DYNAMIC “3 SUMMERS OF LINCOLN” OPENS TO RAUCUS AUDIENCE FEEDBACK.

If you are looking for a musical that has dazzling dancing (Jon Rua and Daniel J. Watts) rousing musical numbers (R&B, Jazz, marches,),  and thoughtful ballads, is 50% singing (Daniel J. Watts and Joe DiPietro and Crystal Monee Hall),  with original book by Joe DiPietro) and without exception, brilliant direction (Christopher Ashley) look no further than The La Jolla Playhouse’s “3 Summers of Lincoln.”

Quentin Earl Darrington and Ivan Hernandez

It’s based on historical happenings by two time Tony winner Di Pietro taken from actual speeches and clippings  of that time era.  It’s about war, but not the war to end all wars, it’s about race but in today’s environment no one would ever know Abraham Lincoln (a more laid back and even handed Ivan Hernandez who eerily resembles Lincoln) signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

The play opens in 1862.

By the book Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass (a brilliant and strong willed and dynamic Quentin Earl Darrington with a voice to match his personality) had all but agreed to stop the fighting if Blacks were freed of their servitude and free to enlist in the army. Both men changed each other, according to director Ashley: ‘Lincoln from a careful politician to a bold action taker because of Douglass.'

Eric Anderson (Center) and dancers

The fact that Lincoln thought if the Blacks were freed they could all settle in Central America was a  non -starter for Douglass. “What the president doesn’t understand is that we are not strangers in this land.”

Toward the end of his first term as president, Lincoln and Douglass met over the course of three summers (“Here I Am”). The meetings were held behind closed doors, (“Behind The Door”). They were  cordial. They debated in a civil manner, they quoted Shakespeare, but most importantly they talked about how they could end slavery and bring the war to a peaceful end, especially since the Union Army was losing hundreds of thousands of troops under the inept leadership of General George B. McClellan who is caustic, cowardly, somewhat comical as played by Eric Anderson. McClellan  later ran against Lincoln for President. (“4 Miles From Richmond”)

Quentin Earl Darrington 

There is a lot going on in this two plus hour production that to reveal it all would leave nothing to the imagination of all newcomers. Just know that you are in for a treat with the relevance  of this material. 

Aside from the strong leads, standouts include Douglass’ daughter, Rosetta (Naomi Tiana  Rogers). John Andrew Morrison  the White House usher and Lincoln's valet,William Slade. He had  Lincoln’s ear when the president needed a friend and Slade stayed loyal throughout.

Serving the cause, Mary Todd Lincoln (marvelous Carmen Cusack), who was grieving the loss of her favorite son Willie, (“Mother’s Suite”) helped the wounded write letters home, (“In Each letter”). Friend and dressmaker Elizabeth (Saycon Sengbloh) are also supportive as opposed to Postmaster General Montgomery Blair (local Gino Carr sporting a southern accent) who walked out of a session with Lincoln when they spoke of freeing the slaves.

Evan Ruggiero (front center)

Rua and Watt’s choreography(“Pounding On The Rock”) is some of the best I’ve seen in some time especially the tap. (I would be remiss if I failed to mention Evan Ruggiero a professional dancer who lost his right leg to cancer but re learned to dance and was a powerhouse performer in most of the dance numbers.) He opened the first act.

The combination of scenic designer Derek McLane, projection designers David Bengali and Hana S. Kim’s and lighting designer Amanda Zieve filled the stage with so much information; i.e. printing press blocks, (there is an actual replica of a printing press operated by Douglass in some scenes)  American flags, actual written letters and papers that it was a bit overwhelming to keep one’s focus, albeit individually, they told the story. Costume designer Toni-Leslie James’ clothes were period correct and especially the women were  beautifully dressed. 

Quentin Earl Darrington  on platform

Locals present in the show, Geno Carr (mentioned earlier) Eric Anderson who played Tateh in “Ragtime” some time ago at Moonlight and  Bets Malone plays Ms. Ava. 

Ivan Hernandez

My greatest complaint, one of a few; Jonathan Deans and Mike Tracey’s sound design was deafening. Even as I adjusted my own hearing device it did no good. For the future…tune it down. 

And, of course, as in any new work of art, some tightening and cutting is required. 

Overall, however, I will confess I found “3 Summers of Lincoln” a breath of fresh air, stimulating. We here in this country need a breath of fresh air from all the divisiveness and hate going on right now. 

Enjoy. 

See you at the theatre.

When: Now playing through April 6. Show times vary.

Where: Mandell Weiss Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla

Photo: Rich Soublet II.

Tickets: $30 and up. Availability is limited.

Info: 858-550-1010

Online: lajollaplayhouse.org