Marc Blitzstein

Personal Information
Marc Blitzstein was born in Philadelphia. His political opera, The Cradle Will Rock made Blitzstein a famous man. This was followed by the radio play I’ve Got the Tune (1937), and the musical play/opera No For an Answer, first performed in 1941. In 1939 Blitzstein met Leonard Bernstein, and the two formed a musical and personal bond of immense importance to both. He composed Freedom Morning (1943), a symphonic poem for orchestra (premiered in London at the Royal Albert Hall in September 1943), and the Airborne Symphony (1946). In 1949 he returned to the stage with his most ambitious work, an operatic version of Lillian Hellman's play, The Little Foxes, entitled Regina. His greatest commercial success came with his adaptation of Weill and Brecht's Threepenny Opera. Originally produced in 1952 at Brandeis, under Bernstein, it became one of Off-Broadway's longest running attractions. In the 1950’s Reuben Reuben (1955) and Juno (1959), based on Sean O'Casey's Juno and the Paycock (1924), were produced. An orchestral tone poem Lear: A Study (1958) was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic. Blitzstein's last projects were two one act operas, Idiots First, and The Magic Barrel, both adaptations of short stories by Bernard Malamud, and Sacco and Vanzetti, a commission from the Metropolitan Opera, New York.
 
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Credits

Author
Production Theatre Opened Credit
1 The Cradle Will Rock East 13th Street/CSC Theatre 04/03/2019 Playwright
2 The Threepenny Opera Linda Gross Theater 04/07/2014 Adaptation
3 Mother Courage Bouwerie Lane Theatre 09/07/2005 Translator
4 The Threepenny Opera Bouwerie Lane Theatre 09/07/2003 Adaptation
5 Berlin to Broadway Triad Theater 08/19/2000 Lyricist
6 Juno Vineyard Theatre 10/14/1992 Composer/Lyricist
7 King Lear American Place Theatre 04/09/1978 Music
8 Blitzstein! Provincetown Playhouse 11/30/1966 Songs
9 The Cradle Will Rock Theater Four 11/08/1964 Book
10 The Cradle Will Rock Theater Four 11/08/1964 Lyricist
11 The Cradle Will Rock Theater Four 11/08/1964 Composer
12 The Threepenny Opera Lucille Lortel Theatre 09/20/1955 Adaptation
13 The Threepenny Opera Lucille Lortel Theatre 03/10/1954 Adaptation