York Theatre to Present Asylum: The Strange Case of Mary Lincoln

The York Theatre Company will kick off its 2006-2007 season with the world premiere musical Asylum: The Strange Case of Mary Lincoln, September 5-October 1. The production, which will be directed by Fabrizio Melano, will open offficially on September 14.

The show takes place 10 years after President Lincoln’s assassination as Mary Todd Lincoln faces off against her late husband’s former political allies and her only remaining son as they attempt to have her committed for her erratic behavior. Asylum has a book by June Bingham and music and lyrics by Carmel Owen. The creative team includes James Morgan (sets), Sarah Conly (costumes), and Chris Robinson (lighting).

The title role will be played by Carolann Page, who has appeared on Broadway in Candide and Music Is and Off-Broadway in First Lady Suite and Menopause: The Musical. She is the mother of Alexander Gemignani, who is currently starring as the Beadle in Sweeney Todd and will play Jean Valjean in the upcoming Broadway revival of Les Misérables. The cast will also include Bertilla Baker, Edwin Cahill, John Jellison, Joy Lynn Mathews, and Daniel Spiotta.