Crystal Theatre Publishing - Mother Jones <br />and the March of the Mill Children

	back to Plays
Mother Jones and the March of the Mill Children Raise A Little Hell! Book and Music By Cheryl E. Kemeny Perusal Script Scenes and Songs Cast of Characters Plot Summary Score Samples	Photos of a recent production
Age Range: Middle School to Adult Cast Size: 15-30 male roles, 15-30 female roles Running Time: Approx. 2 hours
“Mother Jones, and the March of the Mill Children”, an historical- biographical musical written by Cheryl E. Kemeny, details a period in the life of the amazing “Mother Jones” (Mary Harris Jones), an elderly advocate for child labor laws in the early 1900’s. This dynamic and controversial union organizer was called “the miners’ angel” by poor workers and “the most dangerous woman in America” by big business interests.
	Our musical focuses on the “Mill-children’s March”, organized and led by Mother Jones in 1903. She led a 22-day march of children and adult mill-workers from Kensington, PA to the summer home of Teddy Roosevelt in Oyster Bay, Long Island. Although President Roosevelt refused to see the marchers, Mother Jones succeeded in gaining national press for her cause, which led to the enactment of laws protecting children in many states.
This show has the most impact when performed by a mixed age-group, but it also succeeds with middle school and high school groups alone. With powerful, dramatic music, the show takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride of emotions while calling our attention to the issue of child-labor – a problem throughout the rest of our world even today.
Click title to see an Adobe PDF file score sample , or 'real audio' to hear a clip: Raise A Little Hell: solos and ensemble singing,"...Get a little heaven of your own... If you Raise A Little Hell!" [real audio] Factory Song: Large ensemble piece with various solos and dialogue, "..Seventy-two hours and two dollars for a week barely pays for food and a roof with a leak.." [real audio] Deep In The Arms of Sleep: solo lullaby for young singer, "...far from the eyes of the world outside , Deep In The Arms of Sleep..." [real audio] Kensington To Oyster Bay: large ensemble marching piece across various scenes. Many solos, sung and spoken.,"..We only ask for human rights. Their reply is "Go to jail!"..." [real audio] Things Left Undone: Big solo piece for Mary Jo - opens Act II, "...Now it's begun, payment for Things Left Undone.." [real audio] (Before My) Final Bow: Soul-searching duet with Old and Young Mother Jones, "...Restore that younger part of me that would not let injustice be!" [real audio]
Crystal Theatre Publishing 12 June Avenue Norwalk, CT 06850 Phone & Fax: (203) 847-4850 crystalt@crystaltheatrepublishing.com