Downtown Music Productions Presents Marc Blitstein's THE CRADLE WILL ROCK 9/21-924

Mimi Stern-Wolfe's Downtown Music Productions repeats its concert production of Marc Blitzstein's historic musical theater piece, 'THE CRADLE WILL ROCK, a Brechtian allegory of corruption and corporate greed that is as relevant today as when the show was premiered in 1937. Performances will be Monday-Thursday, September 21-24 at 8 PM at the 45 Bleecker Street Theater.

The musical is a Brechtian allegory of corruption and corporate greed. Set in "Steeltown, USA", it follows the efforts of Larry Foreman to unionize and otherwise combat wicked businessman Mr. Mister. Blitzstein portrays a whole panoply of societal figures: Mr. Mister's vicious, outwardly genteel philanthropic wife and spoiled children, sell-out artists, poor shopkeepers, immigrant families, a faithless priest, and an endearing prostitute named Moll. The piece is almost entirely sung-through, giving it many operatic qualities, although Blitzstein (as he often did, even in his full-blown operas) included popular song styles of the time.

Downtown Music Productions has the mission to bring challenging, educational and entertaining musical events to young and old audiences, to maintain diversity and innovation in programming, to create outlets for emerging and older composers deserving of opportunities, to encourage the creation of new works of music, to present relevant socially oriented thematic programs, to present free and low cost concert programs to seniors, youngsters and all music lovers, to create employment for musicians and singers in operas, orchestras and chamber programs, and to bring music and musical theatre into the public schools.

Programs and CD's produced by Downtown Music Productions include:
World AIDS Day CD

Sudden Sunsets CD: Highlights of the Benson AIDS series. Visit DMP Store to hear and purchase. This DMP CD features the music of composers whom we have lost through the HIV/AIDS virus and have presented in our World AIDS Day concerts since 1990.

Composers of the Holocaust concerts and CD of the same title-begun in 1989, presenting and performing the songs and instrumental music of composers and poets who perished in the camps of Europe. CD released and available to public. Visit DMP Store to purchase. Ongoing outreach concerts in museums, schools and throughout country.

Children's Musical Theatre, founded in 1977, training of chorus, with dance and acting; offering performances by children in auditoriums throughout public schools in Manhattan.

Children's Orchestral, Chamber and Vocal Musicals, preserving, performing and presenting the music of the great classics, new & traditional repertory which educates young people on the beauty and excitement of LIVE music; Meet Tubby the Tuba & PeeWee the Piccolo with your youngsters.

For more information, please visit www.downtownmusicproductions.org.