East Lynne Theater Company Opens Summer Season with ‘Mr. Lincoln’

On April 14, 1865, when the president and Mrs. Lincoln were watching a comedy at Ford’s Theatre, John Wilkes Booth entered the president’s box. In Herbert Mitgang’s play, “Mr. Lincoln,” the president’s life flashes before him as Booth aims his pistol.

By popular demand, the award winning Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company is bringing back “Mr. Lincoln,” once more starring Tom Byrn. Howard Shapiro, for WHYY Public TV and Radio, gave ELTC’s production an excellent review last summer, stating that “Tom Byrn evokes the spirit of Lincoln.”

This is Byrn’s seventh show with ELTC, and he’ll be back in the fall in “Biography.” During the winter, he taught drama and English at a school in Istanbul.

Dave Bova created the wig and make-up. His wig construction for Broadway alone includes “Wicked.” Marion T. Brady created the costume. For over 20 years, she has been the primary costume designer for ELTC. Playwright Herbert Mitgang (1920-2013) wrote for “The New York Times” and CBS News.

“Mr. Lincoln” runs from May 11 through May 21, Wednesdays through Saturdays. On May 11 is a 2 p.m. curtain, with other shows at 8 p.m. The location is the First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St., Cape May. From May 26-29, ELTC’s production is at Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble in Bloomsburg, Pa.

Tickets are $32; $27; $17, and ages 12 and under are free. Season tickets are available until July 1, cost $88, and are flexible. For information and reservations, call (609) 884-5898, email eastlynneco@aol.com or visit www.eastlynnetheater.org.