The play tells the story of nine orphans on an “orphan train” that left New York City on May 28, 1914. The train travels to Midwestern towns in search of homes, any homes, anywhere for the orphaned and unwanted children. There’s Mary, Evie, spunky Pegeen, Annie and Little Lucy, a quiet one. Other orphans include Frank (who later becomes Frankie, a small girl), Raymond, Lucky and Danny the song-and-dance boy. And there are the men and women hoping for children. The lonesome whistle wails as the train chugs between encounters of anxiety, laughter, wistfulness, rejection and acceptance. Eight stories unfold, each a memorable surprise. The Orphan Train is a charming heart-warmer and all we expect from one of legendary playwrights for children, Aurand Harris. The staging creates a highly theatrical story, moving, amusing and always tellingly human.
POSTPONED
THIS SHOW HAS BEEN POSTPONED. TICKETS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE.
February 9 – 18
By Aurand Harris
Directed by Anita Hoffman
Auditions
When: December 11th & 12th 4pm-6pm.
Where: Cascades Theatrical Company 148 NW Greenwood Avenue Bend, OR 97703
Who can audition: The Orphan Train is a Cascades Theatre Teen Program Production so we are looking for mostly teens to audition but we do have 2-4 roles in this play that adult actors can play! See characters below.
Be prepared with:
➭ A monologue that shows your strengths and is a minute in length.
➭ A (a cappella) song that you are comfortable with that conveys your talent (don’t be afraid to audition if you aren’t a singer, we are open to anyone)
STAGE CREW VOLUNTEERING
If you are interested in volunteering for Stage Crew, please click here to be taken to the Stage Crew Interest Form.
CHARACTERS
CHILDREN/TEENS:
Newsboy – Loud, power energy, wants your attention
Mary – unsure, wants to please, quiet survivor
Frank/Frankie – (dressed as boy) always moving, watching, assessing, rarely still.
Raymond – Journey is weakness to strength in voice and body. Physical role with use of a crutch and limp.
Evie – Wise to toe world. She’s seen life and it hasn’t been easy. A survivor and reluctantly hopeful.
Lucky – A wise acre, smart aleck, along for the ride, but not afraid. Can make lemonade from lemons. Will always land on his feet.
Pegeen – Calls for irish dialect, but only if actor can do it convincingly
Henry – Starts as a bully, ends as an ally
Danny – Musical, clever, observant, a people pleaser and entertainer. Likes attention
Annie – Bigger and awkward when alone. A tiger protecting her cub (Lucy) they must be adopted together.
Little Lucy (small child) – Sweet faced and small. Nonverbal but expressive face. Carries doll with her always
ADULTS:
Mrs. Herndon – severe, quick to anger
Mr. Williams – Quiet, slow to rile, loud when needed
Henry Snyder – kind and thoughtful
Hannah – resigned, kind
Carnival Man/Woman – brusque but kind. Quirky
James – NOT a creeper! Loves Emily and wants what’s best for her alone.
Emily – Mourning? Distracted and withdrawn. Can’t see how James feels about her.
Woman 1 – Shrill, alarming, distrustful
Man 1 – Defensive, protective? Doesn’t want to be bested by a kid
Teacher – stern, boorish, mean
Old Man/Woman – nostalgic, eccentric, funny, warm, kind
Lady – Musical, will sing with Danny
Man 2 – Farmer, thoughtful, down to earth
Man 3 – blunt, practical
Woman 2 – haughty, insensitive
LOCATION: The play moves from a street in New York City to various Midwestern towns.
TIME: Around 1910-1914.