The complexities and struggles of a New York City cab drivers’ union on the verge of a strike is the focus of the next production by the Michigan State University Department of Theatre. 

Offering a modern view to a 90-year-old story, the Department of Theatre presents "Waiting for Lefty" March 26-30 in the MSU Auditorium’s Studio 60.

Written by Clifford Odets, "Waiting for Lefty" is based on the New York City cab drivers’ strike of 1934. This one-act play is set during a meeting of the New York cab drivers’ union as they wait for the arrival of Lefty Costello, union organizer and the driving force behind the call for a strike. As workers wait, they share their heart-wrenching tales in their struggle to make ends meet.

This classic play still resonates today as labor disputes continue to loom large. The recent Screen Actors Guild and Writer’s Guild strikes are just two such examples.  

This MSU production is part of the Department of Theatre’s Storefront Series, which provides dynamic roles to showcase and challenge acting students. With an emphasis on writing, acting and directing, creative teams work with limited resources and shorter rehearsal periods.  

“Originally produced on Broadway under the auspices of the Group Theatre, which championed realistic acting and contained some of the most influential acting teachers of the last century, 'Waiting for Lefty' seemed a natural fit for our Storefront Series considering the rise in national union interest,” said Rob Roznowski, director and professor of acting, who aims to connect this story with our country’s current outlook on unionizing groups.  

Prior to each main performance, audiences will experience a supplemental piece written by Roznowski, showcasing female-identifying voices within the current atmosphere of unions. The title of this companion piece is "Just Cause," a new documentary theatre piece that explores both pro- and anti-union points of view.  

As part of the efforts to create an ecosystem of university-community engagement, a traveling performance of this production was presented to the United Auto Workers Local 602 in Lansing and there was a free invited dress rehearsal on campus for the Michigan Education Association. 

Tickets for "Just Cause" and "Waiting for Lefty" are $10 for general admission and are available online at whartoncenter.com, at the Wharton Center ticketing office, or by calling 1-800-WHARTON. 

Performance Times:  

• Tuesday, March 26, at 7:30 p.m. 
• Wednesday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m.  
• Thursday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m. 
• Friday, March 29, at 8 p.m. 
• Saturday, March 30, at 8 p.m.  

For more information, visit the Michigan State University Department of Theatre website.