Ford's Theatre Society to Continue Season with THE WIDOW LINCOLN in January

The Ford's Theatre Society 2014-2015 season continues with the world premiere drama The Widow Lincoln, by James Still and directed by Stephen Rayne. The production features Mary Bacon in the title role. The Widow Lincoln plays January 23 through February 22, 2015 at the historic Ford's Theatre (511 Tenth Street NW, Washington, D.C.). Ford's Theatre commissioned this world premiere as part of Ford's 150: Remembering the Lincoln Assassination, a series of events marking the 150 years since Abraham Lincoln's assassination at Ford's Theatre.

Ridiculed and disdained for her perceived sense of entitlement, Mary Lincoln sparked more controversy than any First Lady before or since. Set in the White House during the weeks following Lincoln's assassination, The Widow Lincoln portrays a very human Mary in the aftermath of her husband's death as she mourns the post-war life they will never share. Playwright James Still (The Heavens Are Hung In Black) returns with an emotional drama that explores the tenacious attitudes and heartbreaking grief of the maligned "Mrs. President."

"As a writer I am always drawn to story and character first- and the story of Abraham and Mary Lincoln, both as individuals and as a couple, is rich with complexity, ambition and tragedy," said playwright James Still. "I am struck by Mary Lincoln's fierceness, by her wit and by the accumulation of personal tragedies that made it more and more difficult for her to live her life without fear. Through my researching and writing, I've come to see a sharp political woman who is at once dramatic, tragic and, at times, triumphant."

"As we prepare to mark this milestone year, all eyes turn to the Lincolns, and we couldn't be happier than to have James back at Ford's with this fresh look at the familiar Lincoln story," said Director of Ford's Theatre Paul R. Tetreault.

The Widow Lincoln is made possible by Lead Sponsor Exxon Mobil Corporation and Production Sponsor Fluor Corporation. The 2014-2015 season sponsors are The Home Depot and Chevron.