'The Cradle Will Rock'

Southwestern College Theatre Arts Department announces the first production of its 2023-2024 season, “The Cradle Will Rock”, by Marc Blitzstein. Written in 1936 and first produced in 1937, the groundbreaking musical comedy has been noted as a thoroughly American work, not only for its themes and its tunes, but in the ways is author captures the voice of the Depression-era working class in his musical phrasing.

“The Cradle Will Rock” is set in 1937 in Steeltown, USA, when the workers at the steel mill owned by Mr. Mister are on a drive to unionize their factory. Mister, a wealthy industrialist, holds Steeltown’s political, financial, social, and religious activities in his iron grip. He forms the Liberty Committee, (comprised of the local minister, newspaper editor, physician, university president, and others) to apply pressure on the working class to keep them from unionizing. Larry Foreman, leader of the union drive proves more than a match for Mister. The conflict rages when the union drive intensifies and threatens Mr. Mister’s hold on power.

As a composer, Blitzstein wrote in an advanced musical style, using a variety of rhythms, structures, and forms. His passion for the important issues he cared about are evident in the musical’s many songs, most notably “The Nickel Under Your Foot”, “The Cradle Will Rock”, and “Joe Worker” which all became anthems for the burgeoning union movement of the 1930s. The musical’s satirical, comedic style encompasses Bach’s fugue inventions, early 1900’s ragtime, 1920’s Charleston dance tunes, and heart-pounding modern ballads.

Directed by Ruff Yeager and musically directed by Imahni King, the creative team includes Mike Buckley – Scenic, Lighting, and Properties Designer; Jeanne Reith - Costume Designer; Brandon Watterson - Sound Designers. The cast is comprised of talented Southwestern College Theatre Arts majors.

The musical will feature on-stage cabaret seating as well as regular orchestra-level seating. Ticket prices are $20 (onstage seating), $15 for general admission. For ticket and show information, visit www.swctheatre.com