3 Summers of Lincoln

3 Summers of Lincoln

Book by Joe DiPietro

Lyrics by Daniel J. Watts & Joe DiPietro

Music by Crystal Monee Hall

Originally produced at La Jolla Playhouse, La Jolla, CA
February 18, 2025 – March 23, 2025


Synopsis: Summer, 1862. 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 brilliant leaders that shaped the course of history. This gripping new musical tells the inspirational story of one of the most important friendships in our nation’s history, and a divided country coming together.

This is the sixth Playhouse collaboration between Joe DiPietro and Christopher Ashley (including the hit shows Babbitt, Diana and Memphis). Composer Crystal Monee Hall and lyricist Daniel J. Watts complete the multi-award-winning creative team.

With an epic original score blending gospel, R&B, powerhouse anthems and Broadway, 3 Summers of Lincoln is the next unmissable, spectacular world premiere from La Jolla Playhouse.

Artistic Statement: La Jolla Playhouse has a rich history of creating new American plays and musicals and pushing the boundaries of theatre, and we are grateful for the Edgerton Foundation's commitment to our work. 3 Summers of Lincoln, which portrays three pivotal and complex encounters between Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass, epitomizes the part of our mission which is to tell stories that inspire empathy and create a dialogue toward a more just future. Our current moment of extreme polarization, in which a similar fight for our country’s soul is already underway, is the perfect time to re-visit this brief – but singularly impactful – relationship. The funding for an extra week of rehearsal allows the actors and creative team to explore and solidify nuanced character tracks and the musical score. 
~ Christopher Ashley, the Rich Family Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse

Creative team:

Book: Joe DiPietro
Lyrics: Daniel J. Watts & Joe DiPietro
Music: Crystal Monee Hall
Co-Choreography: Jon Rua and Daniel J. Watts
Directed by Christopher Ashley
Scenic Design: Derek McLane
Costume Design: Toni-Leslie James
Lighting Design: Amanda Zieve
Sound Design: Jonathan Deans, Mike Tracey
Projection Design: David Bengali, Hana Kim
Wig and Hair Design: Matthew Armentrout
Music Supervisor: Wilkie Ferguson
Music Director: Victoria Theodore
Orchestrator: Michael Thurber
Sensitivity Specialist: Ann James
Casting: The Telsey Office, Rachel Hoffman, CSA; Jacole Kitchen
Stage Manager: James Latus
Assistant Stage Managers: Alexa Burn, Monét Thibou