The Rivalry
The Rivalry
by Norman Corwin
directed by Mark Ramont
January 22- February 14, 2010
Over the course of seven debates, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas tackled the hot topics of their day: state’s rights, slavery and the intent of the Constitution. The Rivalry captures the fiery rhetoric and wry humor of those debates, while adding the insights of Douglas’s wife, Adele. As Lincoln and Douglas race for the chance to be U.S. Senator, Adele reexamines her own concepts of freedom. Ford’s Theatre Director of Theatre Programming Mark Ramont directs Robert Parsons as Abraham Lincoln, Helen Hayes Award winner Rick Foucheux and Sarah Zimmerman (The Matchmaker) in the play The New York Times calls “evocative, inspiring, and stirring theatre.”
This production is appropriate for ages 12 and up.
Reviews
"A play for history buffs and those who yearn for words that give a lift to the body politic.... Supple actors in the guises of Abraham Lincoln (Robert Parsons) and Stephen A. Douglas (Rick Foucheux) conjure the supercharged air of the seven debates the two politicians conducted across Illinois prior to the Civil War. [Parsons] endearingly evokes the air of the folksy Lincoln we've read about, the one with a healthy sense of irony and an endless well of stories and anecdotes used to bring his cerebral notions down to earth."
-The Washington Post
"If presidential history or political oratory hooks you even a little, watching Parsons (disarmingly cornpone and ungainly as Lincoln) and Foucheux (Douglas, all dignity and swagger) cover some deep cuts from two masters of the form is a pleasure with malice toward none. Foucheux always commands our attention, and he's sublime as Douglas, the 'little giant' of Illinois politics."
-DCist
"Why is it that a hundred fifty years after the fact, the Lincoln-Douglas debates ... can still grip our hearts, and move us to tears? Part of it is that our principled struggle to overcome the unspeakable practice of slavery has become part of the American concept of self. When we see a man like Lincoln (Parsons) rise to face down a monstrous injustice not with a rifle (though that came later) but with the power of his persuasive eloquence, we are reminded that this nation was founded not on a battlefield but in a debating hall, and that our principles preceded our existence."
-DC Theatre Scene
“What Foucheux delivers is a performance that is humorous, engaging and brilliantly executed. The actor's charming, keen portrayal reminds us that these debates were hardly one-sided affairs. They were an intellectual prizefight.”
-Metro Weekly
“For a work written 50-odd years ago about political debates that occurred a century and a half ago, The Rivalry is surprisingly resonant for today's audiences. There are other echoes besides the issue of how deeply the federal government needs to be involved in the lives of its citizens. (Can anyone say health care reform? Banking regulation?) Helen Hayes Award-winner Rick Foucheux does a fine job as the pompous Douglas; import Robert Parsons is equally effective as the homespun Abe. Sarah Zimmerman is charming in the role of Adele.”
-Free Lance-Star
Post-Performance Discussion: Saturday, January 30
Following the 2:30 p.m. matinee, members of the cast will take questions from the audience and discuss the artistic process. Post-performance discussions begin immediately after the performance. Individuals wishing to attend the discussion will be invited into the theatre after the audience from the performance departs.
Special Dinner with Scholar Jay Winik and Director Mark Ramont
On Monday, January 25, at 6:30 p.m., the Caucus Room will host a three-course dinner and a special inside look at The Rivalry. Director Mark Ramont will discuss the show and how it found a home as part of the Ford’s Theatre 2009-2010 season. Renowned Lincoln scholar Jay Winik (April 1865: The Month That Saved America) will also be on hand to share his knowledge and insight about the Lincoln-Douglas debates. Cost for the event is $95 per person, which includes tax and gratuity. To make your reservation, call the Caucus Room at (202) 393-1300 or email specialevents@thecaucusroom.com. For more information on The Caucus Room, click here.
Please note: The January 27 performance is a private performance.
Lead Production Sponsor:
Sponsors
Media Partner: WAMU-FM
Production Sponsors: Exxon Mobil Corporation; American Express; Altria Group, Inc.
This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Dates
- Friday, January 22, 2010 - 7:30pm
- Saturday, January 23, 2010 - 7:30pm
- Sunday, January 24, 2010 - 7:30pm
- Tuesday, January 26, 2010 - 7:30pm
- Wednesday, January 27, 2010 - 7:30pm
- Thursday, January 28, 2010 - 7:30pm
- Friday, January 29, 2010 - 7:30pm
- Saturday, January 30, 2010 - 2:30pm
- Saturday, January 30, 2010 - 7:30pm
- Sunday, January 31, 2010 - 2:30pm
- Sunday, January 31, 2010 - 7:30pm
- Tuesday, February 2, 2010 - 7:30pm
- Wednesday, February 3, 2010 - 7:30pm
- Thursday, February 4, 2010 - 12:00pm
- Thursday, February 4, 2010 - 7:30pm
- Friday, February 5, 2010 - 7:30pm
- Saturday, February 6, 2010 - 2:30pm
- Saturday, February 6, 2010 - 7:30pm
- Sunday, February 7, 2010 - 2:30pm
- Tuesday, February 9, 2010 - 7:30pm
- Wednesday, February 10, 2010 - 7:30pm
- Thursday, February 11, 2010 - 11:00am
- Thursday, February 11, 2010 - 7:30pm
- Friday, February 12, 2010 - 7:30pm
- Saturday, February 13, 2010 - 2:30pm
- Saturday, February 13, 2010 - 7:30pm
- Sunday, February 14, 2010 - 2:30pm