Parcel Players present "The Orphan Train"

Parcel Players, Oglebay Institute’s summer theater program, present The Orphan Train by Aurand Harris August 4-7 at Towngate Theatre.

About the play

The Orphan Train 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 from one of legendary playwrights for children, Aurand Harris. The staging creates a highly theatrical story, moving, amusing and always tellingly human.

Curtain is 7pm Thursday-Saturday. A 3pm matinee takes place Sunday, August 7.

All tickets are $10. Purchase online or call 304-242-7700.

Keeping the Community in Community Theater in Wheeling. . .

Towngate is a cornerstone of creative life in Wheeling and serves as an entertainment destination for residents of the Ohio Valley and beyond. People of all ages and backgrounds gather here to create and experience art onstage. Most of all, Towngate celebrates the essential power of theater to illuminate our common humanity. The community enjoys and participates in hundreds of live performances, classes and workshops year-round.