Abraham
Lincoln, Prophet, Is Theme of GAC Play
by Carol Griffith
Greenbelt
News Review
A Review
Intelligent and entertaining, dramatic and detailed –
all are descriptions of “Lincoln and God,” the latest play by Anthony Gallo now
showing at the Greenbelt
Arts Center.
This is Gallo’s third and best-yet production at GAC.
Was Abraham Lincoln a human messenger of God? A
prophet? What was his relationship with his God? These are the questions the
play explores through showing how Lincoln
related to family members – even those who opposed his politics, to his staff
and to the clergyman with whom he developed a close friendship. Gallo, who has
clearly done a considerable amount of research into Lincoln’s
life and associations, has unearthed a
number of historical figures and events that, though largely lost to history,
played a role in Lincoln’s
life. The scenesand characters flow so easily, the play is thoroughly engrossing and entertaining. The play begins its chronology shortly after Lincoln’s
first inauguration as he debates his
Confederacy-sympathizing brother- in-law (played by
Pat Martin), offering him a position to
no avail in the Union Army. Soon he is visited by the Reverend Phineas Densmore
Gurley, pastor of the (still-standing) New York Avenue Presbyterian Church (played beautifully by David Weaver). Their debates about God, religion and life are among
the best scenes. Lincoln
called for Gurley’s advice at difficult times during his terms as president and their imagined
conversations are Intelligent
and entertaining,
.
The play begins its chronology shortly after Lincoln’s
first inauguration as he debates his
Confederacy-sympathizing brother-in-law (played by
Pat Martin), offering him a position to
no avail in the Union Army. Soon he is visited by the Reverend Phineas Densmore
Gurley, pastor
of the (still-standing) New York Avenue Presbyterian Church (played
beautifully by David
Weaver).
Their debates about God, religion and life are among
the best scenes. Lincoln
called for Gurley’s advice at difficult times during his terms as president and their imagined
conversations are insightful. One of the most touching scenes finds Lincoln and a critical Gurley participating in a séance conducted by a known
charlatan, to appease Mary Todd Lincoln as she grieves the loss of her two
sons.
Gettysburg Address
James McDaniel shows Lincoln’s humanity well. His dramatic reading
of the Gettysburg
Address is spine-tingling. As Nico Hay, Lincoln’s assistant, Mark
Mueller gives a great performance.
And special kudos to Shirl Weaver for stepping into
the role of Mary Todd Lincoln on a two-hour notice on opening night and
carrying it off so beautifully.
Musical
selections from the talented Homespun Ceilidh Band, popular performers at GAC,
set the mood for the play. “Lincoln and God” has had And special kudos to Shirl Weaver for stepping
into the role of Mary Todd Lincoln on atwo-hour notice on opening night and
carrying it off so beautifully.Musical selections from the talented Homespun
Ceilidh Band, popular performers at GAC, setthe mood for the play.
“Lincoln and God” has had Kennedy Center,
the National Press Club staged readings presented at the and the Dramatists Guild of America; this is its first
full-stage production. Gallo is in the process of
composing, with Alan Gershwin, an opera based
on the play. We’re fortunate to have the play here in Greenbelt –don’t miss this
opportunity.
“Lincoln and God” will play on the Friday and Saturday
evenings of August 3 and 4 at 8 p.m. A Sunday matinee will be held on August 5
at 2:30 p.m. Reservations may be made
through the box office at 301- 441-8770 or at the Greenbelt ArtsCenter at 123
Centerway, locatedbeneath the Co-op supermarket
