Waiting for a Train: The Life and Songs of Jimmie Rodgers

Waiting for a Train: The Life and Songs of Jimmie Rodgers follows Rodgers’ path through drama, song and dance along with images of the early 20th century. The play explores Rodgers’ childhood adventures performing in medicine shows, his work on the railroad and his early tutelage from black musicians he encountered in these formative stages. The interwoven plot provides brief glimpses of his partnership with Ralph Peer who produced his recordings for the Victor label, his relationship with his wife Carrie and his collaborations with other songwriters and recording artists including Louis Armstrong and the Carter Family. Katherine Owens directs.