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THE LINCOLN DEBATE

Comedic Theatre · THE BENT · Ages 16+ · 90 mins · United States of America

Content Warning Includes Nudity
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the lincoln debate
JIM BLANCHETTE certified reviewer June 14, 2026
Cleverly written and expertly performed, The Lincoln Debate is the best type of history play. Facts are presented, emotions are displayed, but all the conclusions are clearly in the audience's mind. While there were elements of campy fun, there was no real effort to make it a campy show. What surprised me was how much love there was between the characters. This is easily the strongest ensemble piece I've seen at Fringe in a long time. All the performances were top tier. My favorite performances came from Angela Landis, as the long-suffering, but eager to love Mary Todd Lincoln, and Kimleigh Smith as Fanny and pretty much everyone else. Her energy, sass and playfulness brought joy to every character she presented. While The Lincoln Debate doe... full review
the lincoln debate
GLENN GAYLORD certified reviewer June 14, 2026
A funny, breezy dissection of Abraham Lincoln's alleged queerness adds up to a unpretentious evening of theater. The cast is utterly charming, energetic and game to break the 4th wall and then return to their characters on a dime. There have been other writings and production on the topic such as the documentary, LOVER OF MEN, and the feature film and play, LAVENDER MEN...and all have their merits. THE LINCOLN DEBATE knows this has the potential to be pretty dry stuff, so it makes sure it goes down easy with its quick pace and easy humor. ... full review
the lincoln debate
ANONYMOUS certified reviewer June 14, 2026
tagged as: Beautiful
So good. I wanted more. Funny. Witty. Historic. Thirsty. Charming. ... full review
the lincoln debate
TIFFANY J uncertified reviewer June 11, 2026
tagged as: Funny original
Original. Funny. Everyone should see this show. ... full review
the lincoln debate
CHARLES ZIARKO certified reviewer June 11, 2026
In today's hectic (& History-averse) marketplace, what topic can you tap to ignite boxoffice interest in a US President 2 centuries ago? A GAY connection? O-K.!! Lots of research went into this exploration of Lincoln, ALL of it = regurgitated, every unimportant date & every forgettable name. The "Gay Subtext" is only a "B" story, though, so the script has been bulked-up with already familiar Lincoln lore, making wife/widow Mary Todd another aggressive central character, before his Presidency (getting Honest Abe to the altar...) and after (her vilification by that day's biased and bigoted media). It's more than you think you're buying---and less. at the same time.... full review
the lincoln debate
DEBORAH RAMAGLIA uncertified reviewer June 11, 2026
Fantastic cast!!! Intriguing,. entertaining as well as some history around Lincoln I didn't know!!... full review
the lincoln debate
OLGA KONSTANTULAKIS certified reviewer June 10, 2026
tagged as: educational · smart · fun · intriguing · Playful · ensemble
What I loved most about this show was the ensemble and how well they all worked together. Wonderful actors - super playful which was great to watch. Personally, I'm not that interested in the subject matter...aka the debate, but how they plunge into it is what makes this show worthwhile. There was one scene that I thought was just so inventive ...well done and funny - without giving anything away. Overall solid.... full review
the lincoln debate
ANONYMOUS certified reviewer June 09, 2026
tagged as: educational · fun
A thoughtful, well-presented production with likable performances!... full review
the lincoln debate
STEVEN LLANUSA certified reviewer June 09, 2026
The show was well researched and presented information in an enjoyable and comprehensive way.... full review
the lincoln debate
GEORGE PELHAM certified reviewer June 09, 2026
tagged as: Good and well done
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I found the there was a chemistry between all cast members but especially between Jason and Alex. I found both humor drama in their performances. ... full review
the lincoln debate