Abraham Lincoln came to Korner's Folly in Kernersville last weekend, courtesy of actor Peter Holland.
Holland, depicting Lincoln as he was in November 1863, four months after Gettysburg, used research and Lincoln's writings to portray his life and mannerisms.
Dressed in period costume with a similar hairstyle, Holland seemed to closely resemble the nation's 16th president. As he performed, the lighting cast a tall shadow on the angled ceiling walls of Körner's Folly.
The show began with Lincoln rooting around in his hat for important pieces of paper that he called "raisins." Each paper reminded him of a story. Holland, in character, explained that Lincoln kept important documents in his tall top hat when he was an attorney in Illinois.
Most of the facts were woven into humorous stories, a device that Lincoln was famous for using and one that often frustrated his foes. The show lasted an hour, with an opening of three time-relevant spirituals sung by Holland's wife and partner, Christina Holland. The Hollands, who live in Virginia and run drama camps in Mount Airy, travel during the year with shows on Abraham Lincoln.
Holland performed Friday and Saturday evening.
Korner's Folly's executive director, Bruce Frankel, said he hopes to continue to expand performances in Cupid's Park, which is believed to be America's first in-home private theater. In 1896, the Juvenile Lyceum was formed to encourage Kernersville children to become interested in theatrical arts.
"I think this is great that Bruce is bringing performing arts back to this space," Peter Holland told the audience at the end of the performance.
"When (the Juvenile Lyceum) did theater here, it reflected current times. Live theater was offered when there was no other way to get the experience," Frankel said.
Faye Collins traveled to Kernersville from Greensboro to watch the show.
"As soon as I heard about it, I called to get tickets. I haven't been to the Folly in several years even though I've always been intrigued by it,'' Collins said. "I was delighted by the performance and hope there are more like it."
■ Monica Young can be reached at cyoung9@triad.rr.com.
■ The next event in the Cupid's Park room at Körner's Folly will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. when evidence of a recent paranormal investigation of the Folly will be revealed by the Southern Paranormal and Anomaly Research Society. More information about Korner's Folly is available at www.kornersfolly.com or from Frankel at 996-7922.
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