March 21 – May 19
PAINT YOUR WAGON brings us the story of the wandering gold miner in the Old West. Ben Rumson discovers gold, and soon finds a community growing up that bears his name. After much hesitation Ben is finally convinced to send the only woman in Rumson, his daughter Jennifer, east to school. He takes this step too late, though, as Jennifer has already fallen in love with a Mexican miner, Julio.
Jacob Woodling, a Mormon, arrives in town with his two wives. He is prompted to auction his wife Elizabeth to the highest bidder, who is Ben. Some time later Jennifer runs away from school and goes home to find Rumson a poor, busted town. Even Julio has left to look for a lake of gold. Jennifer and Julio are finally reunited. Ben begins to dream, preparing to once again roam after his wand’rin’ star.
The book and lyrics are fresh, imaginative and entertaining in their brightness. The music helps portray the dreaming, hoping, weary, gold bummer who is not certain where he is heading, but who is always ready to paint his wagon and go. Hit songs include I Still See Elisa, I Talk To The Trees, Wand’rin’ Star, Take The Wheels Off The Wagon, They Call The Wind Maria, Another Autumn and Hand Me Down That Can 0′ Beans.