The Molly Maguires

The tale of the Molly Maguires, which was made into a successful Paramount movie in the late 60’s, will soon have a new incarnation. A new musical, entitled The Molly Maguires, will have its premiere at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts in Wilkes-Barre, PA. This special 4 performance run is part of a month-long festival celebrating the achievements of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s coal miners and, especially, their contribution to the advancement of social justice in the United States.

Set in 1877 in the coal fields of Pennsylvania, The Molly Maguires is the tale of a secret society of immigrant Irish mine workers who fight against prejudice and injustice in the mining industry.

Jim Burke, who was the chief financial officer of Paramount Pictures when The Molly Maguires was made, is at the helm of this new production. Burke, who hales from Wilkes-Barre and whose heritage is steeped in the Mollies tradition, decided to bring this work home to its roots.

The book is by William Strzempek; music and lyrics by Sid Cherry; direction by Sheryl Kaller; production design by Charles Corcoran and lighting by Michael Gilliam. John McDaniel is musical director and conductor.