First High School In The US To Perform ‘Orphan Train’
Bishop Luers High School made history this past weekend with their performances of the musical Orphan Train. They are the first high school in the United States to perform this musical!
Orphan Train book author L. E. McCullough and Orphan Train Music Director Doug Katsaros travelled from out of state to attend the opening performance! McCullough is a prize-winning journalist and author who has written 52 books of fiction, non-fiction, and plays, including 177 published stage and script works. Katsaros has a lengthy theatre résumé that includes writing the opening theme and special material for the Tony Awards. The Bishop Luers theater cast had a special meet-and-greet with them after the show. Read their full bios here: orphantrainmusical.wordpress.com/creative-team/ .
This performance followed the stories of six orphans who were sent by train to Iowa homes in the 1870s, away from their home city of New York. The musical is based on true events, where a visionary minister sent “surplus children” away from the city to find homes and work in the countryside.
Before the two performances last weekend, Susan Ensley, a descendant of an orphan who rode on the Orphan Train, addressed the audience. She talked about her great-grandfather Fred, who came west on the Orphan Train.
McCullough’s wife Lisa Bansavage said, “So impressed by Bishop Luers High School mounting a production of Orphan Train, book by L.E. McCullough, lyrics by the late Michael Barry Greer, and music by the incredible Doug Katsaros. We witnessed some future musical theatre stars! Congratulations to everyone involved in this production, and deep appreciation to Karlene Krouse for phenomenal direction and her generosity and hospitality!”
Bishop Luers says it is proud to be the first high school in the United States to perform this musical, and honored to have welcomed the book author and composer to the opening performance! Learn more about the theater program at bishopluers.org .
Bishop Luers High School is a Catholic secondary education committed to providing an education rooted in faith, service, and academic excellence while fostering an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. The school strives to develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared to lead and serve in their communities with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to the values of Christ. To learn more, visit BishopLuers.org .
> Read More Information About Us
> More Articles Written By Our Staff
- Monsters & Music To Light Up The Dance Collective Stage - October 10, 2025
- Pottery Tour Debuts Celebration Of Clay, Craft & Community - October 10, 2025
- ‘Salute To Service’ 5K To Honor Veterans & Service Dog Training - October 10, 2025