TV: First Look at Naomi Jacobson, Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris and More in Highlights of MARY T. & LIZZY K.

Tazewell Thompson's world premiere drama Mary T. & Lizzy K. throws open the doors to the Lincoln White House at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. As one woman's skilled hands work overtime, creating the most beautiful garments of her career, the other's reality continues to slip ever further from her grasp. Old wounds and new recriminations explode in this riveting drama about loss, love and the importance of promises, both kept and broken. BroadwayWorld has highlights of the production below.

A commission between Thompson (Arena directing credits include Caucasian Chalk Circle, M. Butterfly and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom) and Arena Stage, Mary T. & Lizzy K. stitches together an insider's look at the unique friendship between Mary Todd Lincoln and her talented dressmaker, the successful freed slave Elizabeth "Lizzy" Keckly. Written and directed by Thompson, Mary T. & Lizzy K. runs now through April 28, 2013 in the Arlene and Robert Kogod Cradle.

Mary T. & Lizzy K. stars D.C.-area actress Naomi Jacobson as Mary Todd Lincoln and Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris (Urban Stage's ReEntry) as Elizabeth Keckly. They are joined by noted local actors Thomas Adrian Simpson (last seen at Arena Stage as Col. Pickering in My Fair Lady) as Abraham Lincoln and Joy Jones (Studio Theatre's Invisible Man) as Ivy.

The creative team for Mary T. & Lizzy K. includes Set Designer Donald Eastman, Costume Designer Merrily Murray Walsh, Lighting Designer Robert Wierzel, Sound Design & Composition by Fabian Obispo, Stage Manager Scott Pomerico and Production Assistant Kristen Harris.

Tickets for Mary T. & Lizzy K. are $40-$85, subject to change and based on availability, plus applicable fees. Tickets may be purchased online at arenastage.org, by phone at 202-488-3300 or at the Sales Office at 1101 Sixth St., SW, D.C.