By Mimi Sells
March 4, 2025
From the opening moment of a solitary Union soldier tap dancing, my heart was in my throat for 2 ½ hours of the astonishing new musical 3 Summers of Lincoln. It’s a brilliant exploration of a time in our history– the Civil War– with powerful resonance to America today.
3 Summers of Lincoln just opened at the La Jolla Playhouse. Snag your tickets now before it lands on Broadway. It surely will.
The time period is Lincoln’s first term. The Civil War rages on. Lincoln, the intellectual, lawyerly president struggles to enunciate a clear vision for the Union soldiers and for the country. He doesn’t want the war to be about ending slavery because that “won’t sell.” Instead, he offers the more abstract idea of saving a “united states.” His war general is a ne-er do well, insolent officer who doesn’t win a single battle against the storming Confederate Army. His wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, grieving for their lost son, begs Lincoln to get away from the politics of D.C to a quieter locale.
Enter the brilliant, radical abolitionist Frederick Douglass. He, too, has a vision for a “united states” but one in which the end of slavery is the foremost aim.
While these two powerful men initially circle each other warily, a growing relationship of trust helps both men turn the tide of war.
If this doesn’t sound like the makings of a great musical, then remind yourselves of the incredible success of Hamilton just a few years ago. Like that predecessor, 3 Summers of Lincoln brings a historic moment vividly to life through phenomenal lyrics, inventive staging, fully human characters and, of course, show-stopping songs.
And oh what songs and singers! The lead characters all can belt out a tune. They shook the rafters of the playhouse, evoking frequent and lengthy applause. The evocative score blends styles from gospel to rhythm and blues to classic Broadway barn burners. You will be moved to tears by “A Country Better Than This” the song culminating both Acts.
From the costumes to set to the staging to the exceptional performances by each and every character, singer and dancer, the play immerses the audience in the landscape of Lincoln’s journey as a president, a leader and a man. We experience his remarkable friendship with a once enslaved man whose brilliance equals and complements his own.
I just can’t say enough about the 3 Summers of Lincoln to adequately capture its power, beauty and prophetic message for our own times. I learned more about the Civil War, Lincoln and Douglass than I ever learned in school. I watched two strong leaders learn to lead with their hearts and not just their minds. I watched mothers come to grips with the loss of children whether from war or sickness. I watched soldiers fight and yearn for meaning and purpose in their sacrifices. I sat on the edge of my seat listening to Lincoln and Douglas struggle for a common understanding.
Yet, this is not a tragedy or tragic story. There are moments of laughter, hope and soaring ideas. This is a story for our time…and for our children (especially those over 12).
Lincoln soars with the promise and possibility of good people doing the right thing for the right reasons. It gave me hope that we can continue to be a “united states.” Even now.
You need to see it for yourselves.
3 Summers of Lincoln
Playing now through April 6.
Book by Joe DiPietro
Lyrics by DanielJ. Watt & Joe DiPietro
Music by Crystal Monee Hall
Choreography by Jon Rua and Daniel J. Watts
Directed by Christopher Ashley
