Department of Tourism
Kentucky Theatre to Stage Three Lincoln Plays

Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of monthly news releases on the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial.
 
HORSE CAVE, Ky. – The Kentucky Repertory Theatre will bring to life a one-man show, an original multi-media production and a large historical drama, all striving to shed light and perspective on the complex man who was Abraham Lincoln while entertaining expected record audiences.

The one-man show, “One Man’s Lincoln,” will be ready to make its debut at the kickoff of the Lincoln Bicentennial celebration in February 2008, said the theatre’s artistic director, Robert Brock. The play’s touring schedule isn’t finalized, but “we’ll put it on anywhere they’ll pay us,” Brock said.

Production of “One Man’s Lincoln,” written by Kentucky scholar and educator Wade Hall, was commissioned by the Kentucky Humanities Council. The play is based on the concept of Lincoln’s former law partner, Billy Herndon, reminiscing about his friendship and association with the 16th president.

Kentucky Repertory Theatre, founded in 1976 and located near I-65 an hour and a half south of Louisville, has expanded its marketing staff to prepare for its ambitious plans for its Lincoln productions. “We want to attract many of the people who’ll be coming to Kentucky from out-of-state for the bicentennial,” Brock said. “Horse Cave is only 30 miles from Lincoln’s birthplace near Hodgenville.”

Brock said he expects the theatre’s current full-time staff of 10 to rise to nearly 50 actors, directors, sound and light technicians and other artistic, marketing and technical personnel by the end of this year.     

“With Malice toward None” will highlight Lincoln’s great speeches, letters and dramatic episodes with music, photographs, sound and video. The production is based on Brock’s original concept and will also tour schools, universities, theaters and performing arts centers throughout Kentucky and elsewhere, he said. This play will have a cast of five and will be produced in 2009, he added.

“Abraham Lincoln,” the largest production with a cast of about 15, is based on a play by John Drinkwater. The original play, performed on Broadway in the early 20th century, is a powerful political drama following events in Lincoln’s life from his election through the Civil War to his death in April 1865. This play will be mounted in the 2008 and 2009 summer seasons.

The two-year national celebration of the bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth will begin at the Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park near Hodgenville on Feb. 12, 2008. 

For more information on the plays, visit www.kentuckyrep.org or call 800-342-2177.

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