The Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858 tackled the day's most passionate issue - slavery. Taken directly from the transcripts, "The Rivalry" recreates the face off between Abraham Lincoln, rising Illinois legislator and abolitionist candidate of the newly formed Republican party, and Senator Stephen A. Douglas, the Democratic incumbent and champion of states' rights. The series of seven debates that took place in seven Congressional districts were conducted in a fever of partisanship as the nation listened. Brass bands played, and the press vilified or glorified the opponents, depending on which side they took.

Although Douglas was re-elected Senator from Illinois, the debates brought Lincoln into the national consciousness and helped send him on to the presidency.

Parallels in Corwin's 1958 script to the current contest between Obama and McCain are striking.

A live big screen viewing of the third Obama-McCain debate, followed by analysis by an historian of presidential debates, will be offered prior to the Wednesday evening performance during a pre-show salon dinner (separate admission price).

Performances of The Rivalry take place on Wednesday, October 15 at 8 pm; Thursday, October 16 at 8 pm; Friday, October 17 at 8 pm; Saturday, October 18 at 2:30 pm; and Sunday, October 19 at 4 pm. For tickets and information, call the L.A. Theatre Works box office at (310) 827-0889 or go to www.latw.org.

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