Faced with a run that sold out practically before sales opened to the public, La Jolla Playhouse has announced a one-week extension for its world premiere musical “3 Summers of Lincoln.” It will now run through April 6.
The musical, which is now in previews and has its official opening night on Sunday, was inspired by the three times Lincoln met in person with the famed Black abolitionist Frederick Douglass in the summers of 1862, 1863 and 1864.
During those tête-à-têtes — which no one else witnessed but both men wrote about extensively — Douglass pressured Lincoln to free the slaves. The rule-bound Lincoln resisted Douglass’ pressure because it would violate the Constitution. But as commander in chief of the Union Army during the Civil War, he realized, with Douglass’ help, he could issue the Emancipation Proclamation to destabilize the Confederacy and end the war.
La Jolla Playhouse’s ‘3 Summers’ to offer more human look at Lincoln, Douglass
The musical features a book by two-time Tony-winner Joe DiPietro, a modern R&B/gospel/rock/jazz-infused score by Crystal Monee Hall and lyrics by Daniel J. Watts and DiPietro. It will also feature high-energy, contemporary choreography by Watts and John Rua.
La Jolla Playhouse’s Tony Award-winning artistic director Christopher Ashley is directing the production.
For tickets, visit lajollaplayhouse.org/show/3-summers-of-lincoln/.
