Washington D.C.'s Ford's Theatre has announced the lineup for its 2024-2025 season, including three main stage productions.
In reference to its historic legacy, actor Scott Bakula (Quantum Leap, Star Trek: Enterprise) will play President Abraham Lincoln in Herbert Mitgang’s Mister Lincoln, directed by José Carrasquillo. Running September 20 through October 13, the solo show explores some of the United States' most important historical events through the eyes of Lincoln, first as a backcountry lawyer and anti-slavery advocate in Illinois and through his presidency and later assassination, which occurred at Ford's Theatre in 1865.
“The 2024-2025 season celebrates Ford’s Theatre’s roots as a historic theatre by showcasing President Abraham Lincoln’s life and values culled from his own personal story, and uplifting stories teeming with life,” shared Ford’s Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault in a statement. “We continue to tell spirited American stories that will capture hearts, inspire empathy, and spark reflections on our shared past and future.”
In addition to Mister Lincoln, the theatre will present a music-filled holiday production of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol in 2024, adapted by Michael Wilson, with Craig Wallace returning as Ebenezer Scrooge.
In the New Year, Alan Menken and Glenn Slater's musical adaptation of Sister Act will take the stage, featuring Awa Sal Secka as Deloris Van Cartier. Directed and choreographed by Broadway's Jeff Calhoun (Newsies), the musical, which also features a book by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner and additional material by Douglas Carter Beane, will run March 14 through May 17, with music direction by William Yanesh.
The musical played previously played Broadway's Broadway Theatre, officially opening April 20, 2011. The New York production earned five Tony nominations, including Best Musical. The show is currently being revived in London's West End.
The musical tells the story of a disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody, she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found: a convent.
Additional programming will include The Ford’s Theatre Legacy Commissions: A First Look, a series that will feature new plays by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz (Anna in the Tropics) and playwright, actor and singer Gloria Reuben (TV/Film: ER, Lincoln, Mr. Robot). Additionally, in celebration of WorldPride in May 2025, Ford’s will present a staged reading of Matthew López’s two-part play The Inheritance, inspired by E. M. Forster’s masterpiece Howards End.
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