The Vincent Dowling Theatre Company
In collaboration with The Academy at Charlemont
presents
Performances
In the Works
BostonFebruary 2009
MASACHUSETTS TO CELEBRATE ABRAHAM
LINCOLN’S 200th BIRTHDAY WITH A PRODUCTION OF
‘THE RIVALRY’
IN THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE HOUSE -
FEBRUARY 12th, 2009
BOSTON, MA (February
2, 2009) – On Thursday February 12th at 10am and 2pm, The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts will celebrate Abraham
Lincoln’s 200th birthday with the performance of Norman Corwin’s ‘The Rivalry’ at the
Gardner Auditorium in the Massachusetts State House. The performance, directed
by theater legend Vincent Dowling,
dramatizes the famous 1858 debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas.
Endorsed by the Abraham
Lincoln Bicentennial Commission of Massachusetts this production is made
possible with a grant from The
Massachusetts Foundation For The Humanities. The Vincent Dowling Theatre Company in
collaboration with The Academy at Charlemont also presents previews of ‘The
Rivalry’ on Wednesday
February 11th at 10am and 2pm.
“Theatergoers will have the
opportunity to experience a living history of Abraham Lincoln taking part in
what historian Alan Guelzo described as ‘The Debates that defined America,’” said Dowling. “I can not think of a better way
to celebrate one of our nation’s greatest citizens on his 200th
birthday.”
“I am thrilled to have the
opportunity to perform this historical play at the Massachusetts State House on
President Lincoln’s 200th birthday,” said Dowling. “Not only will
theatergoers be treated to a memorable performance by a talented cast, but they
will gain a profound insight into the character of a man who helped shape the
very fabric of the United States.”
Considered one
of Corwin's most engaging works, ‘The Rivalry’ brings to life the historic
debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas in 1858. These debates
covered a variety of issues, none more important than the conflict between the
rights of states and the concept of individual human rights, a conflict which
is still very much at work today. In light of the recent historical election of
President Barack Obama, the topics addressed in ‘The Rivalry’ have
never been timelier. The play is a perfect combination of a wonderful work of
dramatic art and an unforgettable history lesson that echoes from Abraham
Lincoln to today.
The star-studded cast
includes Christian Kauffmann as Abraham Lincoln; Peter Cormican, who plays The
‘Little Giant’-Stephen Douglas, and Mary Linda Rapelye, who plays the role of
Adele Douglas, Stephen Douglas’ beautiful young wife.
As with any performances, dates and times are subject to change
For more information, to schedule a visit to your school, please contact the
Box Office: 413- 209-2164
therivalry2008@gmail.comAdditional venues and performance dates may be added as we move closer to the fall.
"This program is funded in part by the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities."