Remembering the past through drama and music

Lincoln Presidential Museum presents play about the assassination, concert featuring music of the 1800s

[April 09, 2013]  SPRINGFIELD -- April brings two special entertainment events to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, one a play about Lincoln's assassination and the other a concert featuring music from his era.

The one-act play "One Destiny" takes the stage April 13-15, the anniversary of Lincoln's shooting and death. All three performances are at 1:30 p.m. Tickets, which are free with paid museum admission, will be distributed starting at 11:30 a.m.

Richard Hellesen's "One Destiny" is set in Ford's Theatre as two men come to grips with what took place there late on April 14, 1865. One character, Harry Hawk (played by Ed MacMurdo) was the actor on stage when Lincoln was shot. The other, Harry Ford (played by Patrick Russell), was one of the theater's managers.

A question-and-answer session with the audience will take place after each performance.

"This is a fast-paced, 40-minute play that is geared for all ages," said director Phil Funkenbusch. "It's been a favorite with our audiences, and we're glad to have the opportunity to bring the show back."

"One Destiny," which premiered at Ford's Theatre and is still performed there, is sponsored by Chase Bank.

Later in the month, musician and composer Larry Kirwan will offer two performances that celebrate the music of Stephen Foster and transport the audience to New York City's notorious Five Points neighborhood during the Civil War.

Kirwan, a member of the Celtic rock band Black 47, has written a musical called "Hard Times," featuring Foster's songs. It played to sold-out crowds in New York last fall, and the Lincoln Presidential Museum hopes to stage a production in the near future.

Kirwan's acoustic performances on April 25 and April 26 begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12, or $10 for students and museum members.

Kirwan's appearances are sponsored by the Bridgewater Foundation and the Ira and Janina Marks Trust.

For more information, visit www.presidentlincoln.illinois.gov.

[Text from Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum file received from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency]