Todd Almond presents Slow Train Coming in conversation with Gwen Walz

The incredible journey of a musical from potential disaster to success, and the Broadway industry that managed to stay alive during the pandemic shutdown of 2020-22.
Despite historic, seemingly insurmountable setbacks of four openings, Bob Dylan and Conor McPherson's musical Girl from the North Country became a critical Broadway hit. Opening on Broadway in the middle of an unprecedented moment, Slow Train Coming is a book about pressing on in the face of extreme adversity. Actor and playwright Todd Almond's behind-the-scenes oral history weaves his personal first-hand account of starring in the show with exclusive interviews and reflections from fellow cast members and the creative team.

Todd Almond is an acclaimed performer, songwriter, and playwright. His recent performance on Broadway in Girl from the North Country was called “stunning” by The Washington Post and “roof-raising, uplifting, and invigorating” by Hollywood Reporter. His musical The Odyssey, for which he wrote the book, music and lyrics, was hailed as “brash, funny and heart-stirring” by The New York Times. His theater piece Kansas City Choir Boy was called “awesome, slyly punk rock” by Rolling Stone. His original musical I’m Almost There played at the Edinburgh Fringe and New York’s Minetta Lane Theater in 2024. Slow Train Coming is his first book.

Gwen Walz, Minnesota's 39th First Lady, is a lifelong Minnesotan dedicated to serving her home state. From teaching in public, alternative, and migrant schools, Gwen's dedication to education is an example of that commitment. Currently, Gwen teaches a graduate class at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Gwen is an advocate for education in America’s criminal justice system as well. She has worked across the country to bring educational opportunities to incarcerated women and men. Gwen believes that education transforms corrections. Her goal is to expand education, reduce recidivism rates and transform lives.

Throughout her life, Gwen has been committed to building a more just and equitable world. From teaching at prisons and promoting criminal justice reform, to advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, Gwen's desire to learn from and work with others to advance meaningful change is her guiding principle.

After living in Mankato for decades, Gwen now lives in St. Paul with her husband, Tim, and their son, Gus. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Urban Debate League and is a board member for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

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