Lincoln Dinner Theater to feature Mary Todd Lincoln & Emilie Todd Helm: Divided Sisters
The Batavia Depot Museum presents the 10th Annual Lincoln Dinner Theater on Sunday, February 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Inn Banquet Facility, 1345 S. Batavia Ave. The cost is $37 and includes buffet dinner and performance. Tickets are on sale now at the Batavia Park District Civic Center, 327 W. Wilson St., the Eastside Community Center, 14 N. Van Buren St., or the Depot Museum, 155 Houston St.
It's December 1863. The Civil War rages on without an end in sight. At the White House, Mrs. Lincoln's younger half sister Emilie is visiting. Emilie and Mary discuss their lives leading up to the war and reminisce about happier times in Lexington, KY and Springfield, IL. They discuss the war years and the tragedies that have befallen their family. The war has torn their family apart. Will it tear the sisters apart as well?
Mary Lincoln is portrayed by Valerie Gugala. Gugala has performed in front of schools, churches, senior groups and park districts throughout the Chicago area. She has spent more than 30 years researching the Lincoln family and has been performing as Mrs. Lincoln for almost 10. She is currently the theatre coordinator for the Bartlett Park District community theatre.
Kari Jones is actively involved in community theatre in the suburbs of Chicago. She also regularly participates in theatre of young audiences and families. Kari's interest in Civil War history began when she was very young. When she was invited by Gugala to research the life of Emilie Todd Helm for this program, it was a natural fit.
For more information call the Batavia Park District at 630-879-5235 or the Batavia Depot Museum at 630-406-5274.