The Cradle Will Rock

City Theatre stages a fine production of this controversial Federal Theater Project musical from 1937, directed by Christine Nicholson. As business titan Mister Mister (Luther Hanson) tightens his grasp on “Steeltown, USA,” workers threaten his power by trying to form a union. Interestingly enough, the union organizer (played with charisma and charm by Roderick Hickman) isn't the main focus; instead, the spotlight's on the suffering of working people and the frightened middle-class enablers who keep Mister in power. F, Sa 8pm; 2pm Su and 3/21. $10-$18. Through 3/22. City Theatre, Main Auditorium, Sacramento City College Performing Arts Center, 3835 Freeport Blvd.; www.citytheatre.net. K.M.