by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Since the first time he went on stage in 1988 to interpret the life and words of President Abraham Lincoln, actor and historian Christian Johnson has spoken to more people in more audiences than the 16th president of the United States did while he was alive.
The former singer, musical theater performer and broadcaster has immersed himself in Lincoln’s life and words. Johnson has studied dozens of books and consulted with Lincoln historians to develop the character he brings to life on stage. He said the experience has changed his life.
“It’s an honor to play Abraham Lincoln and he has changed my life in so many ways. At this point, I’m sure I have studied everything that was ever written about Lincoln. I have learned so much about his character I believe I know how he thought,” said Johnson.
The historian brought his Abraham Lincoln interpretation to the Main Library Wednesday morning for an audience of more than 200 Duval County Public School students. That’s just one type of audience he performs for and he carries a collection of Lincoln’s quotes, favorite topics and humor with him wherever he goes. Johnson selects the material for each show based on the age and interests of the audience with care because, he said, “Some of the stories Lincoln liked to tell would not be appropriate for all audiences.”
One thing that’s consistent no matter the audience is Honest Abe’s humorous side.
“Lincoln had a gift called a sense of humor. Not all of our presidents have had that,” said Johnson. “He once said his mother taught him not to take life too seriously.”
Lincoln is remembered for his stories, Johnson said, because he told so many and used stories to deflect questions he didn’t care to answer, which is a shrewd political strategy.
“He often began his answer to a question with the phrase, ‘That reminds me of a story.’ By the time he finished telling the story, the question was often forgotten,” said Johnson.
Another aspect of Johnson’s life is a decision he made in 1988 when he began his career as an interpreter of historic characters.
“That was the time when computers started being part of our lives,” he said. “I made the choice 20 years ago to stay away from computers and technology. I have never used a computer and I rarely watch television. I’ve stayed unplugged and I think that has been a great advantage for my career.”
Abraham Lincoln is the latest in a series of programs that have brought historically-accurate live performances to audiences at the Main Library.
“Events like bringing Abraham Lincoln to the stage are part of the overall thrust of the library,” said Jacksonville Public Libraries Associate Jay Mooney. “It gives people the opportunity to learn about history in a live context and we’re sure it will lead to some of the people in the audience reading books about Abraham Lincoln because they want to learn more about his life.”
Johnson said when he leaves Jacksonville he will make his way toward Washington, D.C. for a special performance Feb. 14 at the U.S. Capital that will be part of this year’s Presidents Day observance. Lincoln would have celebrated his 200th birthday in 2009 and Johnson has already been informed there may be a special guest with a backstage pass at the show.
“They told me not to be surprised if a tall, skinny lawyer from Illinois comes to see me. I understand there’s another one in the Oval Office now,” he said.
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