By William Biedenstein
Director of "A Taste of Chautauqua," sponsored by the Highway 30 Foundation

In a time when our country’s fate hung in the balance, came a leader born to tip the scales and save the unity of the nation---Abraham Lincoln.

Now, you can meet Abraham Lincoln and his wife Mary in a free performance presented on the campus of Northwest High School (6005 Cedar Hill Road, Cedar Hill) on September 15. This dramatization will bring Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln to life in the 21st century.  Listen to Abraham as he wrestles with the questions of liberty, truth and forgiveness. See the much maligned Mary Lincoln realistically portrayed.  The performance will not only present the historical facts, but reveal the inner struggles of a man with the burdens of a troubled nation on his shoulders, as well as a woman whose life was full of love and grief. 

Follow them as they shape the history of a nation, and then—ask them questions.  Yes, both Abe and Mary will be available at the end of the program to answer questions in character and answer scholastic questions about the times and the presentation.

In addition, listen to the quintessential biographer of Abraham Lincoln as he tells his side of the Lincoln story.  “Carl Sandburg” portrayed by will Barry Cloyd will give an introduction prior to the Lincoln’s performance.  His portrayal will include music and songs from the period as well as a dramatization in character.

The day will be full of history.  Performances begin at 2 p.m. and the event will be held on the Northwest High School Campus.  Come early and listen to music from the era and peruse exhibits.  Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.

Abraham Lincoln will be portrayed by B.F. McClerren, Ph. D., a retired college professor with an educational background in rhetoric, history, philosophy and theology.  He taught the Lincoln Seminar History and Criticism of Public Address, Philosophy, and Rhetorical Theory at Eastern Illinois University for 30 years. He was awarded “The Lincoln Presenter of the Year” award by the Association of Lincoln  presenters in 1994.

Mary Todd Lincoln will be portrayed by Dorothy A. McClerren, a retired elementary teacher who resembles the former first lady, and received the Mary Todd Lincoln Presenter of the Year in 1995.  

Carl Sandburg will be portrayed by Barry Cloyd, a touring singer/songwriter/guitarist/educator who has spent a lifetime creating a performance style that weaves the genres of Celtic, Blues, Folk and Roots music into a unique blend all his own.  Barry is a strong vocalist and multi-instrumentalist as well as a storyteller, theatrical performer and historian.