The Civil War The Musical

Music- Frank Wildhorn, Book- Gregory Boyd, Lyrics- Jack Murphy

Recommended Resources

Plot Summary & Audition Tips

List of Characters in The Civil War

The Civil War 1998 Studio Cast Recording

The Civil War Sheet Music

Drawing on letters, diaries, firsthand accounts, and the words of Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass and Walt Whitman, “The Civil War” is a thrilling, gut-wrenching and awe-inspiring "dramatic theatrical concert" that covers the enormous emotional landscape of the most difficult test our nation has ever endured. This epic thematic revue, reminiscent of Ken Burns’ acclaimed documentary, puts a human face on the greatest tragedy of American history, exploring not only the experiences of the soldiers and leaders who fought for their way of life and the lovers and families they left behind, but also the hopes and fears of the slaves whose freedom was at stake. It passionately asks us to consider our beliefs about freedom, honor and faith.

A flexible, multi-ethnic cast of dramatic singers shines in a parade of emotional, showstopping numbers which encompass the range of American popular music, from Gospel, Folk and Country to Rock to Rhythm and Blues.

18 Men, 4 must be African-American;

 

7 Women, 2 must be African-American

 

The cast of characters play multiple roles some of which make up three diverse groups of people: African-American slaves, white Confederate and Union soldiers and the wives of the soldiers. The African-American performers can be of a more mature age than the others, who should be in the 18-30 range.

The performer who plays the Confederate Captain should be able to play the guitar to accompany himself singing "I'll Never Pass This Way Again".

The Civil War Related Websites

Audition Preparation Materials

List of Songs in The Civil War - Click song title for sheet music download

• Brother, My Brother (Lochran)
• A House Divided (Sam, Nathaniel, Pierce, Sarah, Bill, Lochran)
• By The Sword/Sons Of Dixie (Lochran, Men)
• The Peculiar Institution (Benjamin, Exter, Douglass, Bessie, Clayton, Slaves, Southern Belles)
• If Prayin’ Were Horses (Clayton, Bessie)
• Missing You (My Bill) (Sarah)
• Judgment Day (Pierce, Lochran, Sam)
• Virginia (Pierce)
• Freedom's Child (Frederick Douglass, All)
• Tell My Father (Union Soldier)
• This Old Gray Coat (Confederate Soldier, Captain, Soldiers)
• I Never Knew His Name (Sarah)
• Father, How Long? (Clayton)
• Someday (Harriet, Bessie, Ensemble)
• How Many Devils (Soldiers)
• I’ll Never Pass This Way Again (Confederate Captain)
• Candle in the Window (Harriet, Sarah, Bessie)
• The Day the Sun Stood Still (Confederate Captain, Union Captain)
• River Jordan (Benjamin, Ensemble)
• Sarah (Bill)
• The Honor of Your Name (Sarah)
• Northbound Train (Union Captain)
• Last Waltz for Dixie (Pierce, Ensemble)
• The Glory (Lochran, Union Soldiers, Confederate Captain, Confederate Soldiers, Pierce, Woman 1, All)