Batavia play focuses on Mary Todd Lincoln's life after the White House
The life of Mary Todd Lincoln, widow of President Abraham Lincoln, is the subject of an original work by Batavia playwright Donna Latham.
"The Haunted Widow Lincoln," Latham's story about Mary Todd Lincoln and her life after the President's death, including her stay at Bellevue Place in Batavia, will be presented by the Batavia Arts Council in the auditorium of The Holmstad, 700 W. Fabyan Parkway, Batavia. Tickets are $10.
The play is part historical fiction, part pure fiction as Latham explores the character that was Mary Todd Lincoln, one of history's most misunderstood political figures.
According to Latham, Mary Todd Lincoln was declared a "lunatic" in just 10 minutes, by a "sea of men," without the opportunity to speak on her own behalf.
Many of the themes of this play ring true to current political rhetoric, but the character study of Mrs. Lincoln is the heart and soul of this script. Audiences will see her grieve over the death of her sons and her husband, attempting to cope with the burdens of her life, and watch how she deals with the "ghosts" that haunt her. The play is funny and somber at same time.
"I like to think that I write 'dramedy,'" said Latham, who has been on hand at each rehearsal, guiding the story, and adding invaluable pieces of historic information to help cast members with their character development.
"It's been a rewarding experience to work closely with the directors and actors to bring this show to life," Latham said. "Once I gauge audience reactions, I'll continue to revise and tweak the script."
The show features the talents of Carrie Schafer of Batavia as Mary Todd Lincoln. Leigh Tracy of Batavia is cast as the judge who sentences Mary to Bellevue. The "sea of men" who were instrumental in her trial include Galen Malek of Bartlett as Secretary Stanton; her lawyer, played by Matt Heine of Batavia; and her son Robert played by Aaron Berogan of DeKalb.
The show opens with the shooting of President Lincoln, played by Kyle Rath of Downers Grove, gunned down by John Wilkes Booth portrayed by Carl Zeilter of Glen Ellyn.
Mary Todd Lincoln's best friend at this time was her seamstress, Elizabeth Keckley, brought to life by Autumn Geist of Lisle.
At Bellevue, Mary befriends one of the house staff, Rosalie, played by Rachael Bright of Elmhurst, and she travels to downtown Chicago in an effort to speak to her husband beyond the grave.
The medium Madame Marvelosa is played by Ben Vargas, with his assistant Zuzu Jones portrayed by Lea May Rivera of Aurora.
The show is a fundraiser for the Batavia Arts Council, whose mission is to support artists and art projects in the community, offering grants and scholarships on an annual basis toward that mission.
All Dressed Up costumes is the primary sponsor of this event, donating the costumes for the production.
Performances of "The Haunted Widow Lincoln" are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 10-11, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12.
Purchase tickets at bataviaartscouncil.org under the "fundraising events" tab.
If you go
What: "The Haunted Widow Lincoln," an original play by a local playwright about the life of Mary Todd Lincoln, including her stay at Bellevue Place in Batavia
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 10-11 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12
Where: The auditorium of The Holmstad, 700 W. Fabyan Parkway, Batavia
Tickets: $10; purchase online at <a href="http://www.bataviaartscouncil.org">bataviaartscouncil.org</a> under the "fund raising events" tab.