Mercy Train

Libretto by Julie Tosh-Coles
Music by Douglas Levine

Francie and Sissy awaken on a train in Texas (circa 1928) to discover their mother has left them alone with their baby sister, Rose. When they learn from Mule, a street rat, that they're on an Orphan Train bound for a new life, they're not at all resigned to their fate. Meanwhile, Elise and Frankie, skipping school on a present day NYC subway train to Coney Island, encounter an old woman with a mysterious gold locket. This 75 minute family friendly opera traverses the past and present to examine themes of sibling love, friendship, and how individuals both young and old deal with abandonment and loss.

With an ethnically diverse cast of five and a chamber orchestration for seven instruments that blends classical with pop and jazz styles, Mercy Train was commissioned and given its world premiere by The Microscopic Opera Company in Pittsburgh, 2015.

For inquiries about Mercy Train, please email Doug.

Trailer from Microscopic Opera Company’s 2015 world premiere production of Mercy Train:

Cast: Emily Burns, Anqwenique Wingfield, John Teresi, Christopher Scott, Mary Beth Sederburg.

Musicians: Ashley Freeburn (Violin), Jason Hohn (Viola), Katya Janpoladyan (Cello), Curtis Johnson (Woodwinds), Jack Kurutz (Keyboard), Ryan McMasters (Bass), R.J. Heid (Percussion)