Pins and Needles: A 1930s Garment Workers’ Musical, Podcast Ep 10
We are reviving Pins and Needles, a wildly successful musical revue with progressive politics and an unlikely origin from the factory floor. The Broadway show was created and performed entirely by members of the garment workers’ union: factory workers, cutters, pressers, and sewers who rehearsed at night after long shifts on the job. In this episode of our On the Line podcast, you’ll hear the story brought to life with music clips from this remarkable show.
Publication date: August 23, 2021
Podcast length: 17:05
Hosted by: Rod Mickleburgh
Research and writing by: Patricia Wejr and Rod Mickleburgh
Production by: John Mabbott
The International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union (ILGWU) had a commitment to enriching its members’ lives beyond its political and labour activity. Conceived by union cultural director Louis Shaffer and scored by composer Harold Rome, Pins and Needles mixed satire, progressive politics, and catchy tunes to spotlight social issues with humour and heart. Numbers like “Sing Me a Song of Social Significance” and “Doing the Reactionary” mocked fascism and celebrated worker solidarity.
During a 1938 North America tour, Pins and Needles played to a packed Empress Theatre in Vancouver, BC Local trade unionists turned out in force, and were captivated by the performances and political messages. Revivals through the years include a 1978 off-Broadway production featuring Barbra Streisand, and a 2011 reimagining that incorporated African-American folk songs.
Host Rod Mickleburgh tells the story of the union musical with archival audio clips, historical commentary, and vivid storytelling. Pins and Needles represents an important example of working-class art, and its message and charm endure today.