3 Summers of Lincoln
Broadway Show In Development
3 Summers of Lincoln is in Development
3 Summers of Lincoln Summary
- Show Status: In Development
- Genre: Musical
- 3 Summers of Lincoln is 2 hours and 30 minutes long, including an intermission of 15 minutes
- 8 Shows per week
- Show Closes: Open ended
Musical dramatizing Lincoln and Douglass’s three Civil War meetings, exploring friendship, abolition, and leadership through gospel, Broadway, and R&B Music.
What's 3 Summers of Lincoln Like?
3 Summers of Lincoln is a stirring new musical that explores the transformative relationship between President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass over the summers of 1862, 1863, and 1864.
Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, the story dramatizes their candid, often challenging conversations on slavery, enlistment of Black soldiers, and the future of the nation. Through gospel, R&B, Broadway ballads, and inventive tap sequences, the show captures the blend of urgency, conflict, and mutual respect that shaped their alliance.
The show also highlights the influence of figures like Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley, adding personal depth to the political stakes. Balancing humor, humanity, and historical weight, the musical examines how two men—one a cautious statesman, the other an impassioned activist—helped alter the course of American history, while drawing clear parallels to ongoing struggles for equality today.
Is 3 Summers of Lincoln Good for Kids?
While 3 Summers of Lincoln is not inappropriate for older kids or teens, it’s primarily aimed at adults and mature audiences.
3 Summers of Lincoln on Broadway Background
Development and Creative Team
3 Summers of Lincoln was developed at La Jolla Playhouse as part of its mission to premiere bold, original musicals. Directed by Christopher Ashley, the show reunites him with book writer Joe DiPietro, marking their sixth collaboration after Memphis, Diana, and Babbitt. Music is by Crystal Monee Hall, with lyrics by DiPietro and Daniel J. Watts. Choreography by Jon Rua and Watts integrates historical resonance with energetic movement, including tap sequences inspired by Civil War telegraph rhythms.
Story Concept
The musical focuses on three actual summer meetings between President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass, dramatizing their evolving friendship and political alliance during the Civil War.
Cast and Premiere
Ivan Hernandez stars as Lincoln, with Quentin Earl Darrington as Douglass and Carmen Cusack as Mary Todd Lincoln. The production opened February 18, 2025, at the Mandell Weiss Theatre, extended through April 6 due to popular demand, and is already drawing Broadway interest.
Cast Members
- Abraham Lincoln
- Brian Stokes Mitchell
Producers
Jeffrey Seller
Alan Shorr
Richard Winkler
Production Credits
- Director
- Christopher Ashley
Creative Team
- Playwright
- Joe DiPietro
- Music
- Crystal Monee Hall
- Lyrics
- Daniel J. Watts