LaMama's HOWL! Benefit Begins With Two-Night Performance of PINS AND NEEDLES, 10/27-28

LaMaMa, in association with HOWL! Arts Inc, will host a four night benefit to support HOWL! H.E.L.P., a safety net for East Village artists in crisis administered by the Actors Fund. The benefit begins on October 27 and 28 with performance of Harold Rome's Pins and Needles.

As history repeats itself, so do revivals of historically relevant theatrical attractions. With its critically acclaimed score and lyrics, Pins and Needles was and is a unique call for social justice and fair equity — full of political overtones, nuances and Harold Rome wisdoms.

A topical musical revue, “Pins and Needles,” was originally produced by the International Ladies Garment Workers Union and performed entirely by union members (all amateurs) who rehearsed diligently each day after their shifts ended. The original cast, made up of cutters, basters and sewing machine operators appeared in skits spoofing everything from Fascist European dictators to bigots in the Daughters of the American Revolution. “Pins and Needles,” opened in 1937 at the Princess Theater on 39th St. (which also happened to be their union hall )and broke all Broadway records — over 1,100 performances running until 1941. Composer/lyricist Harold Rome would later go on to write “I Can Get It For You Wholesale,” among a number of other notable productions.

Performances are on Saturday, October 27 at 10PM and Sunday, October 28 at 5:30PM. Tickets are $20 and available by calling 212-475-7710 or visiting www.lamama.org.

For more information about HOWL! H.E.L.P., visit www.howlfestival.com/about/howlhelp.