Overview

Synopsis

Jesus Hopped the A Train tells the story of several inmates of Rikers Prison who are awaiting charges for murder. Angel Cruz is a young Puerto Rican man incarcerated for shooting a cult leader after said person “stole” his best friend. When the cult leader dies during surgery, Angel suddenly finds himself facing murder charges. Added to the mix are Lucius Jenkins, a serial killer turned born-again Christian, and Valdez, a sadistic corrections officer. Jesus Hopped first opened off-Broadway in November of 2000. It was directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman (yes, that Philip Seymour Hoffman) and ran until the end of December that same year. Two years later a similar production was mounted at London’s Donmar Warehouse. Jesus Hopped was fairly well received by critics and though it did not pick up any major awards in its US run, it was nominated for an Olivier Award in the UK in the category of Best New Play in 2003.

Show Information

Book
Stephen Adly Guirgis
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2000
Genres
Drama
Time & Place
rikers island prison, new york, present day
Cast Size
small
Licensor
Dramatists Play Service
Ideal For
Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen Characters, Small Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Angel Cruz

Lead

Male

Lucius Jenkins

Lead

Male

Mary Jane Hanrahan

Supporting

Female

Valdez

Supporting

Male

D'Amico

Featured

Male

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

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Key Terms

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Guide Written By:

Laura Baronet

Laura Baronet