2024/25 Season

3 Summers of Lincoln

World-Premiere Musical

3 Summers of Lincoln

FEB 18 – MAR 23, 2025 | Mandell Weiss Theatre

Book by Joe DiPietro

Lyrics by Daniel J. Watts & Joe DiPietro

Music by Crystal Monee Hall

Co-Choreography by Jon Rua and Daniel J. Watts

Directed by Christopher Ashley

Featuring Brian Stokes Mitchell as President Abraham Lincoln

Change the conversation. Change the world.

Featuring celebrated Tony winner Brian Stokes Mitchell in the role of Lincoln, this gripping new musical marks the sixth Playhouse collaboration between Joe DiPietro and Christopher Ashley (including the hit shows Babbitt, Diana and Memphis), and they’re thrilled to be joined by composer Crystal Monee Hall and lyricist Daniel J. Watts.

Summer, 1862. The bloody conflict that was supposed to last only 90 days has now been raging for more than a year. President Abraham Lincoln must find a way to end the Civil War. Enter powerful abolitionist Frederick Douglass. If he can meet Lincoln face to face, he can help the president cement a vision of the future that ends slavery along with the war — all while preserving the Union. Just three meetings took place between the two men — pivotal conversations between two fierce and equally brilliant leaders that shaped the course of history.

This epic score blends gospel, R&B, powerhouse anthems and Broadway to tell the inspirational story of one of the most important friendships in our nation’s history, and that of a brutally divided country coming together. 


Discover More

Watch a chat about the shows
Artistic Director Christopher Ashley and Artistic Producing Director Eric Keen-Louie talk about each show and why they are excited to share them with Playhouse audiences.


Ticket Information

Tickets are currently only available as part of a 2024/25 Season subscription. 

Subscribe to secure the best seats and lowest prices at six world premieres, and perks all year. Explore the 2024/25 Season and subscription options here.

Single tickets will go on sale later in 2024. Sign up to our email list to be notified.

Content Guidance
This world premiere work is currently being developed, and more information about its content will be available closer to the run dates. We understand sensitivities vary from person to person. Read about our age recommendations here. If you have any questions about content or stage effects, please get in touch with our Patron Services team at [email protected] or (858) 550-1010 and we’ll be happy to give you more info.


Production Sponsors

La Cuisine
Show Imaging

Cast & Creators
  • Creators
  • Cast
Image of Joe DiPietro Joe DiPietro Book / Lyrics
Image of Daniel J. Watts Daniel J. Watts Lyrics / Choreography
Image of Crystal Monee Hall Crystal Monee Hall Music
Image of Jon Rua Jon Rua Choreography
Image of Christopher Ashley Christopher Ashley Direction
Image of Eric Anderson Eric Anderson George B. McClellan
Image of Carmen Cusack Carmen Cusack Mary Todd Lincoln
Image of Quentin Earl Darrington Quentin Earl Darrington Frederick Douglass
Image of Brian Stokes Mitchell Brian Stokes Mitchell President Abraham Lincoln
Venue Info

Mandell Weiss Theatre

The Mandell Weiss Theatre is a 492-seat proscenium arch theatre, with two front rows of removable seats allowing for a greater stage length. The theatre also maintains an upstairs wooden deck for parties, receptions and outdoor gatherings, and a small outdoor amphitheatre for pre-show entertainment.

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2024 September
2024 October
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