the story
Jerry’s life is a trainwreck.
His fiery Irish grandmother Maggie is losing her mind, his mom wants to put her in a home, and his boyfriend is ready to take a hike. Could a bunch of dusty model trains and old stories fix things?
He’s counting on it.
He fills their living room with the model trains Maggie gave him growing up. Convinced they will trigger her memories, he draws her into their beloved childhood storytelling game. Each flip of a switch resurrects stories from her adventures on a multitude of trains. Together they dive into the colorful, musical, and sometimes terrifying landscape of Maggie’s mind.
She remembers it all.
Until she doesn’t.
And Jerry is left with an impossible decision.
“RAILS” blends the poignant queer family drama of “Fun Home” with the exuberant theatricality of “The Drowsy Chaperone”. It’s a celebration of storytelling as a lifeline—preserving the heartbreak, triumph, struggle, and joy that shape every life.
setting
the main action
1978, the family room of a nice brownstone home in Chicago’s Lincoln Park
maggie’s stories
“Boxcar Maggie” – 1920, various locations in Ireland and the U.S.
“Train Wreck” – 1937, the bar car of a train heading to Chicago
“The Last Time” – 1946, train depot in Terre Haute, IN
characters
(most play multiple roles)
JERRY (40 / Male)
Maggie’s 40-year-old grandson. A spoiled man-boy, seeking answers in all the wrong places. In the end, one truly unselfish act helps him begin to grow up.
MAGGIE (75 / Female)
Jerry’s Irish grandmother; living with dementia, but still retains a major touch of the blarney. She is 75, but jumps into the stories of her own life at ages 16, 34 and 42.
PETE (25 / Male)
Jerry’s live-in boyfriend. Patient, but growing weary, as Maggie’s care falls more to him.
CHRISTINE (57 / Female)
Maggie’s daughter, Jerry’s estranged mother. A survivor whose sardonic humor masks a secret that is a deep burden.
CALLIE (40 / Female)
Maggie’s employer and eventually her lover. Has overcome many obstacles to become a successful businesswoman.
YOUNG JERRY (9 / Male)
A figure mostly in Maggie’s mind. Nine years old; filled with promise, mixed with fear and confusion.
YOUNG CHRISTINE (20s / Female)
Jerry’s mother at a younger age. Self-centered and defiant, but eventually makes the ultimate sacrifice for her child.
JACKSON (20s / Male)
Christine’s husband & Jerry’s father. Moves from gentle soul to wounded and abusive war veteran.
EARL (40s / Male)
Jackson’s father. Stern, bigoted, blames the world for his failure.
