Composer Frank Wildhorn's The Civil War, his collaboration with writer Gregory Boyd and Jack Murphy, has been nominated for a Tony as Best Musical.
The book-free show -- called a "concept concert" by some -- was one of three Wildhorn scores playing on Broadway when it opened April 22 at the St. James Theatre (Jekyll & Hyde is still running, The Scarlet Pimpernel has since closed).
The production, subtitled "our story in song," directed by Jerry Zaks, had a previous regional viewing at Houston's Alley Theatre, where Boyd is artistic director. Zaks took over the show, recast it and it played a brief tryout in New Haven, CT.
The musical draws on letters, historical figures, tensions and passions of the infamous war between the states.
Several concept albums appeared prior to the show.
Top-billed producers are Pierre Cossette, PACE Theatrical Group/SFX Entertainment, Bomurwil Productions, Kathleen Raitt and Jujamcyn Theaters.