THE RIVALRY

BY NORMAN CORWIN

DIRECTED BY MARK RAMONT 

Play Explores the Famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Ford’s Theatre 2009-2010 season continues with The Rivalry by Norman Corwin, January 22 to February 14, 2010. Over the course of seven debates, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas tackled the hot topics of their day: state’s rights, slavery and the intent of the Constitution. The Rivalry captures the fiery rhetoric and wry humor of those debates, while adding the insights of Douglas’s wife, Adele. As Lincoln and Douglas race for the chance to be U.S. Senator, Adele reexamines her own concepts of freedom. Ford’s Theatre Director of Theatre Programming Mark Ramont directs Robert Parsons as Abraham Lincoln, Helen Hayes Award winner Rick Foucheux as Stephen Douglas and Sarah Zimmerman (The Matchmaker) as Adele. The New York Times calls the play “evocative… and stirring theatre.”

“The Rivalry is an incredibly inspiring story,” said director Mark Ramont. “Playwright Norman Corwin pulls most of his dialogue from the actual transcripts of the Lincoln-Douglas debate, so it’s a very true story. The play speaks to the power of an idea – in this case liberty for all men – and its ability to propel a man of humble origins to the highest office in the land.”

Media partner WAMU-FM provides promotional support throughout the run.

Ford’s Theatre Society is pleased to acknowledge Lead Production Sponsor Exxon Mobil Corporation. The Rivalry also is sponsored in part by American Express, Altria Group, Inc., and the National Endowment for the Arts. Ford’s Theatre’s 2009-2010 season sponsors are The Home Depot and Chevron

THE DIRECTOR

Mark Ramont makes his Ford’s Theatre directorial debut with The Rivalry. Ramont is Director of Theatre Programming for the Ford’s Theatre Society. Regional directing credits include Midwives for Round House, multiple productions for Circle Repertory Company (where he served as Associate Artistic Director), Stages Repertory Theatre and How I Learned to Drive for the Alley Theatre. He is a three-time recipient of the Austin Critics Circle Award for Best Director and a three-time winner of the Austin Circle of Theatres award for Outstanding Direction. Ramont has served on the teaching staff and as Director of Theatre at Rice University; he is currently a member of the adjunct faculty at American University.

THE CAST

Robert Parsons makes his Ford’s Theatre debut as Abraham Lincoln. Parsons’s recent credits include the role of Abraham Lincoln in A Civil War Christmas at TheatreWorks. Other regional credits include performances at the American Conservatory Theatre, Alley Theatre, and the award-winning production of I am my Own Wife with the San Jose Stage Company.

Rick Foucheux makes his Ford’s Theatre debut as Stephen Douglas. Foucheux’s regional credits include his Helen Hayes Award-winning role in Studio Theatre’s Take Me Out, the world premiere Dead Man’s Cell Phone at Woolly Mammoth and Death of a Salesman at Arena Stage. Additional credits include performances with the Source Theatre, Folger Theatre, Olney Theatre, Theater J, Round House Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company and others.

Sarah Zimmerman returns to Ford’s Theatre to play Adele Douglas. Zimmerman made her Ford’s Theatre debut as Mrs. Irene Malloy in The Matchmaker, for which she received a Helen Hayes nomination. Broadway credits include The Rivals (Lincoln Center) and The Full Monty (also national tour). Regional credits include performances for L.A. TheatreWorks, Old Globe Theatre, Weston Playhouse, Westport County Playhouse and the Lamb Players Theatre.

THE DESIGNERS

The Rivalry’s design team includes Scenic Design by Robin Stapley, Costume Design by Helen Huang, Lighting Design by Matthew Richards and Original Music and Sound Design by Matthew M. Nielson.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS

There will be audio-described performances of The Rivalry on Tuesday, February 2, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 6, at 2:30 p.m. Sign-interpreted performances are Saturday, January 30, at 2:30 p.m. and Thursday, February 4, at 7:30 p.m.

In conjunction with the Ford’s Theatre production of The Rivalry, the Willard InterContinental Washington (where Abraham Lincoln spent the weeks prior to his inauguration and where his inaugural luncheon was served) offers an exclusive package from January 22 through February 14, 2010. Package includes overnight guest room accommodations and breakfast for two at the Willard InterContinental and two premium orchestra seats to The Rivalry. The package is priced starting at $349 per night. Rates are valid per room/per night, based on single or double occupancy, exclusive of taxes, gratuities and other charges; do not apply to groups; and cannot be combined with any other offer. Package must be booked at least five business days in advance. To reserve or for more information, contact the Willard InterContinental, Washington, D.C., at (202) 628-9100 or visit www.washington.intercontinental.com