A Strangely American ‘Celebration’

In the weeks and months after John Wilkes Booth shot Abraham Lincoln, would anyone in the United States have fathomed that a national audience would someday settle in for a gala called “An American Celebration at Ford’s Theatre”?

Such an incongruous extravaganza is no longer new--tonight’s special on ABC at 9 marks the 22nd telecast of an event from Ford’s since it reopened in 1968, 103 years after Lincoln’s assassination there. And indeed, to see Stevie Wonder rev through “Superstition” with the swift precision of a Formula One driver is reason enough to hail American culture without reservation.

But however much one moves forward, it is difficult reconciling what is essentially a national talent show (Mandy Moore sings! David Copperfield does tricks!) with the site of one of America’s greatest tragedies--mere months after the country’s most recent tragedy.

We’re not talking about a moment of silence before “the show must go on.” “An American Celebration” goads us into remembering just as we’re forgetting and forgetting just as we’re remembering.

Tony winner Kristen Chenoweth belts out a stylish Broadway-style showcase number. She bows, and John Spencer of “The West Wing” enters with gravitas to remind us, as Lincoln said, “freedom is the last, best hope on Earth.” A commercial break, and then it’s back to good ol’ entertainment with a pop tune from country group Shedaisy.

Fine performances all, but altogether kind of unsettling. Perhaps the best argument for “An American Celebration,” in all its contradictions, is as a post-Sept. 11 time capsule, evidence of an America in transition, an America sometimes artfully, sometimes awkwardly continuing the pursuit of happiness while trying to respect those who no longer can.