ɪ’liʒən: the process of joining together or merging things, especially abstract ideas
Remembering Pins & Needles
Music By Harold Rome
Book by Cindy Polich

Pins and Needles was a Broadway phenomenon and the longest-running show of its time with over 1,100 performances. It is the only hit musical ever produced by a labor union and performed by union members who were unknown non-professionals. Developed by the International Ladies Garment Workers Union in 1937, originally as amateur entertainment for and by their members, it became an unexpected and huge success. Cast members were even invited to the White House to perform for Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt! Four singers and a jazz ensemble share the history of this production, with original songs and skits. This 75-minute, one-act "docu-musical" is performed with no intermission.
Celebrate a belated Labor Day with Remembering Pins & Needles.
Enjoy some video highlights!
Performed September 6-16, 2018
Howard Conn Fine Arts Center
1800 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis
Run-time approximately 75 minutes
The Reviews are in!
Cherry and Spoon:
"The fantastic four-person ensemble and swinging' four-person band do a great job with these fun '30s era tunes, and the songs and story of Pins and Needles have a surprising resonance today."
City Pages:
"Theatre Elision's union-themed 'Remembering Pins & Needles' is a clear victory."
Play Off the Page:
"Lindsay Fitzgerald directs this fun show with lively music, great choreography, fantastic vocals by the entire cast, and excellent performance by the five piece band. If I lived in Minneapolis, I’d go see it again!"
"Theatre Elision has put on a delightful revue, performed in one 75 minute act. With pay-what-you-can pricing for all tickets and free parking at the Howard Conn Fine Arts Center, there's no reason to miss this show, performing just through September 16."
Cast & Creative

Paul Coate*

Elena Glass*

Kenyai O'Neal*

Christine Wade*
* Member of Actor's Equity Association.
Musicians
Piano: Harrison Wade
Guitar: Jackson Peters
Bass: Spencer Becker
Drums: Ben Ehrlich
Production Team
Director: Lindsay Fitzgerald
Stage Manager: Krin McMillen
Music Director: Harrison Wade
Vocal Director: Christine Wade
Gallery














Photos by Amy Stockhaus



Photos by Krin McMillen