A Cowboy Lullaby at Rubicon Theatre Company

A COWBOY LULLABY weaves a musical journey through the American West, blending familiar cowboy classics with unexpected songs of the era and contemporary songs inspired by the themes of frontier life. Audiences will encounter an array of campfire tunes, cowboy anthems, and soulful ballads, ranging from standards like “Home on the Range” and “Tumblin’ Tumbleweeds,” to songs by Gene Autry, Patsy Cline, Marty Robbins and Riders of the Purple Sage, to selections by Gordon Lightfoot, The Eagles, and even “Rocky Raccoon” by The Beatles. This dynamic mix of music, combined with original cowboy poetry written and arranged by O'Neil, honors the spirit of the American cowboy while resonating with modern audiences. 

Through this heartfelt celebration, the show explores both well-known and lesser-seen aspects of the West, recognizing the contributions of Mexican vaqueros, Native American influences, and other cultural voices that shaped the frontier. Songs like “The Vaquero Song,” partially sung in Spanish, emphasize this diversity. “Cowboy songs are America’s folk music, rich with themes of freedom and adventure that resonate to this day," says O'Neil. "Our hope is that this show inspires audiences to think about what those ideals mean in today’s world.”

The concert promises a powerful blend of humor, nostalgia, and poignant storytelling, inviting audiences to reflect on the myths, themes, and enduring legacy of the American West. “The myths and legends of the Great American West are embedded in our national psyche,” says O’Neil. “Through song, poetry, and story, we hope A COWBOY LULLABY will capture the sacrifice, the wisdom, the homespun humor, and the expansive sense of possibility that defined that time. Saddle up!”