Lincoln on Stage: A Comedy Musical Odyssey of Assassination

Imagine a musical comedy that weaves a chaotic yet lighthearted tale around the infamous assassination of Abraham Lincoln. The result would be a show that captures the spirit of irreverence and historical embellishment, much like the groundbreaking musical Hamilton. Would you be intrigued to explore the potential of such a concept? Let's dive in and explore the title, plot, and musical elements of this fictional yet entertaining piece.

Title: The Booth is Loose!

Given the historical significance yet the potential for a wild and comedic narrative, I would call this musical The Booth is Loose!. This title plays on the name of the actual theater where the assassination took place, Ford’s Theater, and captures the chaotic and absurd nature of the story. The tone is irreverent but not offensive, inviting the audience to enjoy the humor while also reflecting on the serious historical event in a light-hearted manner.

Plot: A Farce from a Dramatic Wannabe

The central character, John Wilkes Booth, would be portrayed as a self-important and incompetent actor with grandiose ambitions. Despite his self-proclaimed brilliance as both actor and assassin, he consistently bungles his plans and performances. The plot would follow this farcical journey, blending history with humor to create a unique and engaging narrative.

Key Plot Points

John Wilkes Booth as a Dramatic Actor: Set in a world where the assassination is seen through the lens of a failed theater project, Booth?will think he’s destined for greatness on both the stage and in the shadows. Failure and Misadventures: From botched plotting to a spectacularly failed performance, the musical would highlight these comedic mishaps and failures. Blending of History and Farce: The assassination would be portrayed as a grand theatrical performance with all the chaos and confusion of a poorly executed play.

Music and Lyrics: Songs to Remember

The musical would be filled with catchy and memorable songs that reflect the chaotic nature of the story. Here are a few examples of what could be included:

Song 1: A Star is Booth

Song Title: A Star is Booth Song Description: In this song, Booth sings about his grand visions of becoming a celebrated actor and assassin. However, his attempts at Shakespearean monologues are misquoted or misplaced, mixing lines from different plays in humorous ways.

Song 2: Four Scores and a Show Ago

Song Title: Four Scores and a Show Ago Song Description: This upbeat song will feature Lincoln as he excitedly anticipates the theater performance, blissfully unaware of the looming threat. The song will have a jaunty tune, keeping the spirits light and fun.

Song 3: My Leg!

Song Title: My Leg! Song Description: After the assassination attempt, Booth sings a comical song about his injury, with humorous lines and music that emphasize his clumsy exit from the scene. This song would be punctuated by humor and exaggerated movements to highlight the absurdity of the situation.

The Humorous Side of History

The comedy in this musical would be derived from historical facts, comedic timing, and clever lyrics. Here are some gag moments that could be featured:

Scene 1: Recruitment of Assassins

Booth attempts to gather other conspirators for his plan, but his seriousness and grandiosity are met with skepticism and ridicule.

Scene 2: The Guards at the Theater

The guards at the theater crack jokes about Booth's acting abilities, leading to their frequent distractions and failure to maintain security.

Scene 3: Escaping with a Broken Leg

After the failed assassination, Booth attempts a grand exit, but his broken leg makes him a comical figure as he awkwardly stumbles and sings about his injury.

With its blend of historical facts, humor, and musical elements, a comedy musical about Lincoln's assassination could be a novel and entertaining way to engage audiences. The story of the assassination has already captured the imagination of countless playwrights and filmmakers, and a musical comedy treatment would add a fresh and unexpected twist to this well-known tale.

Would you enjoy seeing this kind of story explored in a musical format? Share your thoughts in the comments below!