"King of the Hobos"

"King of the Hobos": Solo Folk Musical Looks at the Life and Times of a Hobo Hero

"King of the Hobos" is a rare species of theater indeed: a new American folk-rock musical conceived, written and performed by one man. Perched atop a homemade cigar-box in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, New York actor-singer-poet Jara Jones presents an immersive homage to the great hobo icon James Eads, a real-life heir to a wealthy family who chose a transient lifestyle to bring awareness and help to homeless migrant workers. Jones plays charismatic hobo Gilly circa 1930, who uses his charm to trick strangers into attending an impromptu funeral for Eads, where he proceeds to regale them with a winning blend of stories and songs.