Dramatic reading looks at Lincoln and Booth

As one Illinois lawyer begins his journey in the highest office in the land, come learn about how another spent his final days.

Fox River Country Day School is hosting a dramatic reading of "Lincoln and Booth: Frozen in Time" at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31.

Taking an objective look at how lives are shaped, audiences will get an interesting view into the minds of Abraham Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth.

"I wanted the characters to tell their own stories," said Patrick McCreary, who wrote the play and also stars as Lincoln. "We know how these figures are remembered in history, but what were the turning points that led them there?"

Set during the last moments of Lincoln's presidency, the presentation focuses on how critical decisions set major repercussions for the lives of two men in American history. While writing the play, McCreary was fascinated how their stories could have been remembered dramatically different.

"Booth is remembered for his one violent act, but had he not assassinated Lincoln, he still would have been a significant footnote in theater history," McCreary noted.

On the reverse, had Lincoln not been elected president and gone through the Civil War, he would have been a forgotten country lawyer.

Following the presentation will be a question-and-answer session, where the audience can have a dialogue about what they have seen and how it ties in to issues of today.

McCreary, an associate professor of theater at Principia College in Elsah, Ill., has written several plays about Lincoln's life which have toured nationally. He sees educating the public on who Lincoln really was as part of his arts ministry.

"He was a common man, who did extraordinary things through focus and determination," McCreary said. "We need more role models like him."

McCreary, whose physical appearance is strikingly similar to images of Lincoln, hopes he will have the chance to someday perform for one of today's inspiring role models: Barack Obama. After performing for past presidents such as Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, he hopes the similarities between the two Illinois leaders will give him that opportunity.

But he also hopes his audience will be motivated by Lincoln's story to pursue greatness in their own lives.

"I hope people will take away that they are capable of aspiring high as ambitions and labors care to take them."

"Lincoln and Booth: Frozen in Time" runs this Saturday at 2 p.m. at Fox River Country Day School, 1600 Dundee Ave., Elgin. The public is invited. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students and can be bought at the door. The show is recommended for ages 12 and older, due to language and emotional content.