Keala Settle Finds Mary Lincoln's Echo

Keala Settle, globally recognized for her role in 'The Greatest Showman,' is now portraying Mary Lincoln in the London production of 'Mrs President.' This new stage venture, running for six weeks, delves into the psychological complexities of Abraham Lincoln's widow. Settle finds a deep personal connection to the character, stating she has "never related to anything so closely."

The play examines Mary Lincoln's struggle for self-definition amidst public vilification following her husband's assassination and the Civil War. Settle, who has navigated her own intense public attention since 'The Greatest Showman's' success, sees her own journey of self-acceptance reflected in Lincoln's experiences.

Settle's path to this role has been marked by considerable personal challenges. Following the immense success of 'The Greatest Showman,' she faced health crises, including Moyamoya disease, mini-stroke, and brain surgery, just before the Oscars ceremony. These experiences profoundly impacted her perspective on self-care and career choices.

Reflecting on her career, Settle noted that her role in 'The Greatest Showman' was a dream but admitted she was not fully prepared for its aftermath. The viral performance of 'This Is Me' occurred just four months after her mother's passing, a deeply emotional period for her. She now seeks projects that challenge her, embracing fear as a catalyst for growth.

'Mrs President' explores Mary Lincoln's life through encounters with photographer Mathew Brady. This production offers a stark contrast to the darkly comic Broadway hit 'Oh Mary!,' which also features the former first lady. Settle hopes audiences will see both herself and Mary Lincoln in a "brand new light."