The Historic Premiere of “The Cradle Will Rock”

Premiering in the middle of the Great Depression, Blitzstein’s “The Cradle Will Rock” focuses on the people’s view of the relationship between the common working man and the rich patrons that would fund their careers. It provided commentary on the way that life was for many during this hard time, discussing how many would have to “rely on their talents” and the patronization of the rich in order to survive. “The Cradle Will Rock” was a work that was funded by one of the many programs set up by Roosevelt’s New Deal, the Works Progress Administration.

Although this primary source is not from the time in which “The Cradle Will Rock” premiered, it still discusses the affect that its premiere caused. Written during a time of great struggle, “The Cradle Will Rock” resounded with most of its target audience. It was so controversial, however, that the Works Progress Administration, which oversaw the Federal Theatre where the premiere was going to take place, abruptly canceled the performance and barred anyone in the production from getting the costumes. Seeming to not be able to perform, the cast members, Blitzstein, John Houseman, and Orson Welles all marched, with a large crowd of onlookers, to a theatre just a little ways away and held the performance there with the aid of a battered piano that resided there. However, Actor’s Equity barred cast members from performing on stage, so, at the replacement theatre, the performance was held throughout the audience. The cast mates, when it got to their parts, would stand in their seats and perform like that. The musical later had its Broadway premiere 6-months later.

This piece shows how pieces that could allow people to relate could be retaliated against. The premiere, however, shows how the perseverance of composers and performers can lead to a premiere despite all odds. What I found odd about this piece is how it truly held a sort of protest at the premiere and, yet, not many people know about such a historic performance. I wonder if it has to do with the controversial ideas held within the piece?