Synopsis: You wouldn’t look twice at Peggy Jo. She’s a good daughter, always tips, plays by the rules – but when she dons a fake beard, sunglasses, and ten-gallon hat, she becomes “Cowboy Bob”- the slickest bank robber Texas has ever known. And she may just be the life-affirming inspiration one waitress in a Dallas Chili’s badly needs to buck routine and take control of her own life. Equal parts Riot Grrrl rage and Texas twang, this world premiere musical loosely based on actual events – and co-authored by Galveston’s own Molly Beach Murphy – invites audiences to join the heist, take life by the reins, and let it ride. Loosely based on a prolific Texas bank robber, Peggy Jo.
Artistic Statement: “Cowboy Bob is a thrilling new musical created by three women that inspires with its story of a hotel receptionist and chain-restaurant waitress finding their own way to buck the status-quo. While we are delighted to launch a musical that we expect to excite audiences all over the country, Cowboy Bob also speaks to our mission to support writers from our region (book writer Molly Beach Murphy is from Galveston, an hour from Houston) and tell Texas stories (the piece is set in Dallas and is based on the memorable real-life news story of bank robber Peggy Jo Tallas).” - Rob Melrose, Artistic Director
Grant Statement: “Producing a new musical is very expensive. The support of the Edgerton Foundation is critical to the Alley having adequate rehearsal time and support of all the personal that are involved in the production of Cowboy Bob.” - Dean Gladden, Managing Director
Music and lyrics: Jeanna Phillips
Book and additional lyrics: Molly Beach Murphy
Additional music: Alex Thrailkill.
Directed and choreographed: Annie Tippe
Presented by special arrangement with Sally Cade Holmes and David Denson of Red Tail Entertainment