- Performances: 1,108.
- Open / Close: November 27, 1937 – June 22, 1940
- Theater: Labor Stage Theatre.
- Tony Awards: None – they didn’t start until 1947!
- Fun Fact: The choreographer for the production, Benjamin Zemach, was one of the first black choreographers to work on Broadway in a show that did not feature an all-black cast. In the late 20’s, Mr. Zemach was part of a circle of dancers, including Martha Graham and Michio Ito, who were involved in experimental productions at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York. He also went on to work in the commercial theater. In the 30’s, he also directed plays, including ”Salome” at the Pasadena Playhouse and, in 1941, he directed ”Natural Man” for the American Negro Theater.
Podcast
For this very special episode, we welcome Barbra Streisand to “Chasing Phantom” to help us explore a show that was a monster hit in the 1930s. OK, it’s more the spirit and definitely the Voice of Babs that highlights this exploration of “Pins and Needles,” more than the actual person (though if someone wants to send me a Cease and Desist in such a way that my podcast blows up, I’m not above benefitting from the Streisand Effect!)
“Pins and Needles” foregrounded politics – union politics, no less – in a peppy, funny musical review that had all the powerful libs at the time happy as clams. The show leveraged the progressive humor of composer Harold Rome and a cast of actual union workers to draw consistently full houses for almost 4 years.
Thanks, Babs, for everything! It was delightful discovering this little corner of your early career.