The Cradle Will Rock 1938

Opened: January 3, 1938

The Cradle Will Rock - 1938 - Broadway History , Info & More

Windsor Theatre
157 W. 48th St. New York, NY

Corporations and churches use their influence to shape laws to their favor, unemployment hits new heights, and millions of Americans are losing their homes. Sound like the New Millennium? In 1937, Mark Blitzstein’s musical called these issues into question with his scathing satire of greed, corruption and politics in the U.S. of A. So scandalous, in fact, was “The Cradle” that the U.S. Government tried to shut it down. But Blitzstein’s humor, music and agitprop parody ruled the day and the public got to hear this terrific, fun, jazzy score. Snappy tunes, wonderful characters and deep questions about our nation will take you on a rollercoaster ride through the American patriotic psyche.

Get The Cradle Will Rock Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

Cast and Creative Team Set for ESCAPED ALONE World Premiere at Yale Repertory Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 23, 2024


Yale Repertory Theatre will continue its 2023–24 Season with Escaped Alone by Caryl Churchill, directed by Liz Diamond.

Santino Fontana & Judy Kuhn to Star in I CAN GET IT FOR YOU WHOLESALE at Classic Stage Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 22, 2023


Classic Stage Company has announced complete programming for their 2023-2024 Season. See what shows are in the lineup, who is starring, how to purchase tickets, and more!

Lesli Margherita, Simon Pearl & More Join YOUR OWN THING Benefit Performance at Red Bull Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 10, 2022


RED BULL THEATER has announced that Lesli Margherita, Simon Pearl, Michael Pilato, and Vaden Thurgood have been added to the cast of their one-night-only benefit performance of the hit 1968 rock musical Your Own Thing.

Performances Begin Tomorrow for SISTER ACT Starring Nicole Vanessa Ortiz & More at Paper Mill Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 31, 2022


Performances begin tomorrow, Wednesday, June 1 for the Broadway musical Sister Act at Paper Mill Playhouse. Sister Act features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner, and additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane.

What to Watch on HBO Max in December
by Sarah Jae Leiber - Nov 30, 2020


The best gift isn’t under the Christmas tree, it’s on HBO Max! Celebrate Christmas Day with Wonder Woman 1984, starring Gal Gadot, when it flies onto the platform the same day it hits theaters around the country.

First Complete Recording Of Marc Blitzstein's THE CRADLE WILL ROCK On Sale Now
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 11, 2018


Bridge Records will issue the first complete recording of Marc Blitzstein's signature creation, the opera The Cradle Will Rock.

Marc Blitzstein's THE CRADLE WILL ROCK Releases Complete Recording
by Julie Musbach - Jul 9, 2018


Bridge Records is issuing the first complete recording of Marc Blitzstein's signature creation, the opera The Cradle Will Rock.  The new recording features Blitzstein's original 1937 orchestrations and was recorded live at Opera Saratoga in July 2017. The performance features a stellar cast including Ginger Costa-Jackson as Moll; Keith Jameson as Harry Druggist; Christopher Burchett as Larry Foreman; Audrey Babcock as Mrs. Mister; and Matt Boehler as Mr. Mister.

New Recording Of Marc Blitzstein's The Cradle Will Rock From Opera Saratoga Now Available
by Alan Henry - Jul 9, 2018


Bridge Records is pleased to be issuing the first complete recording of Marc Blitzstein's signature creation, the opera The Cradle Will Rock. The new recording features Blitzstein's original 1937 orchestrations and was recorded live at Opera Saratoga in July 2017. The performance features a stellar cast including Ginger Costa-Jackson as Moll; Keith Jameson as Harry Druggist; Christopher Burchett as Larry Foreman; Audrey Babcock as Mrs. Mister; and Matt Boehler as Mr. Mister. The production is conducted by John Mauceri with direction by Lawrence Edelson. The two-disc set also includes a rare recording of Marc Blitzstein discussing the opera's opening night in 1937.

Bridge Records Releases a New Recording Of Marc Blitzstein's THE CRADLE WILL ROCK
by Stephi Wild - Jul 9, 2018


Bridge Records will be issuing the first complete recording of Marc Blitzstein's signature creation, the opera The Cradle Will Rock. The new recording features Blitzstein's original 1937 orchestrations and was recorded live at Opera Saratoga in July 2017. The performance features a stellar cast including Ginger Costa-Jackson as Moll; Keith Jameson as Harry Druggist; Christopher Burchett as Larry Foreman; Audrey Babcock as Mrs. Mister; and Matt Boehler as Mr. Mister. The production is conducted by John Mauceri with direction by Lawrence Edelson. The two-disc set also includes a rare recording of Marc Blitzstein discussing the opera's opening night in 1937.

Star-Studded OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY Begins Tonight at Long Wharf Theatre
by BWW News Desk - Nov 23, 2016


Long Wharf Theatre, under the director of Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein and Managing Director Joshua Borenstein, present Other People's Money, by Jerry Sterner, directed by Marc Bruni from tonight, November 23, through December 18 on the Claire Tow Stage in the C. Newton Schenck Theatre.

Edward James Hyland, Liv Rooth, Karen Ziemba and More to Lead OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY at Long Wharf Theatre
by BWW News Desk - Oct 25, 2016


Long Wharf Theatre, under the director of Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein and Managing Director Joshua Borenstein, present Other People's Money, by Jerry Sterner, directed by Marc Bruni from November 23 through December 18 on the Claire Tow Stage in the C. Newton Schenck Theatre.

TWITTER WATCH: Historic Photo of Controversial Composer/Lyricist Marc Blitzstein at Marie's Crisis
by Michael Dale - Jul 1, 2016


When this photo was taken, Blitzstein was best known for having written a musical that the US Government tried to prevent from opening.

Top Stories You Missed on BWW This Weekend - 1/2-1/3/2016
by - Jan 3, 2016


Hottest Articles on BroadwayWorld.com from this weekend Sunday, January 3, 2016 - Sunday, January 3, 2016.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day for 1/3/16- THE CRADLE WILL ROCK
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 3, 2016


Today in 1938, The Cradle Will Rock opened at the Windsor Theatre. Originally a part of the Federal Theatre Project, it was directed by Orson Welles, and produced by John Houseman. The show was recorded and released on seven 78-rpm discs in 1938, making it the first cast album recording. Following the impromptu opening and a brief run at the Venice Theatre (later renamed the New Century Theatre) in July 1937, the production reopened on January 3, 1938, at the Windsor Theatre under the auspices of the new Mercury Theatre Company. It played a total of 108 performances.

Olive Stanton, The Actress Who Started a Labor Rebellion on Opening Night of THE CRADLE WILL ROCK
by Michael Dale - Sep 7, 2015


When the United States government takes action to close a pro-labor musical, a little-known actress lets her voice be heard.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day for 1/3/15- THE CRADLE WILL ROCK
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 3, 2015


Today in 1938, The Cradle Will Rock opened at the Windsor Theatre. Originally a part of the Federal Theatre Project, it was directed by Orson Welles, and produced by John Houseman. The show was recorded and released on seven 78-rpm discs in 1938, making it the first cast album recording. Following the impromptu opening and a brief run at the Venice Theatre (later renamed the New Century Theatre) in July 1937, the production reopened on January 3, 1938, at the Windsor Theatre under the auspices of the new Mercury Theatre Company. It played a total of 108 performances.

The Old Globe's VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE Begins Performances Tonight
by BWW News Desk - May 17, 2014


The Old Globe presents Christopher Durang's Tony Award-winning farce Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, which will include Candy Buckley as Masha, Marcia DeBonis as Sonia, Tyler Lansing Weaks as Spike, Allison Layman as Nina, Martin Moran as Vanya, and Haneefah Wood as Cassandra. Jessica Stone will direct, based on the Tony-nominated Broadway direction of Old Globe Associate Artist Nicholas Martin, whose loss on April 30 devastated the theatre world*. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike will run today, May 17 - June 22, 2014 on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Globe's Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Preview performances run tonight, May 17 through the 21st. Opening night is May 22 at 8:00 p.m.

Candy Buckley, Marcia DeBonis, Martin Moran & More to Lead The Old Globe's VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE
by Tyler Peterson - May 5, 2014


The Old Globe today announced the cast of Christopher Durang's Tony Award-winning farce Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, which will include Candy Buckley as Masha, Marcia DeBonis as Sonia, Tyler Lansing Weaks as Spike, Allison Layman as Nina, Martin Moran as Vanya, and Haneefah Wood as Cassandra.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day 1/3- THE CRADLE WILL ROCK
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 3, 2014


Today in 1938, The Cradle Will Rock opened at the Windsor Theatre. Originally a part of the Federal Theatre Project, it was directed by Orson Welles, and produced by John Houseman. The show was recorded and released on seven 78-rpm discs in 1938, making it the first cast album recording. Following the impromptu opening and a brief run at the Venice Theatre (later renamed the New Century Theatre) in July 1937, the production reopened on January 3, 1938, at the Windsor Theatre under the auspices of the new Mercury Theatre Company. It played a total of 108 performances.

Moving Image Presents THE COMPLETE HOWARD HAWKS Retrospective, Now thru 11/10
by Movies News Desk - Sep 7, 2013


Howard Hawks, the quintessential Hollywood director known for his mastery of many genres, will be the subject of a complete retrospective at Museum of the Moving Image from today, September 7 through November 10, 2013. The Museum will present 39 features. All of the films will be shown in 35mm-many in stunning restorations-except for Red Line 7000, which will be shown in 16mm.

Moving Image to Present THE COMPLETE HOWARD HAWKS Retrospective, 9/7-11/10
by Movies News Desk - Aug 16, 2013


Howard Hawks, the quintessential Hollywood director known for his mastery of many genres, will be the subject of a complete retrospective at Museum of the Moving Image from September 7 through November 10, 2013. The Museum will present 39 features. All of the films will be shown in 35mm-many in stunning restorations-except for Red Line 7000, which will be shown in 16mm.

Box Office Opens Tomorrow for THE GLASS MENAGERIE at Broadway's Booth Theatre
by BWW News Desk - Aug 7, 2013


Producers Jeffrey Richards and John N. Hart Jr., in association with the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.), have announced that the box office will open on Thursday, August 8th for the 17-week limited engagement of the critically-acclaimed revival of The Glass Menagerie at the Booth Theatre (222 W 45th Street) with performances beginning Thursday, September 5, 2013, and an opening night set for Thursday, September 26th. The production will star multiple Tony and Emmy Award-winner Cherry Jones as Amanda Wingfield, film and stage star Zachary Quinto as Tom, two-time Tony-nominee Celia Keenan-Bolger as Laura, and Brian J. Smith as Jim, the Gentleman Caller.

TV: In Rehearsal for Encores! THE CRADLE WILL ROCK with Raul Esparza, Anika Noni Rose, Judy Kuhn & More!
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 2, 2013


Marc Blitzstein's The Cradle Will Rock, the inaugural show of New York City Center's new Encores! Off-Center series, will play for five performances, July 10-13 at City Center- starring Danny Burstein, Eisa Davis, Raúl Esparza, Peter Friedman, Aidan Gemme, Judy Kuhn, David Margulies, Martin Moran, Michael Park, Robert Petkoff, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Anika Noni Rose, Matthew Saldivar and Henry Stram. The cast and creative team met the press earlier today and BroadwayWorld's Richie Ridge was there to chat with the whole gang. Check out what they had to say and catch a special performance preview below!

Danny Burstein, Raúl Esparza, Judy Kuhn, Anika Noni Rose to Lead Encores! Off-Center's THE CRADLE WILL ROCK- Full Cast Announced!
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 1, 2013


Casting is complete for Marc Blitzstein¹s The Cradle Will Rock, the inaugural show of New York City Center¹s new Encores! Off-Center series, playing for five performances, July 10 ­ 13 at City Center. The cast includes Danny Burstein, Eisa Davis, Raul Esparza, Peter Friedman, Aidan Gemme, Judy Kuhn, David Margulies, Martin Moran, Michael Park, Robert Petkoff, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Anika Noni Rose, Matthew Saldivar and Henry Stram.

Sutton Foster, Joshua Henry & Keala Settle to Lead VIOLET at City Center, 7/17
by Tyler Peterson - Jun 13, 2013


Sutton Foster, Joshua Henry, Van Hughes, Keala Settle, Christopher Sieber, Emerson Steele and Chris Sullivan have been cast in Jeanine Tesori and Brian Crawley's Violet, the second Encores! Off-Center presentation of the 2013 season, on July 17. Tickets for Violet, directed by Leigh Silverman, with music direction by Michael Rafter, sold out shortly after going on sale. Tickets for the rest of the Encores! Off-Center season are still available; the majority of tickets are $25.

The Cradle Will Rock FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of The Cradle Will Rock have there been?
The Cradle Will Rock has had 11 productions including Broadway which opened in 1938, Broadway which opened in 1938, Broadway which opened in 1947, Broadway which opened in 1947, Off-Broadway which opened in 1964, Off-Broadway which opened in 1964, Off-Broadway which opened in 1983, Off-Broadway which opened in 1983, West End which opened in 1985, Off-Broadway which opened in 2013 and Off-Broadway which opened in 2019.

Videos