IS THE RAILSPLITTER A LOG-SPLITTER?
Written by Terry Ray, The Lincoln Debate — based on factual information provided in letters and biographies — concerns the debate about the romance of the 16th president and his friend Joshua Speed. Now being remounted (so to speak) by The Bent at The Palm Springs Cultural Center, Mr. Ray also appears as The Guide, who pieces this play/debate together using actors as devices to tell the story of whether or not Lincoln was homosexual (and if he was, the play lets the audience decide for itself if Lincoln and Speed’s love was physical as well as emotional). It is stated that only facts will be presented, allowing the audience to come to their own conclusions. Four other actors play more than one character to tell the story. The magnificent thing about this show is it is very conversational and smooth. Each character speaks as if they are truly that person providing facts about the relationships Lincoln had. At no point do the actors seem like they are acting (except when required to do so). For 90 minutes, The Lincoln Debate is definitely worth a watch as you form your own opinions about Lincoln. Is he a railsplitter or a log-splitter, or both?
Beautifully portraying Abraham Lincoln, Jason Reale lights up the stage; it is impossible to take your eyes off of him. During the scene regarding the letters Lincoln wrote to Speed, Reale gives so much humanity to the character, especially when reciting excerpts from the letters Lincoln wrote to Speed in a down-to-earth manner, that it never sounds like Lincoln is defending his choices; he simply provides explanations as to why he did what he did. Reale really sells the show.
Mary Todd Lincoln, Angela Landis‘s primary role, is this little nagging voice that keeps stating Lincoln was not homosexual. Fascinating throughout, Mary is always on top of The Guide to make sure everything he said was factual. Anytime anybody said anything that could lead to Lincoln being gay, she would speak up and redirect them to the facts. Landis ensured we feel the pain that Mary had while being in Lincoln’s life (although we know that Mary was no picnic). Played by Alex Price, Joshua Speed is a very interesting character. Price plays him in a fun, catty sort of way anytime he would interact with Mary. It is hilarious when these two are fighting over who Lincoln loves more.
Amber Lux Archer is assigned by The Guide to play Fanny. When given this part, she questions what type of role it is because she was originally assigned to play Mary, but The Guide — deciding otherwise at the last minute — will tell her that Fanny is a very important part, and it will be revealed as to why later on (hint: Fanny is Joshua Speed’s wife). Archer plays this character, as well as several others assigned to her, with a fun attitude, comedic grace and poignancy.
Reale, sporting a beard, also designed the clean and simplistic set at the Camelot Theatre, mirroring that of a celebrity roast, complete with the celebrity, Abraham Lincoln, in the center of a circle with the tagline “MAN OF THE HOUR.” On the wall panels hung the portraits of past presidents. Technical director Nick Wass was smart not to use microphones; it added an antiquated feel and we could hear every word. Wass’s projections were all interesting, but they were often washed out by his own stage lights. Cheryl Lanning‘s costumes (assisted by Cynthia Sterling) are pretty much brand-free black street clothes for the actors, and a nice suit for The Guide.
The direction by Steve Rosenbaum is practically gleeful, creating some great moments with appurtenances planted around the set for role changes. There are some good moments utilizing the aisles as an extension of the stage, but they aren’t lit, so it was a bit difficult to see what was happening. My only quibble is that The Guide is moving around the stage a lot and then to the back of the house to deliver some lines. This is a little distracting, as is standing at the foot of the stage to deliver lines and inadvertently blocking other actors. I wondered if it would have been tighter had The Guide stayed at the podium or was simply like the voice of God.
The Lincoln Debate is a hit now as it was back in 2022 when Terry Ray launched The Bent theatre company. The world premiere was the first production of Bent’s inaugural season. It garnered rave reviews, word of mouth, seven 2023 Desert Theatre League Awards nominations (three wins), and immediately put The Bent on the theater map in the Coachella Valley and beyond. Almost indescribable, I have to say this most original show and nearly perfect revival is the best thing playing in the CV right now — and with a winning quintet and a whip-smart script, a must-see.
photos by Jim Cox
The Lincoln Debate
The Bent Theatre
in association with The Palm Springs Cultural Center
Camelot Theatres, 2300 East Baristo Road in Palm Springs
Thurs-Sat at 7; Sun at 2
ends on May 12, 2024
for tickets, visit The Bent or Eventbrite
