If an obscure satirical musical review written nearly 100 years ago hits one right in the gut because of its social relevance, they might just be living in today’s America.
History, they say, has a tendency to repeat itself, and it is the duty of artists to illuminate this with works that speak to the times. Mercury Theatre opens their debut season with just such a work.
Pins and Needles, stage directed by Eileen Morris, with gorgeous musical direction from Jared Emerson-Johnson, runs through Sept. 14 at the site of the former Cinnabar Theater in Petaluma.
Crafted in the 1930s by the International Ladies Garment Workers Union by working class folks who wanted to implement social change at a time of rising tumult in both America and abroad, Pins and Needles offers sharply clever musical sketch commentary on the plight of the common person. It grapples with myriad social upheaval in the forms of fascism, inequality and impending war.
The subject matter is enough to make one squirm, as it feels so familiar. I simultaneously laughed and shuddered at how apt the lyrics were, especially in such numbers as “Call It Unamerican” and “Three Little Angels of Peace.”
Morris has a very plucky, eager cast at work, with standout performances from Lisa Flato (doing an inspired Mussolini parody), Juliana Eiras (stage presence for days) and Megan Watt (a wonderful character actress). Other newcomers and Sonoma County vets round out the very diverse ensemble with harmonious voices.
The only problem is that most of the time they were often unheard. The live band was playing at an appropriate volume, so perhaps the acoustics of the old Cinnabar Theater just aren’t complimentary without mics.
Similarly, some numbers seemed low energy and almost hesitant in nature. The show begins rather abruptly, but ends with a heartening call to action in the form of the ILGWU anthem. The audience seemed visibly moved.
Apart from that, the choreography by Megan Watt was a lively throwback to old time dances and was always servicing the action onstage. Costumes by Donnie Frank were both evocative and practical. Lighting design by Ella Weiss adds atmosphere to numbers like “Mene Mene Tekel” and the memorable “Sunday in the Park.”
If one needs something to spark their patriotism, Pins and Needles might be just the remedy.
Mercury Theater presents ‘Pins and Needles’ through Sept. 14 at 3333 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. Fri & Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. $20–$35. 707.658.9019. mercurytheater.org.
