Terence L. Cranert's New Musical THE LINCOLNS OF SPRINGFIELD To Open in Illinois This Summer

Abraham Lincoln - our greatest president - his greatest love.

Terence L. Cranert's stirring new musical for the whole family, THE LINCOLNS OF SPRINGFIELD, premieres in Springfield, Illinois, with sights set on New York. Performances begin June 15
Hoogland Center for the Arts - Peggy Ryder Theater 420 South Sixth Street, Springfield, Illinois. Click Here

Historically significant as the State Capitol AND the place Abraham Lincoln called home from 1837-1861- when he began his tenure in The White House as one of the most lauded presidents in history-will serve as host for a joyous and riveting new musical love story.

The Lincolns of Springfield tells the love story you won't find in the history books. The audience is led down a delightfully romantic path leading to the marriage of the most unlikely of couples, Mary Todd and Abe Lincoln, a Southern Belle and a backwoods genius. The Lincolns of Springfield chronicles the incredible story of one of America's greatest President and his much-loved wife, from their first meeting through the end of the Civil War.

They were America's first power couple! Like of mind and heart, Mary Todd assisted her father's house slaves with the Underground Railroad and President Lincoln wielded his governmental authority to abolish slavery once and for all.

The Lincolns of Springfield had its successful world premiere at the Center Stage Theatre in Santa Barbara in October 2022. Critics said hail to the chief with comments like: "A unique and amazing production, one of the boldest portrayals of Lincoln and his legacy." (Michael Kenney, Nashville Universe) and "Spectacular, uplifting music in the grand style of a Rodgers & Hammerstein or Lerner & Lowe." (Chris Daniels, The Show Report)

From the moment the curtain rises, audiences are drawn into two very different worlds... Mary's tumultuous world of the antebellum South-with gentility and honor juxtaposed against the backdrop of the scourge of slavery-and Abe's vibrant, fearless world of possibilities that is America's new frontier.

Currently scheduled to perform throughout June, July and August at the Peggy Ryder Theater of the Hoogland Center for the Arts, the producers are currently in negotiation to bring the production to the New York stage.

TERENCE L. CRANERT - BOOK, MUSIC, and LYRICS

Terence worked as an actor in New York and Los Angeles and attended the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop under the tutelage of the Dean of the Broadway Musical, the late Lehman Engel. Terence was associate producer of the Broadway productions of A Night with Janis Joplin, On The Town and The 39 Steps. In addition to The Lincolns of Springfield, Terence has composed the musicals Joan of Arc, Pinocchio in Tinsel Town and When The Fat Lady Sings. He continues to perfect his craft as a member of the ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop at Dreamworks under the direction of Stephen Schwartz.

REBECCA POWERS CRANERT - PRODUCER

Rebecca Powers Cranert brings a multifaceted background to our production team, having served in leadership positions in The Arts, Education and Business. Rebecca served as Director of Theater Programs for the Los Angeles County Arts Counsel supervising all professional theaters throughout Los Angeles County, including those at the Los Angeles Music Center. She also produced and directed professional theatrical productions throughout California. As a professional singer, Rebecca headlined at major venues throughout the West Coast with her ten-piece, Grammy-winning show band.

JONATHAN HOGUE (producer of Stranger Sings) and TONY-winning producer, Ken Davenport serve as executive producers.