The Cradle Will Rock: full cast announced

Aidan Gemme, David Margulies, Michael Park, Robert Petkoff and Matthew Saldivar complete the cast for Marc Blitzstein's The Cradle Will Rock, the inaugural show of New York City Center's new Encores! Off-Center series, playing for five performances from 10 - 13 Jul 2013 at City Center.

They join the prebiously announced Danny Burstein, Eisa Davis, Raúl Esparza, Peter Friedman, Judy Kuhn, Martin Moran, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Anika Noni Rose and Henry Stram.

The Cradle Will Rock, with music, lyrics and book by Marc Blitzstein, is a Brechtian allegory of corruption and corporate greed that pits exploited workers against greedy, union-busting businessmen.

The musical will be directed by Sam Gold and choreographed by Chase Brock. Four additional cast members are still to be announced.

The show was developed in 1937 with funds from the Federal Theater Project, a branch of the WPA. The original production, directed by Orson Welles, was shut down four days before opening. Officially, it was shut down due to WPA budget cuts, but many cited the show's pro-union themes as the government's impetus for its closing. The show finally opened Off-Broadway at the Venice Theatre in 1937 with private funding. Financial and union issues precluded an orchestra, so Blitzstein himself played the piano at the first preview, with the actors singing from the audience.

When the show moved to Broadway, union rules dictated a 10-person orchestra. But Blitzstein insisted on keeping the solo piano and paid nine musicians not to play each night. The story is that Blitzstein chose 10 of his neediest friends for the job. The show opened at the Windsor Theater on January 03 Jan 1938 and ran 108 performances, directed by Howard Da Silva.

Bios:

Aidan Gemme (Steve/Prof Mamie/Cop) has starred on Broadway as 'Michael Banks' in the musical 'Mary Poppins.'

David Margulies' (Prexy) Broadway credits include: 'Wonderful Town,' '45 Seconds From Broadway,' 'A Thousand Clowns,' 'Angels in America: Perestroika' and 'Angels in America: Millennium Approaches,' amongst others. Off-Broadway he has been nominated for Lucille Lortel Awards for his roles in 'After the Revolution' and 'The Accomplices.' On TV he played the role of "Neil Mink" in eight episodes of "The Sopranos." His film work includes "Ghost Busters" and "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective."

Michael Park (Trixie/Bugs/Dick) recently appeared on Broadway in 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.' His other Broadway credits include 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,' 'Little Me,' 'Smokey Joe's Cafe' and 'Carousel.' His Off-Broadway credits are 'Middletown,' 'The Burnt Part Boys,' 'Violet' and 'Hello Again.' On TV he starred as " Jack Snyder" in "As the World Turns.'

Robert Petkoff (Professor Trixie/Gus Polock) last appeared on Broadway as 'Lord Evelyn Oakleigh' in 'Anything Goes.' His other Broadway credits are: 'Ragtime,' 'Spamalot' and 'Fiddler on the Roof.' Off-Broadway he has starred in 'Happiness' and 'More Stately Mansions.'

Matthew Saldivar's (Reverend Salvation) Broadway credits: 'A Streetcar Named Desire,' 'Peter and the Starcatcher,' 'Grease' and 'The Wedding Singer.' His Off-Broadway credits include: 'All in the Timing,' 'The Toxic Avenger,' 'Sea of Tranquility' and 'Julius Caesar' amongst others.