Chuck Johnson will present the one act play, “The Night Before Gettysburg” on Friday, October 27th at 7:00 p.m. at Evansville Art Center.

Chuck Johnson as Abraham Lincoln in “The Night Before Gettysburg”

Johnson has been involved in community theater in west central Minnesota all his adult life, perhaps on stage for 20 shows. He wrote this play to compete in the Madhatter’s One Act Play Showcase in Wadena, Minnesota in 2021, where he won 3 awards - Best Play, Best Original Play, and Best Actor. He has since performed at Gettysburg for the 160th anniversary of the battle.

“The Night Before Gettysburg” is a 1-man, 3-scene, 1-act play, in which Abraham Lincoln finishes writing the Gettysburg Address in his bedroom the night before the speech (true history). In Scene 1, Lincoln talks directly to the audience in 2023, explaining the events that led up to the Battle of Gettysburg. Scene 2 takes place in his bedroom in 1863 as he finishes the speech. He is torn as he grapples with slavery, racism, war carnage, and the deaths of two of his children; and recounts the battle as told to him by General Meade. Scene 3 is a presentation of the Gettysburg Address.

The performance will be followed by Q/A, which begins with a deeper look at historical events brought forth in the play. Then the audience is invited to ask questions, no holds barred.

There is no charge to attend this event. Donations gratefully accepted. Feel free to bring a treat to share at intermission if you wish. Beverages will be provided. Doors open at 6:30p.m.

Evansville Art Center is located at 111 Main Street in Evansville, Minnesota and is handicapped accessible.

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This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Lake Region Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage fund and in part through a Minnesota State Legislative general fund appropriation.