Press Release - The 28 Inch Mill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --------------------------------------------------------- March 26, 2004

ATTENTION: Arts & Entertainment Editor, Calendar Editor
WHAT: The 28 Inch Mill, A Solo Performance of a Dramatic Memoir by Robert D. Frantz
WHO: Produced and Performed by Stanley R. Frantz
   Presented by The Steelworkers' Archives & The Pa. Federation of Injured Workers (PFIW)
WHERE: The Ice House, Bethlehem, PA
WHEN: June 11- July 11
   Fridays* and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays: June 13, 20 at 5 p.m., remaining Sundays at 2 p.m.
   The June 11, 12, 13 performances are part of the Bethlehem Historic and Cultural Festival
   (*NO PERFORMANCE: Friday, June 18 - due to previous booking)
HOW MUCH: $15 all tickets, no reserved seating
   Special Steelworker/Veteran Performance, July 4 - $5 for retired steelworkers & veterans
TICKET INFORMATION: 610-261-4088
PRESS CONTACT: Stan Frantz 610-261-4088 or info@the28inchmill.com
WEB SITE: www.the28inchmill.com

SON TO PERFORM FATHER'S DRAMA OF STEEL MILL EXPERIENCES

The 28 Inch Mill, A Dramatic Memoir of Life "Down the Steel"

Through the fictional character of Karl Yoder, a retired steel-worker in his late 70s, sitting alone in his mother's kitchen imagining a conversation with his absent friend Janos about the old days "down the steel," Robert and Stanley Frantz take us on a detailed and fascinating journey drawn from Robert's real-life experiences working at the Bethlehem Steel mill in the 1950s.

Much more than just a nostalgic look at a forgotten lifestyle, The 28 Inch Mill gives the audience a chance to see into the hearts and minds of the men and women who built America, the men and women who made the steel—what moved them and motivated them, their humor and humanity, their fortitude and their faults, their pride and their poetry. As they and their way of life vanish from the American landscape along with the very mills which had been their livelihood, the Frantzes bring them vividly to life in this dramatic memoir.

It was a world of mostly men, tough on the outside, but gentle and noble at heart, a time and place where strength, courage, honesty, and decency were not only valued, but necessary for survival. These were men who sacrificed their lives—their hopes and dreams, as well as their bodies—to help build modern America and to support their families and loved ones. They worked hard and played hard and gave of themselves without holding back until they were spent.

The28 Inch Mill vividly presents a picture of the life these men lived, not to glorify them or condemn them, but to simply honor them and their contribution to the American fabric of life. The men and women of the play are presented as they were, and while many of their attitudes and actions may not be considered "politically correct" today, they are shown as they lived, in the times they lived, and without apology or excuses.

Robert Frantz, the last of four generations of his family to work at the Steel, worked from 1952–1964 at the 28" rolling mill at Bethlehem Steel's Saucon Plant. Robert continued to work for Bethlehem Steel until his retirement after 30 years in 1982.

In 1992 he decided he wanted to do something to help further his son Stanley's acting career, so he sat down and wrote a play about those experiences which had left the most indelible impression on him, his years working in the mill.

The play is not autobiographical, however it is as accurate in historical detail as possible. Karl Yoder is a fictional composite based on the kind of men Robert Frantz worked alongside in the mill. Many events similar to those in the play actually happened, while others are complete fiction, but could have happened.

Producing and performing this work has given Robert's son, Stanley, the chance to vicariously experience a world that he never had the opportunity to live himself as he grew up and moved away. It has also given him a chance to see his father in a new and different light, and it has brought them closer together.

"Growing up in Bethlehem, the Mill was always a dominating and fascinating presence. I grew up here in the 1950s and we moved to the Midwest around 1964. After college I moved to the West Coast and never had the chance to work there myself. Working on this play has given me the opportunity to rediscover my past and heritage. It has also been an enlightening surprise to discover my father's depth of feeling and insight into humanity, as well as his ability to write it all down so beautifully."

The Steelworkers' Archives

The Steelworkers' Archives was formed to ensure that the legacy of the Steelworkers is preserved. Their goal is to create a permanent community center in Southside Bethlehem for the preservation of the history of Steelworkers, their rich heritage and diverse cultures, their struggles and accomplishments. The Archives will collect and safeguard artifacts and memorabilia, documenting the extraordinary lives of the men and women who toiled to create steel. Visitors will be able to search genealogical records and learn about family members who worked at the Steel. Video and audio recordings of Steelworkers are ongoing.

Since returning to his hometown of Bethlehem 5 years ago, Stanley has wanted to perform his father's play here, not only for those who lived it, but for their children and grandchildren. Since the Steelworker's Archives shares the same mission as The 28 Inch Mill, to honor and preserve the history of the steelworkers, all parties agreed it was a perfect fit to premiere The 28 Inch Mill in conjunction with the First Annual Bethlehem Historic and Cultural Festival presented by the Steelworkers' Archives and the PFIW, June 11-13.

Production History

The 28 Inch Mill was first performed by Stanley Frantz in 1995 for a limited engagement at the theatre of a small college in Santa Barbara, California. (Copies of the reviews in local papers are available. A video is also available.)

Due to the sometimes coarse nature of the dialogue,
(men in the mills didn't always talk like choirboys)
and a brief scene alluding to prostitution, the play is rated "PG".
Parents please use your discretion in bringing young people.