Everyone knows the story of how President Abraham Lincoln died. But what happened afterward? What became of his eccentric wife, First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, and their son Robert? Though not everyone knows it, the tale of their battle of wills is as thrilling as American history gets.

Writer June Bingham and composer Carmel Owen explore the dark psychological warfare and unique historical conditions that drove Robert Lincoln to have his mother wrongfully committed to an insane asylum. Imprisoned at a time when women had few rights, Mary must draw on all her strength and cleverness, as well as a few courageous friends and the memory of her husband, to fight the system and set herself free. A haunting character study of a strong-willed woman and a dangerous man, Asylum makes history come alive.

“Touching and historically scrupulous.”

The Washington Times

“I loved working on this musical as did our actors and musicians. It was an amazing exeprience that all of us will treasure!! We expanded the orchestration and worked with the composer/lyricist to make additional special improvements in the script. It was one of the hits of our 2010 season - audiences came back multiple times to see it!! Our production - with the revised book and the expanded orchestrations - has freed the show from it's "opera" confines and relased it into the realm of sweeping musical theater!! This work has enormous potential for theaters of all sizes, anywhere in the world. The story of Mary Todd Lincoln may be American by birth, but the larger story is universal, empowering, uplifting and truly entertaining! For any theater who is looking to produce theater that is artistic, accessible, moving and one to please audiences, you have found that show with ASYLUM: THE STRANGE CASE OF MARY LINCOLN! .”

Brett A. Bernardini, the Founding Artistic Director & CEO of the Spirit of Broadway Theater

"...the music takes center stage. Owen is onto something with her music...laudable moments of Puccini proportions."

David Fuller NYTheater.com

"...music that's interesting at almost every turn...with arrangements that keep us listening intently."

Steven Suskin Variety

"...a worthy musical...Ms. Bingham's book has both humor and suspense and deft dialogue...Ms. Owen's music sounds like no one else's."

John Simon Bloomberg.com