Review of Lincoln and God At GAC 2012

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,

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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