By Renee’ Santos
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) – Some productions entertain you.
Some make you laugh.
Some make you think.
And every once in a while… one does all three.
The Lincoln Debate is one of those rare Fringe productions that continues to resonate long after the curtain falls. What could have easily been a gimmick, a provocative question about one of America’s most iconic presidents, becomes something far richer: an intelligent, impeccably researched comedy that invites audiences to reconsider history, identity, and the stories we’ve inherited.
That is no small feat.
The brilliance of Terry Ray’s writing lies not in convincing you what to believe, but in reminding you that history is often more layered than we were taught. Director Steve Rosenbaum keeps the pace crisp and the humor sharp, while an outstanding ensemble; Jason Reale, Alex Price, Kimleigh Smith, Terry Ray, and Angela Landis, balances historical reverence with comedic precision.
In my original review, I encouraged audiences to see this production because I knew they’d leave with an opinion.
After seeing the conversations it has sparked throughout the Hollywood Fringe Festival, I’d go one step further.
I believe The Lincoln Debate is worthy of serious consideration for Best of Fringe and for recognition beyond the West Coast. It is currently a candidate for the New York City Pivot Award, and I can’t help but think that this kind of “pivot” is exactly where the production belongs.
Not because everyone will agree with its premise.
But because great theater isn’t measured by unanimous agreement. It’s measured by its ability to challenge assumptions, ignite meaningful conversation, and linger in our minds long after we’ve left our seats.
This production accomplishes all three.
The New York City Pivot Award celebrates road-ready productions with the potential to reach audiences beyond Los Angeles through a New York performance opportunity. That feels like a fitting next step for The Lincoln Debate.
Its themes are universal. Its humor is intelligent. Its storytelling invites audiences into conversation rather than certainty. Those qualities aren’t limited to Los Angeles, they’re the very qualities that thrive in New York, where theater has always rewarded work that provokes thought as much as applause.
As The Lincoln Debate looks toward New York and the next chapter of its journey, I hope audiences, and Best of Fringe voters alike, help ensure that journey continues. Fringe has always celebrated bold storytelling, creative risk, and artists willing to ask difficult questions.
This production embodies exactly that.
Some debates belong in history books.
This one deserves to keep playing on stages across the country.
