Instrumentation
5 reeds (1-fl/picc/cl/asax, 2-ob/cl/tsax, 3-cl/tsax, 4-cl/bcl/tsax, 5-bsn/cl/bsax) - 2220 - perc(1) - gtr - 2 vln I.vln II.vla.vlc.db
Availability
Published by Warner/Chappell. Administered for hire and stage rights worldwide (excluding North America) by Faber Music Ltd. Vocal selection on sale.
For more information on Paint Your Wagon, and to see our full catalogue of stage musicals for hire,
The Story
(1853 during the Californian Goldrush)
The story begins with Jennifer, Ben Rumson’s uneducated sixteen year old daughter, discovering gold
whilst running her hands through the dirt. News travels fast and prospectors from all around rush to Rumson Creek to make their fortunes. Being the only female, Jennifer has to deal with many ‘frustrated’
gold miners, but eventually strikes a close friendship with a Mexican called Julio. Ben realises that Jennifer is not such a “little girl” any more and decides that it is time for her to leave on the next eastbound coach to be educated. Jacob, a middle aged Mormon, arrives at Rumson and is only allowed to stay on the condition that he auctions one of two wives. After some deliberation he agrees and Elizabeth is sold to Ben, much to the disgust of Jennifer, who packs her bags and runs to Julio’s cabin in the mountains. After some discussion, she decides to go east to school, and return when Julio has made his fortune. Jake, a miner in his thirties, makes his money, builds a Music Hall and consequently sends for his wife, Cherry. With her she brings a wagon load of fandangos – much to the men’s delight! As with all good things, the gold begins to run out and slowly the men pack up and leave. Jennifer returns unexpectedly, intending to marry Julio, who she later learns has left for the mountains in search of gold. (She is now very noticeable a “young lady”!) News that gold has been struck forty miles away heralds a new gold rush, although Ben decides he cannot leave Rumson, his home town. The story ends when Julio returns, by chance, and Jennifer runs into his arms.
Principal Characters (plus Chorus)
Ben Jennifer Elizabeth
Steve Julio
Principal Musical Numbers
I’m On My Way (Steve, men)
I Talk To The Trees (Julio)
They Call The Wind Maria (Steve)
Whoop-Ti-Ay (Ben, chorus)
Carino Mio (Julio)
How Can I Wait (Jennifer)
Wanderin’ Star (Ben)
