Music from "Ridin' the Rails"

RIDING THE RAILS
Book and Lyric by Ann Schulman
Music by Gary Rue

Synopsis

At the height of the Great Depression an estimated 250,000 children roamed America by jumping on trains. RIDING THE RAILS, an hour long musical written for an ensemble of children to perform, is a fictional account of these child hobos. The play tells the story of world-wise Sam, who gives newcomer Rook a hand. Rook and Sam meet wily Jumpin' Joe and a whole chorus of hobos. During the course of their adventures, Rook learns "the rules of the road" and Sam learns to trust her new friend.

The piece was produced at SteppingStone Theatre in 2002 and won honorable mention in the Jackie White Memorial National Playwriting Contest.

Run Time: 60 minutes
Cast: 12-15, ages 7-17

Performed by A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION'S Pat Donohue: