Cradle Will Rock, The
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Music By Mark Blitzstein
Lyrics By Mark Blitzstein
Book/Libretto by: Mark Blitzstein
Produced by: John Houseman
Directed by: Orson Welles
Opened: January 3, 1938
Theatre: Windsor Theatre, (New York)
# of Performances: 104
Licensing Agent: Tams-Witmark
Synopsis
Moll, a streetwalker in "Steeltown USA," is arrested and finds herself in Night Court witnessing the arraignment of "The Liberty Committee," a handful of distinguished citizens who are opposed to organizing activities by the Steelworkers Union. In an ironic twist of fate, they have been mistaken for union organizers and arrested. A drunken vagrant, once a prospering pharmacist, explains to Moll how this minister, newspaper editor, doctor, college president, professor and artist have all sold their principles for money and power. The wealth and authority of Mister Mister, a leading industrial boss, has corrupted the city, and the process is also revealed in the committee members' furtive dialogues and strained efforts for release.
Ultimately the chief union organizer, Larry Foreman, is brought into court. An uncompromising and charismatic man, he exemplifies how one person can make a difference and gives hope to the bitter prostitute and druggist. When Steeltown's boss, Mister Mister, arrives at the courthouse to rescue his lackeys, he attempts to buy Foreman's loyalties but is rebuked. At the conclusion, word arrives that other unions have joined with the Steelworkers' struggle. Even the Liberty Committee, sensing the drift of things, abandons its rich patron. Mister Mister, cowardly and alone, realizes that working people have finally developed a backbone and that he has met his match.
Song List
- Introduction
- Scene 1 Moll's Song
- Moll and Gent
- I'll Show You Guys
- Richard Speaking
- Scene 2 Come To the Rescue
- Solicitin'
- Hey Virgil
- Oh What A Filthy Night Court
- Scene 3 Hard Times - The Sermon
- Order in the Court Room
- Scene 4 Croon Spoon
- Do We Disturb
- The Freedom of the Press
- Let's Do Something
- Honolulu
- Scene 5 Order in the Court Room
- Drugstore
- Summer Weather
- Dialogue
- Love Duet
- Scene 6 Don't Let Me Keep You
- Ask Us Again
- Art for Art's Sake
- Scene 7 The Nickle Under Your Foot
- Which of You Guys
- The Cradle Will Rock
- The Cradle Will Rock (Speech)
- Order In The Courtroom
- Scene 8 Faculty Room
- Scene 9 It's Not Going To Hurt
- Ella's Entrance
- Joe Worker
- Scene 10 Final Scene
Misc. Show Information
The Cradle Will Rock is the only Broadway musical closed down for fear of social unrest. It was also the only musical directed by Orson Welles.
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Added: Wed Oct 12 2005
Last Modified: Wed Nov 15 2006