A new original musical, WoodWork, will debut on Sunday, October 26 from 7:30 to 8:30 PM at Paradigm Theaters in Fort Lauderdale. Written by 14-year-old playwright and producer Elai, the 25-minute performance offers a powerful look at the early life of Abraham Lincoln, from humble beginnings to his rise as a leader. The showing also invites audience feedback to help shape a future full-length production.
WoodWork: The Musical tells Lincoln’s story twice, once through dialogue and once through music and movement, blending traditional storytelling with emotional physical expression. Each scene pairs spoken moments with musical counterparts, revealing both Lincoln’s public actions and his inner thoughts.
The production features choreography and creative direction by Keyla, whose movement work brings emotional depth and rhythm to the story. Together, Elai and Keyla crafted a family-friendly performance that combines music, storytelling, and staging to show how even small beginnings can lead to extraordinary legacies.
“This show isn’t just about Lincoln. It’s about resilience, hard work, and finding light even in the hardest moments,” said Elai, creator of WoodWork: The Musical.
“I wanted to show that greatness can come from anywhere, and that even the smallest beginnings can lead to something extraordinary.”
The performance is free to attend with RSVP, as part of an open feedback event designed to gather audience reactions ahead of a potential expanded run.
WoodWork is an original, student-created, family-friendly musical that presents the life of Abraham Lincoln through both script and song. The 25-minute showcase, to be held on Sunday, October 26 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Paradigm Theaters (1820 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304), represents the first step toward a full-scale production. Blending historical storytelling, choreography, and original music, the performance offers a fresh perspective on Lincoln’s humanity and legacy. Guests can RSVP at https://evite.me/97dDgu8jXn.
