Orphan Train
by Dennis North

Orphan Train Book Cover
Orphan Train Cover

Highlights

105 mins 1920s Reduced Casting (Doubling Possible) Bare Stage/Simple Set Period Costumes American

Synopsis

In the late 1920s, close to a million orphans roamed the dirty streets of New York City.

A very fortunate few were placed on Orphan Trains and sent west, looking for loving homes.

Nettie MacCleary, a young Kansas farm wife, is devastated by the loss of her baby.

Nettie has a gift - one that tells her to somehow hold on...that her dead child will return to her.

The last Orphan Train departs New York City, and the two abusive Placing Agents in charge have decided to make this final trip their most personally profitable.

A last-minute orphan is added to their cargo - a mysterious little boy with no past.

The boy is guided and guarded by a "friend" only he can see.

Worlds of faith and evil, love and greed collide as the train makes its' way to Kansas.

Characters

Character
Tyler Maccleary

Nettie's husband, a hard-working farmer

Grace

A young Angel, waif-like face with a ruddy, windblown complexion

Mrs. Leech

Corrupt Orphan Train Placing Agent

Mr. Leech

Her husband

Hypacia

An African-American woman who works on the MacCleary farm

Rufus

Hypacai's husband, a farm hand at MacClearys. Rufus and Hypacia are like family to the MacClearys.

Jake

Young orphan

Conrad Strachen

The local banker, sharp features, a true bean counter, bottom-line man

Gladys Strachen

Spinster sister of Conrad, warm and simple, still cherishes the belief that her brother is in the banking business to help people

Emmett

Local sheriff, good-hearted man juyst trying to do his job

Reverend

Town pastor, genuinely concerned for his flock

Willis

Musician and farmer

Harlen

Farmer

Tom Mason

Farmer

Douglas

The grocer

Dorene

Douglas' wife

Maylene

Dorene's friend

Miss. Baxter

Placing agent

Walter

The porter

Sheriff

In New Light

Mayor

Of Bluff Creek

Palmer

The station master

Angel Chorus

Optional

Nettie Maccleary

Strong willed Kansas farm wife

Publication

Publisher Samuel French
ISBN-13 9780573701894
ISBN-10 057370189X

Orphan Train is a American play written by Dennis North and published by Samuel French .

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Performance Rights

Available for Licensing
Amateur Only
Fee: Minimum Fee: $110 per performance

Restrictions: Major Markets Only (US) / Standard Restriction (UK)

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