The Orphan Train

From 1853 through 1929, New York’s Children’s Aid Society set up what is now believed to be the basis of the current foster care system. Back then, however, this meant rounding up tons of homeless children, putting them on a train, and sending them out to the mid west in the hopes of finding new homes. During the run of these trains – commonly referred to as “orphan trains” – the Children’s Aid Society re-homed close to 250,000 children.

This one-act play written by Aurand Harris is loosely based on children on one of the orphan trains during 1912. Originally written for 22 actors, this production has cast only four – Noelia Antweiler, Andrew Gelles, Jeremy Madia, and Genny Yosco* – to play every single role, as adults and children.

*This actor is appearing courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.