MUSCATINE, Iowa — As Muscatine director Bill Turner read the musical, “Asylum — The Strange Case of Mary Lincoln,” he envisioned well-known Muscatine vocalists  Delene McConnaha and Allyson Peniston in the lead roles of Mary Todd Lincoln and her nurse, Delia, respectively.

The casting seemed like a natural fit to Turner and he was delighted when both  women agreed.

Peniston, who once took voice lessons from McConnaha, said she is thrilled to be on stage with her in the Pearl City Players Theatrical Society presentation of the historically based play. The play runs  Friday, Sept. 25-Sunday, Sept. 27, at the New Era Community Building.

The plot centers on the relationship between Mary Todd Lincoln, widow of  President Abraham Lincoln, and their son, Robert Lincoln, following the president’s assassination in 1865.

The musical, created by writer June Bingham and composer Carmel Owen, details the struggle Mary Lincoln endured after her son had her committed to Bellevue Place in Batavia, Ill., an insane asylum, for four months.

In the musical, Mary employs her intelligence and courage as well as that of a few close friends to free herself from the asylum.

“This may seem like a depressing topic, but it is not,” said Anita Zahniser, musical director for the show. Zahniser said the story provides the audience with some insight on mental illness and emotional disorders.

McConnaha said she empathizes and, in some ways, identifies with Lincoln, who, like herself stood 5 foot 2 inches and had blue eyes.

“I’m also a little eccentric,” said McConnaha. “But I’m not insane. And I don’t think Mary was insane either.”

McConnaha said she and Turner have discussed the similarities between Mrs. Lincoln’s behavior and the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder.  After enduring the tragic assassination of her husband and the deaths of three sons, this could be a very real possibility said Turner.

Peniston based her role as Lincoln’s nurse and confidante after her mother, the late Adalia Peniston, who died of breast cancer in 2006.

Peniston said her character wanted to comfort Lincoln and help her overcome her dilemma.

“My mom was soft-hearted and kind,” said Peniston. “And she was always happy and cheerful.”

Chris Weber who portrays Robert Lincoln said he finds his role challenging.

“Robert is very conflicted trying to balance the needs of his country with the needs of his mother,” said Weber. “I don’t think you could help but feel for the situation Mary Todd Lincoln was in losing a husband and three sons. I don’t think I could hold it together in that situation.”

Weber, of Muscatine, said he has researched Robert Lincoln and feels he was making the best decision he could at the time.

“He was getting advice from the best experts of that time,” said Weber. “I grew to respect him.”

Muscatine High School senior Jake Seifers plays a young Abraham Lincoln in the show, another casting decision Turner said he immediately settled on as he read the script.

“I would always do a show for Bill,” said Seifers. “And this role has some good lines, and some pretty funny ones.”

Nick Oswald plays Franc Wilke, the reporter who wants to write a story about Lincoln’s confinement.

Oswald describes Wilke as an ambitious reporter who comes to believe in Lincoln.

Rebecca DeBlaey plays Myra Bradwell, the first woman attorney in Illinois. DeBlaey said Bradwell befriends Lincoln and even though she had to stop practicing law when she married, she played an important role in assisting in her release from the asylum.

During the intermission of the play, desserts from  Elly’s Tea and Coffee House, will be available. 

Details

What: The Pearl City Players Theatrical Society presents, “Asylum, the Strange Case of Mary Lincoln.”

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25, 26, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27.

Where: New Era Community Building next to Wildcat Den State Park in eastern Muscatine County

Admission: Tickets available at the door, $10, adults, $8, senior citizens and

$6 for students.

Cast

Delene McConnaha Mary Lincoln.

 Allyson Peniston  Mary’s  nurse Delia

Chris Weber Robert Lincoln

Jon Carlson Dr. Patterson

Rebecca DeBlaey Mary’s friend

Myra Bradwell

 Nick Oswald Chicago Times reporter

Franc Wilkie

Jenni Boldt Young Mary

Jake Siefers  Young Abraham Lincoln