Orphan trains travelled across America and Canada from 1854 to 1929. They brought children without families to different places to be sold for labor or to find a new family to adopt them. Children were as young as babies and as old as teenagers.

The Orphan Train puts an exciting twist on a fascinating part of American History. Told through acting and song the play teaches the audience about much more than just what the orphan trains were. It gives a small view at what children experienced as they travelled by train in search of a family.

The play is filled with inspiring action. Each happy ending for a child travelling on the orphan train instills a piece of hope within the audience.

The singing seemed a little out of place. Though the songs were catchy and helped to keep the upbeat and hopeful theme of the story, it made the story seem much less factual. The play is realistic fiction, and when the characters broke out into song it felt much less realistic.

Viewers will enjoy this play if they enjoy inspiring stories. It is an interesting part of American history, but specifically Minnesota history.

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐∙

4 out of 5 stars

The play shows until Dec. 18 at the History Theater in St. Paul, Minnesota. Tickets are $15 for students.