Marc Blitzstein

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Marc Blitzstein was an American composer, lyricist, and playwright who was born on March 2, 1905, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and died on January 22, 1964, in Martinique, France. He was one of the most talented and innovative composers of his generation, and his work in the American musical theatre helped to establish him as a beloved and iconic figure in the world of entertainment.

Blitzstein began his career in the 1920s and 1930s as a classical composer, but he soon turned his attention to the American musical theatre, where he found his true calling. He is best known for his groundbreaking 1937 musical "The Cradle Will Rock," which was produced under the auspices of the Federal Theatre Project and was a powerful critique of American capitalism and social inequality.

Blitzstein's other notable works include the musicals "Regina" (1949), which was based on Lillian Hellman's play "The Little Foxes," and "Juno" (1959), which was based on Sean O'Casey's play "Juno and the Paycock." He also wrote several operas, including "The Condemned" (1953) and "Reuben, Reuben" (1955).

Blitzstein was known for his innovative use of music and lyrics to explore political and social themes, and his work helped to establish the American musical theatre as a serious and important art form. He was also an accomplished pianist and conductor, and he recorded several albums over the course of his career.

Today, Marc Blitzstein is remembered as one of the most talented and influential composers of the 20th century, and his legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

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