their young son, by Brian Johnson.  Nancy Hanks (Abe’s mother) is performed by Charlene Deam, John Wilkes Booth by Charles Tower, General Winfield Scott by Tim Waite, Senator Cotesbury Butterworth  by Jack Arnot, Secretary of State Seward by Philip Hubbard, John Hay – Lincoln’s aide – by Noah Dawson, and President James Buchanan by Barry Robichaud.  Issac is Luke Meunier,

Rose is performed by Emily Lapinskas, the barmaid is Joyce Sawyer and Mrs. Laurey is played by Genevieve Fraser.  Tim Waite also plays the manager of Ford Theater Manger.  The cast of “My American Cousin,” the play the Lincolns had come to see at Ford Theater at the time of the assassination includes Joyce Sawyer, Emily Lapinskas and Barry Robichaud.  The railroad conductor is performed by Andrew Tower and the soldiers by William Johnson, Daniel Boucher, David Farnum and Ethan Doiron-LaRue.  The town women are Vicky Graw and Doreen Gallien.  The Inside Out Dance Company also performs.  The pianist is Deborah Kent.

 “Lincoln: The Musical” is sponsored by the Drama Circle, the Performing Arts Division of Art for Life - CF Pals, and is funded, in part, by Heyes Forest Products, the Miller’s River Café and a grant from the Orange Cultural Council. 

For further information, contact the artistic director of the Drama Circle, Genevieve Fraser at Tel. (978) 544-1872 or visit website: quabbincivilwar.blogspot.com