An actress portraying Mary Lincoln, dressed in a black gown and white gloves, kneels on stage. A Union solider in a blue uniform and yellow sash, with a gun behind his shoulder, looks at her. Behind them are two women wearing black.
Mary Bacon as Mary Lincoln with the cast of the Ford’s Theatre world premiere of James Still’s The Widow Lincoln, directed by Stephen Rayne. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

The Widow Lincoln

Ridiculed and disdained for her perceived sense of entitlement, Mary Lincoln sparked more controversy than any First Lady before or since.

date January 23, 2015 — February 22, 2023

Set during the weeks following Abraham Lincoln’s assassination at Ford’s Theatre, The Widow Lincoln portrays a very human Mary in the aftermath of her husband’s death as she mourns the post-war life they will never share. Playwright James Still (The Heavens Are Hung In Black) returns with an emotional drama that explores the tenacious attitudes and heartbreaking grief of the maligned “Mrs. President.”

Ford’s Theatre commissioned this world premiere as part of Ford’s 150, a series of events marking the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s assassination.

Artistic Team

Written by James Still
Director Stephen Rayne
Scenic Design Tony Cisek
Costume Design Wade Laboissonniere
Lighting Design Pat Collins
Sound Design and Original Music David Budries and Nathan A. Roberts
Projection Design Clint Allen
Wig and Make-Up Design Anne Nesmith
Dialects Lynn Watson
Production Stage Manager Brandon Prendergast
Assistant Stage Manager Hannah R. O’Neil
New York Casting Stephanie Klapper Casting, CSA

Cast

Headshot for Mary Bacon.

Mary Bacon

Mary Lincoln

Headshot for Melissa Graves.

Melissa Graves

Guard, Asa Trenchard

Headshot for Brynn Tucker.

Brynn Tucker

Young Maid

Kimberly Schraf

Laura Keene, Understudy

Headshot for Caroline Clay.

Caroline Clay

Elizabeth Keckly

Headshot for Lynda Gravatt

Lynda Gravátt

Mammy Sally

Headshot for Sarah Marshall.

Sarah Marshall

Queen Victoria

Headshot for Gracie Terzian.

Gracie Terzian

Nettie Colburn

Headshot for Susan Lynskey

Susan Lynskey

Understudy

Headshot for Deidra Starnes.

Deidra LaWan Starnes

Understudy

Headshot for Rebecca Tucker.

Rebecca Tucker

Understudy

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