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{{Short description|1977 musical by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso}}
{{Infobox Musical
{{Infobox Musical
|name=Working
|name=Working
|image=WorkingLogo.jpg
|image=WorkingLogo.jpg
|caption=Logo for Working
|caption=Logo for Working
|music=[[Stephen Schwartz (composer)|Stephen Schwartz]]<br />[[Craig Carnelia]]<br />[[Micki Grant]]<br />[[James Taylor]]<br />[[Mary Rodgers]]
|music=[[Stephen Schwartz (composer)|Stephen Schwartz]]<br />[[Craig Carnelia]]<br />[[Micki Grant]]<br />[[Mary Rodgers]]<br />[[James Taylor]]
|lyrics=[[Stephen Schwartz (composer)|Stephen Schwartz]]<br />[[Craig Carnelia]]<br />[[Micki Grant]]<br />[[James Taylor]]<br />[[Susan Birkenhead]]
|lyrics=[[Stephen Schwartz (composer)|Stephen Schwartz]]<br />[[Craig Carnelia]]<br />[[Micki Grant]]<br />[[James Taylor]]<br />[[Susan Birkenhead]]
|book=[[Stephen Schwartz (composer)|Stephen Schwartz]]<br />Nina Faso
|book=[[Stephen Schwartz (composer)|Stephen Schwartz]]<br />Nina Faso
|basis=''[[Working (Terkel book)|Working]]'' <br> by [[Studs Terkel]]
|basis=''[[Working (Terkel book)|Working]]'' <br> by [[Studs Terkel]]
|productions= 1977 [[Chicago]] <br /> 1978 [[Broadway theater|Broadway]] <br /> 1982 American Playhouse <br /> 1999 [[New Haven]] <br /> 2008 [[Sarasota]] <br /> 2009 [[San Diego]] <br /> 2010 Melbourne <br /> 2011 Chicago <br /> 2011 Los Angeles <br /> 2017 London <br /> 2019 Newcastle
|productions= 1977 [[Chicago]] <br /> 1978 [[Broadway theater|Broadway]] <br /> 1982 American Playhouse <br /> 1999 [[New Haven]] <br /> 2008 [[Sarasota]] <br /> 2009 [[San Diego]] <br /> 2011 Chicago <br /> 2011 Los Angeles <br /> 2017 London <br />

<!-- Please do not include production-specific (acting, directing, etc.) awards -->
<!-- Please do not include production-specific (acting, directing, etc.) awards -->
|awards=
|awards=
Line 17: Line 17:


==Productions==
==Productions==
The musical was first staged at the [[Goodman Theatre]] in [[Chicago]] from December 1977 through February 1978.<ref>De Gare, Carol.[https://books.google.com/books?id=LIDvJK3dXVAC&pg=PA171&lpg=PA171&dq=%22Goodman+Theatre%22+%22Stephen+Schwartz+%22+&ots=yg6P1p6Evj&sig=syICm53E3hzhXfxOoOx9VEeNQL0&hl=en&ei=NsDNTKnjBYWBlAfCxZStBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CBgQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=%22Goodman%20Theatre%22%20%22Stephen%20Schwartz%20%22%20Working&f=false ''Defying Gravity:the Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked''], (2008), "Working chapter", Music Dispatch, {{ISBN|1-55783-745-7}}, pp.158-174 https://books.google.com, accessed October 31, 2010</ref>
The musical was first staged at the [[Goodman Theatre]] in [[Chicago]] from December 1977 through February 1978.<ref>De Gare, Carol.[https://books.google.com/books?id=LIDvJK3dXVAC&q=%22Goodman+Theatre%22+%22Stephen+Schwartz+%22+Working&pg=PA171 ''Defying Gravity:the Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked''], (2008), "Working chapter", Music Dispatch, {{ISBN|1-55783-745-7}}, pp.158-174 https://books.google.com, accessed October 31, 2010</ref>


It then was produced on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] at the [[46th Street Theatre]], opening on May 14, 1978 where it ran for 24 performances and 12 previews. It was directed by Schwartz and [[choreographed]] by [[Onna White]], with a cast featuring [[Patti LuPone]], [[Bob Gunton]], [[Joe Mantegna]], [[Lynne Thigpen]], [[David Patrick Kelly]], [[Robin Lamont]], Steven Boockvor, [[Rex Everhart]], [[Bobo Lewis]], [[Lenora Nemetz]], [[Brad Sullivan]], Matt Landers, [[David Smyrl]],<ref name=nytimes>{{cite news|first=|last=|title=David Smyrl Dies at 80; Played Mr. Handford on 'Sesame Street' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/26/arts/television/david-smyrl-dies-at-80-played-mr-handford-on-sesame-street.html?_r=0 |work=[[New York Times]] ([[Associated Press]]) |date=2016-03-25 |accessdate=2016-04-17}}</ref> [[Terri Treas]], Matt McGrath and [[Arny Freeman]], an actor who was interviewed in the book. In 1982, Schwartz and Nina Faso adapted the show for a ninety-minute telecast on the [[PBS]] series ''[[American Playhouse]]'', directed by Schwartz and [[Kirk Browning]] and introduced by Terkel.
It then was produced on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] at the [[46th Street Theatre]], opening on May 14, 1978 where it ran for 24 performances and 12 previews. It was directed by Schwartz and [[choreographed]] by [[Onna White]], with a cast featuring [[Patti LuPone]], [[Bob Gunton]], [[Joe Mantegna]], [[Lynne Thigpen]], [[David Patrick Kelly]], Robin Lamont, Steven Boockvor, [[Rex Everhart]], [[Bobo Lewis]], [[Lenora Nemetz]], [[Brad Sullivan]], Matt Landers, [[David Smyrl]],<ref name=nytimes>{{cite news|title=David Smyrl Dies at 80; Played Mr. Handford on 'Sesame Street' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/26/arts/television/david-smyrl-dies-at-80-played-mr-handford-on-sesame-street.html?_r=0 |work=[[New York Times]] ([[Associated Press]]) |date=2016-03-25 |access-date=2016-04-17}}</ref> [[Terri Treas]], [[Matt McGrath (actor)|Matt McGrath]] and [[Arny Freeman]], an actor who was interviewed in the book. In 1982, Schwartz and Nina Faso adapted the show for a ninety-minute telecast on the [[PBS]] series ''[[American Playhouse]]'', directed by Schwartz and [[Kirk Browning]] and introduced by Terkel.


Before the revisions, it was done as an amateur production by Kent State University, Trumbull Campus, Summer Stock. It has been done there again sometime in the 21st century.
The musical has undergone several revisions. In March 1999, it was presented at [[Long Wharf Theater]], [[New Haven]], [[Connecticut]], with direction by [[Christopher Ashley]].<ref>Marks, Peter.[https://books.google.com/books?id=CcVciO--PkgC&pg=PA75&lpg=PA75&dq=Long+Wharf+%22Working+%22+Schwartz&source=bl&ots=SpNauqIy5j&sig=KmuCR3-HqXVMKgQF68O-sUZjnzA&hl=en#v=onepage&q=Long%20Wharf%20%22Working%20%22%20Schwartz&f=false "Review, 'Working The Musical'"]''The New York Times'', March 17, 1999, reprint in ''The New York Times Theatre Reviews 1999-2000'', Taylor & Francis, 2002, {{ISBN|0-415-93697-7}} (books.google.com)</ref> It had "developmental productions" at [[Asolo Repertory Theatre]], [[Sarasota, Florida]] in May 2008 and at the [[Old Globe Theatre]], [[San Diego]], California, in March 2009. Schwartz revised the musical, which includes two new songs written by [[Lin-Manuel Miranda]].<ref>Machray, Robert.[http://blogcritics.org/culture/article/theater-review-san-diego-working-by/ 'Working' review] blogcritics.org, April 2, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.oldglobe.org/pressphotos/working_press_photos.html Listing] Old Globe Theatre, accessed October 31, 2010</ref><ref name=jones1>Jones, Kenneth.[http://www.playbill.com/news/article/146039-Director-Gordon-Greenberg-Talks-About-New-Revision-of-Musical-Working-Bowing-in-Chicago-in-2011 "Director Gordon Greenberg Talks About New Revision of Musical Working, Bowing in Chicago in 2011"] playbill.com, December 22, 2010</ref>
Because of the extremely low royalty fee, the production was the highest netting for the Summer Stock to that point even though the turnout was not high.


The musical has undergone several revisions. In March 1999, it was presented at [[Long Wharf Theater]], [[New Haven]], [[Connecticut]], with direction by [[Christopher Ashley]].<ref>Marks, Peter.[https://books.google.com/books?id=CcVciO--PkgC&dq=Long+Wharf+%22Working+%22+Schwartz&pg=PA75 "Review, 'Working The Musical'"]''The New York Times'', March 17, 1999, reprint in ''The New York Times Theatre Reviews 1999-2000'', Taylor & Francis, 2002, {{ISBN|0-415-93697-7}} (books.google.com)</ref>
A further revised version opened at the [[Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place]], Chicago, starting in February 2011 in previews through June, with direction and revisions by [[Gordon Greenberg]].<ref name=jones1/> The cast features Gene Weygandt, Barbara Robertson, Emjoy Gavin, and E. Faye Butler.<ref>Jones, Kenneth.[http://www.playbill.com/news/article/148139-Small-Cast-Working-Singing-of-American-Workers-Opens-in-Chicago-Is-NYC-Next Small-Cast Working, Singing of American Workers, Opens in Chicago; Is NYC Next?"] playbill.com, March 2, 2011</ref><ref>Weiss, Hedy.[http://www.suntimes.com/entertainmen7636-417/labors-of-love-from-heartland.html "Superb ‘Working’ explores what we do, who we are"] ''Chicago Sun-Times'', March 16, 2011</ref> The production opened [[Off-Broadway]] at the 59E59 Theaters on December 12, 2012, after previews which started on December 1, 2012. Again directed by Gordon Greenberg, the cast features Joe Cassidy, [[Donna Lynne Champlin]], Jay Armstrong Johnson, Nehal Joshi and Kenita Miller.<ref>Gioia, Michael. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/173108-Revised-Working-With-New-Songs-by-Lin-Manuel-Miranda-Opens-Off-Broadway-Dec-12 "Revised 'Working', With New Songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opens Off-Broadway Dec. 12"] playbill.com, December 12, 2012</ref>


A further revised version opened at the [[Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place]], Chicago, starting in February 2011 in previews through June, with direction and revisions by [[Gordon Greenberg]]. The cast features Gene Weygandt, Barbara Robertson, Emjoy Gavin, and E. Faye Butler. The production opened [[Off-Broadway]] at the 59E59 Theaters on December 12, 2012, after previews which started on December 1, 2012. Again directed by [[Gordon Greenberg]], it won a special ensemble [[Drama Desk Awards]]<ref>[https://www.broadway.com/buzz/169610/matilda-pippin-top-winners-list-at-2013-drama-desk-awards/ "Matilda & Pippin Top Winners' List at 2013 Drama Desk Awards"] broadway.com, May 20, 2013</ref><ref>[https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/news-features/the-58th-annual-drama-desk-awards "The 58th Annual Drama Desk Awards"] newyorktheatreguide.com, May 19, 2013</ref> the cast features Joe Cassidy, [[Donna Lynne Champlin]], Jay Armstrong Johnson, Nehal Joshi and Kenita Miller. It had "developmental productions" directed by [[Gordon Greenberg]] at [[Asolo Repertory Theatre]], [[Sarasota, Florida]] in May 2008 and at the [[Old Globe Theatre]], [[San Diego]], California, in March 2009. Schwartz revised the musical with Greenberg, which includes two new songs written by [[Lin-Manuel Miranda]].
The musical was produced at the 2nd annual [[Hollywood Fringe Festival]], Los Angeles, in June 2011 by the group theTRIBE.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theTRIBEproductions.org/tickets|title=Working|accessdate=Jan 6, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/|title=Hollywood Fringe - Home Page|website=www.hollywoodfringe.org|accessdate=Jan 6, 2020}}</ref>


The show's Asian premiere was in [[Singapore]], performed by [[LASALLE College of the Arts]]. The production run was at the Creative Cube in September 2011. The show was directed by Tony Knight, musical direction by Ben Kiley, and choreography by Kristy Griffin. The cast included Gimbey Dela Cruz, Taryn Erickson, Linden Furnell, Safia Hanifah, Mina Kaye, Michelle Kraiwitchaicharoen, Timothy Langan, Oda Maria, Elle-May Patterson and James Simpson.<ref>http://www.lasalle.edu.sg/Events/EventDetail.aspx/WORKING</ref>
The show's Asian premiere was in [[Singapore]], performed by [[LASALLE College of the Arts]] at the Creative Cube in September 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lasalle.edu.sg/Events/EventDetail.aspx/WORKING |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130701084247/http://www.lasalle.edu.sg/Events/EventDetail.aspx/WORKING |archive-date=2013-07-01 |title=LASALLE College of the Arts}}</ref>


The show's European premier was in London at the [[Southwark Playhouse]], from 2nd June to 8th July 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/show/working/|title=Southwark Playhouse – Theatre + Bar {{!}} Working|website=southwarkplayhouse.co.uk|language=en-GB|access-date=2017-05-26}}</ref>
The show's European premiere was in London at the [[Southwark Playhouse]], from 2 June to 8 July 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/show/working/|title=Southwark Playhouse – Theatre + Bar {{!}} Working|website=southwarkplayhouse.co.uk|language=en-GB|access-date=2017-05-26}}</ref>


The show's Latin American premiere was in an all Spanish version in Montevideo, Uruguay at the Teatro Tablado in 2003. Directed and Choreographed by Alvaro Loureiro and Stefan Sittig.
In 2019 the show was performed by Newcastle College BTEC Musical Theatre in the Peter Sarah Theatre.


==Synopsis==
==Synopsis==
;Act 1
===Act 1===
In the morning all the workers are getting ready for their jobs (All the Livelong Day). Mike Dillard, a steelworker, talks about the dangers of his job. Some people get caught in a (Traffic Jam) on the highway. Some of the cars stop at an office building where Al Calinda, a parking lot attendant is working. He parks the cars and states that he has been parking cars his whole life, and probably will for the rest of his life (Lovin Al). On top of the parking lot there is an office building. Amanda McKenny is displeased that people stereotype her with her job. She has a strained relationship with her boss, Rex Winship, who tells us he wants to be a teacher. Rose Hoffman, a teacher who has one year left until retirement, is unhappy with the changes she sees in the school system (Nobody Tells Me How). She remembers a student of hers, Babe Secoli, who is now a checker at the Treasure Island Supermarket. Babe explains that her job requires work from every part of the body (I'm Just Movin). Her bag boy, Roberto Nunez, is unhappy with the music that is playing in the market, which is the Cuban Revolution celebratory song along with the hardships of working on a farm and hopes a better day will come (Un Mejor Dia Vendra). In the neighborhood, Conrad Swibel is on his UPS delivery route, talking about the perks of his job: meeting women, and the bad parts, getting chased by dogs. After he leaves, John Rushton delivers the newspaper and tells of his dreams for the future (Neat to be a Newsboy). His mother, Kate Rushton, a housewife, who complains that people doubt her intelligence because she chooses to stay at home and look after her family (Just a Housewife). Candy Cottingham says that she needs to separate people from their jobs for her job as a political fundraiser. Grace Clements explains that she does not want to see any young people doing her job as a millworker because of the physical stress on the body (Millwork). As evening rolls in, all the workers remember their dreams of old (If I Could've Been).
In the morning all the workers are getting ready for their jobs (All the Livelong Day). Mike Dillard, a steelworker, talks about the dangers of his job. Some people get caught in a (Traffic Jam) on the highway. Some of the cars stop at an office building where Al Calinda, a parking lot attendant is working. He parks the cars and states that he has been parking cars his whole life, and probably will for the rest of his life (Lovin Al). On top of the parking lot there is an office building. Amanda McKenny is displeased that people stereotype her with her job. She has a strained relationship with her boss, Rex Winship, who tells us he wants to be a teacher. Rose Hoffman, a teacher who has one year left until retirement, is unhappy with the changes she sees in the school system (Nobody Tells Me How). She remembers a student of hers, Babe Secoli, who is now a checker at the Treasure Island Supermarket. Babe explains that her job requires work from every part of the body (I'm Just Movin). Her bag boy, Roberto Núñez, is unhappy with the music that is playing in the market, which is the Cuban Revolution celebratory song along with the hardships of working on a farm and hopes a better day will come (Un Mejor Día Vendrá). In the neighborhood, Conrad Swibel is on his UPS delivery route, talking about the perks of his job: meeting women, and the bad parts, getting chased by dogs. After he leaves, John Rushton delivers the newspaper and tells of his dreams for the future (Neat to be a Newsboy). His mother, Kate Rushton, a housewife, who complains that people doubt her intelligence because she chooses to stay at home and look after her family (Just a Housewife). Candy Cottingham says that she needs to separate people from their jobs for her job as a political fundraiser. Grace Clements explains that she does not want to see any young people doing her job as a millworker because of the physical stress on the body (Millwork). As evening rolls in, all the workers remember their dreams of old (If I Could've Been).

⚫
;Act 2


⚫
===Act 2===
Anthony Coelho likes his job because in a hundred years people will still see his work (The Mason). On the highway, Frank Decker and Dave are driving their truck (Brother Trucker). Frank explains that he barely sees his family because of his schedule. He makes a call and because of the signal is transferred to the operator, Heather Lamb. She, Sharon Atkins, and Enid DuBois explain that sometimes it's hard not to listen in on phone conversations. Dolores Dante loves her job and is proud to be a waitress (It's an Art). At the park Joe Zutty, a retired man, talks about his life (Joe). He spends his days as a volunteer firefighter. Tom Patrick, who also works as a firefighter, gets emotional talking about the lives he saved. Maggie Holmes talks about wanting a better life for her daughter (Cleanin' Woman). Finally, Ralph Werner recounts his dream life. Mike Dillard comes back and relates how much time he has missed with his family because of work (Fathers and Sons). The ensemble boasts about their accomplishments as workers (Something to Point To).
Anthony Coelho likes his job because in a hundred years people will still see his work (The Mason). On the highway, Frank Decker and Dave are driving their truck (Brother Trucker). Frank explains that he barely sees his family because of his schedule. He makes a call and because of the signal is transferred to the operator, Heather Lamb. She, Sharon Atkins, and Enid DuBois explain that sometimes it's hard not to listen in on phone conversations. Dolores Dante loves her job and is proud to be a waitress (It's an Art). At the park Joe Zutty, a retired man, talks about his life (Joe). He spends his days as a volunteer firefighter. Tom Patrick, who also works as a firefighter, gets emotional talking about the lives he saved. Maggie Holmes talks about wanting a better life for her daughter (Cleanin' Woman). Finally, Ralph Werner recounts his dream life. Mike Dillard comes back and relates how much time he has missed with his family because of work (Fathers and Sons). The ensemble boasts about their accomplishments as workers (Something to Point To).


Line 52: Line 52:
*“Nobody Tells Me How” - Rose Hoffman <small>''(Mary Rodgers & Susan Birkenhead)''</small>
*“Nobody Tells Me How” - Rose Hoffman <small>''(Mary Rodgers & Susan Birkenhead)''</small>
*“Treasure Island Trio” – Danced by three female Dance Soloists <small>''(Michele Brourman)''</small>
*“Treasure Island Trio” – Danced by three female Dance Soloists <small>''(Michele Brourman)''</small>
*“''Un Mejor Dia Vendra''” – Emilio Hernandez and Migrant Workers <small>''(James Taylor, Graciela Daniele & Matt Landers)''</small>
*“''Un Mejor Día Vendrá''” – Emilio Hernández and Migrant Workers <small>''(James Taylor, Graciela Daniele & Matt Landers)''</small>
*“Just a Housewife - Kate Rushton and Housewives <small>''(Carnelia)''</small>
*“Just a Housewife – Kate Rushton and Housewives <small>''(Carnelia)''</small>
*“Millwork” – Female Soloist and two Male Backup Singers <small>''(Taylor)''</small>
*“Millwork” – Female Soloist and two Male Backup Singers <small>''(Taylor)''</small>
*“Nightskate” – Danced by Marco Camerone <small>''(Brourman & Schwartz)''</small>
*“Nightskate” – Danced by Marco Camerone <small>''(Brourman & Schwartz)''</small>
*“Joe” – Joe Zutty <small>''(Carnelia)''</small>
*“Joe” – Joe Zutty <small>''(Carnelia)''</small>
*“If I Could've Been” - Company <small>''(Grant)''</small>
*“If I Could've Been” – Company <small>''(Grant)''</small>
{{col-break}}
{{col-break}}
;Act Two
;Act Two
*“It's an Art” - Delores Dante and Customers <small>''(Schwartz)''</small>
*“It's an Art” – Delores Dante and Customers <small>''(Schwartz)''</small>
*“Brother Trucker” - Dave McCormick, Frank Decker and two Male Backup Singers <small>''(Taylor)''</small>
*“Brother Trucker” – Dave McCormick, Frank Decker and two Male Backup Singers <small>''(Taylor)''</small>
*“Husbands and Wives” – Danced by Booker & Lucille Page, Will & JoAnn Robinson, Tim & Carla Devlin and Other Couples <small>''(Brourman)''</small>
*“Husbands and Wives” – Danced by Booker & Lucille Page, Will & JoAnn Robinson, Tim & Carla Devlin and Other Couples <small>''(Brourman)''</small>
*“Fathers and Sons” – Male Soloist <small>''(Schwartz)''</small>
*“Fathers and Sons” – Male Soloist <small>''(Schwartz)''</small>
*“Cleanin' Women” - Maggie Holmes <small>''(Grant)''</small>
*“Cleanin' Women” – Maggie Holmes <small>''(Grant)''</small>
*“Something to Point To” - Company <small>''(Carnelia)''</small>
*“Something to Point To” – Company <small>''(Carnelia)''</small>
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}
;Original Licensed Version
;Original Licensed Version
Line 73: Line 73:
*“Traffic Jam” – Company <small>''(James Taylor)''</small>
*“Traffic Jam” – Company <small>''(James Taylor)''</small>
*“Lovin' Al” – Al Calinda and Ensemble <small>''(Micki Grant)''</small>
*“Lovin' Al” – Al Calinda and Ensemble <small>''(Micki Grant)''</small>
*“Nobody Tells Me How” - Rose Hoffman <small>''(Mary Rodgers & Susan Birkenhead)''</small>
*“Nobody Tells Me How” – Rose Hoffman <small>''(Mary Rodgers & Susan Birkenhead)''</small>
*“I’m Just Movin’” – Babe Secoli and two Other Checkers <small>''(Schwartz)''</small>
*“I’m Just Movin’” – Babe Secoli and two Other Checkers <small>''(Schwartz)''</small>
*“''Un Mejor Dia Vendra''” – Roberto Nunez and Migrant Workers <small>''(Taylor, Graciela Daniele & Matt Landers)''</small>
*“''Un Mejor Dia Vendra''” – Roberto Nunez and Migrant Workers <small>''(Taylor, Graciela Daniele & Matt Landers)''</small>
*“Just a Housewife - Kate Rushton <small>''(Craig Carnelia)''</small>
*“Just a Housewife – Kate Rushton <small>''(Craig Carnelia)''</small>
*“Millwork” – Grace Clements and Millworkers <small>''(Taylor)''</small>
*“Millwork” – Grace Clements and Millworkers <small>''(Taylor)''</small>
*“If I Could've Been” - Company <small>''(Grant)''</small>
*“If I Could've Been” – Company <small>''(Grant)''</small>
*“The Mason” – Male Soloist <small>''(Carnelia)''</small>
*“The Mason” – Male Soloist <small>''(Carnelia)''</small>
*“Brother Trucker” – Frank Decker, Dave McCormick and Truckers <small>''(Taylor)''</small>
*“Brother Trucker” – Frank Decker, Dave McCormick and Truckers <small>''(Taylor)''</small>
*“It's an Art” - Delores Dante and Customers <small>''(Schwartz)''</small>
*“It's an Art” – Delores Dante and Customers <small>''(Schwartz)''</small>
*“Joe” – Joe Zutty <small>''(Carnelia)''</small>
*“Joe” – Joe Zutty <small>''(Carnelia)''</small>
*“Cleanin' Women” - Maggie Holmes <small>''(Grant)''</small>
*“Cleanin' Women” – Maggie Holmes <small>''(Grant)''</small>
*“Fathers and Sons” – Mike Dillard <small>''(Schwartz)''</small>
*“Fathers and Sons” – Mike Dillard <small>''(Schwartz)''</small>
*“Something to Point To” – Company <small>''(Carnelia)''</small>
*“Something to Point To” – Company <small>''(Carnelia)''</small>
Line 92: Line 92:
*“All the Livelong Day” – Company <small>''(Stephen Schwartz)''</small>
*“All the Livelong Day” – Company <small>''(Stephen Schwartz)''</small>
*“Delivery” – Freddy Rodriguez and Ensemble <small>''(Lin-Manuel Miranda)''</small>
*“Delivery” – Freddy Rodriguez and Ensemble <small>''(Lin-Manuel Miranda)''</small>
*“Nobody Tells Me How” - Rose Hoffman <small>''(Mary Rodgers & Susan Birkenhead)''</small>
*“Nobody Tells Me How” – Rose Hoffman <small>''(Mary Rodgers & Susan Birkenhead)''</small>
*“Brother Trucker” – Frank Decker and Ensemble <small>''(James Taylor)''</small>
*“Brother Trucker” – Frank Decker and Ensemble <small>''(James Taylor)''</small>
*“Just a Housewife - Kate Rushton <small>''(Craig Carnelia)''</small>
*“Just a Housewife – Kate Rushton and Housewives <small>''(Craig Carnelia)''</small>
*“Millwork” – Grace Clements and Millworkers <small>''(Taylor)''</small>
*“Millwork” – Grace Clements and Millworkers <small>''(Taylor)''</small>
*“If I Could've Been” - Company <small>''(Micki Grant)''</small>
*“If I Could've Been” – Company <small>''(Micki Grant)''</small>
*“The Mason” – Male Soloist <small>''(Carnelia)''</small>
*“The Mason” – Male Soloist <small>''(Carnelia)''</small>
*“It's an Art” - Delores Dante and Customers <small>''(Schwartz)''</small>
*“It's an Art” – Delores Dante and Customers <small>''(Schwartz)''</small>
*“Joe” – Joe Zutty <small>''(Carnelia)''</small>
*“Joe” – Joe Zutty <small>''(Carnelia)''</small>
*“A Very Good Day” – Utkarsh Trajillo and Theresa Liu <small>''(Miranda)''</small>
*“A Very Good Day” – Utkarsh Trajillo and Theresa Liu <small>''(Miranda)''</small>
*“Cleanin' Women” - Maggie Holmes & Cleaning Women <small>''(Grant)''</small>
*“Cleanin' Women” – Maggie Holmes & Cleaning Women <small>''(Grant)''</small>
*“Fathers and Sons” – Mike Dillard <small>''(Schwartz)''</small>
*“Fathers and Sons” – Mike Dillard <small>''(Schwartz)''</small>
*“Something to Point To” – Company <small>''(Carnelia)''</small>
*“Something to Point To” – Company <small>''(Carnelia)''</small>
Line 109: Line 109:


Between the Broadway production, the original licensed version, and the 2012 revised version, ''Working'' has featured over 50 different characters. The show is traditionally performed with extensive doubling. The Broadway production featured 17 actors (ten men and seven women), the original licensed version calls for nine actors (five men and four women), and the 2012 revised version calls for six actors (three men and three women).
Between the Broadway production, the original licensed version, and the 2012 revised version, ''Working'' has featured over 50 different characters. The show is traditionally performed with extensive doubling. The Broadway production featured 17 actors (ten men and seven women), the original licensed version calls for nine actors (five men and four women), and the 2012 revised version calls for six actors (three men and three women).



'''Characters featured in more than one version of ''Working'' '''
'''Characters featured in more than one version of ''Working'' '''
Line 136: Line 135:
* '''Joe Zutty''', retired
* '''Joe Zutty''', retired
* '''"The Mason" Soloist'''
* '''"The Mason" Soloist'''



'''Characters featured in the Broadway production only'''
'''Characters featured in the Broadway production only'''
Line 144: Line 142:
* '''Carla Devlin''', his wife
* '''Carla Devlin''', his wife
* '''John Fortune''', advertising copy chief
* '''John Fortune''', advertising copy chief
* '''Emilio Hernandez''', migrant worker
* '''Emilio Hernández''', migrant worker
* '''Barbara Herrick''', agency vice-president
* '''Barbara Herrick''', agency vice-president
* '''Bud Jonas''', football coach
* '''Bud Jonas''', football coach
* '''Brett Meyer''', box boy
* '''Brett Meyer''', box boy
Line 158: Line 156:
* '''Nora Watson''', editor
* '''Nora Watson''', editor
* '''Diane Wilson''', secretary
* '''Diane Wilson''', secretary



'''Characters featured in the original licensed version only'''
'''Characters featured in the original licensed version only'''
* '''Enid Dubois''', telephone solicitor
* '''Enid Dubois''', telephone solicitor
* '''Roberto Nunez''', box boy/migrant worker
* '''Roberto Núñez''', box boy/migrant worker



'''Characters featured in the 2012 revised version only'''
'''Characters featured in the 2012 revised version only'''
Line 170: Line 166:
* '''Eddie Jaffe''', publicist
* '''Eddie Jaffe''', publicist
* '''Theresa Liu''', nanny
* '''Theresa Liu''', nanny
* '''Freddy Rodriguez''', fast food worker
* '''Freddy Rodríguez''', fast food worker
* '''Utkarsh Trajillo''', eldercare worker
* '''Utkarsh Trajillo''', eldercare worker


Line 233: Line 229:


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
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{{Mary Rodgers}}
{{Mary Rodgers}}
{{James Taylor}}
{{James Taylor}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Working}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Working}}
[[Category:1978 musicals]]
[[Category:1978 musicals]]
[[Category:Broadway musicals]]
[[Category:Broadway musicals]]
[[Category:Musicals inspired by real-life events]]
[[Category:Musicals based on books]]
[[Category:Musicals by Stephen Schwartz]]
[[Category:Musicals by Stephen Schwartz]]
[[Category:Musicals inspired by real-life events]]

Latest revision as of 19:55, 20 June 2024

Working
Logo for Working
MusicStephen Schwartz
Craig Carnelia
Micki Grant
Mary Rodgers
James Taylor
LyricsStephen Schwartz
Craig Carnelia
Micki Grant
James Taylor
Susan Birkenhead
BookStephen Schwartz
Nina Faso
BasisWorking
by Studs Terkel
Productions1977 Chicago
1978 Broadway
1982 American Playhouse
1999 New Haven
2008 Sarasota
2009 San Diego
2011 Chicago
2011 Los Angeles
2017 London

Working is a musical with a book by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso, music by Schwartz, Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant, Mary Rodgers, and James Taylor, and lyrics by Schwartz, Carnelia, Grant, Taylor, and Susan Birkenhead.

The musical is based on the Studs Terkel book Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do (1974), which has interviews with people from different regions and occupations.

Productions

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The musical was first staged at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago from December 1977 through February 1978.[1]

It then was produced on Broadway at the 46th Street Theatre, opening on May 14, 1978 where it ran for 24 performances and 12 previews. It was directed by Schwartz and choreographed by Onna White, with a cast featuring Patti LuPone, Bob Gunton, Joe Mantegna, Lynne Thigpen, David Patrick Kelly, Robin Lamont, Steven Boockvor, Rex Everhart, Bobo Lewis, Lenora Nemetz, Brad Sullivan, Matt Landers, David Smyrl,[2] Terri Treas, Matt McGrath and Arny Freeman, an actor who was interviewed in the book. In 1982, Schwartz and Nina Faso adapted the show for a ninety-minute telecast on the PBS series American Playhouse, directed by Schwartz and Kirk Browning and introduced by Terkel.

Before the revisions, it was done as an amateur production by Kent State University, Trumbull Campus, Summer Stock. It has been done there again sometime in the 21st century. Because of the extremely low royalty fee, the production was the highest netting for the Summer Stock to that point even though the turnout was not high.

The musical has undergone several revisions. In March 1999, it was presented at Long Wharf Theater, New Haven, Connecticut, with direction by Christopher Ashley.[3]

A further revised version opened at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, Chicago, starting in February 2011 in previews through June, with direction and revisions by Gordon Greenberg. The cast features Gene Weygandt, Barbara Robertson, Emjoy Gavin, and E. Faye Butler. The production opened Off-Broadway at the 59E59 Theaters on December 12, 2012, after previews which started on December 1, 2012. Again directed by Gordon Greenberg, it won a special ensemble Drama Desk Awards[4][5] the cast features Joe Cassidy, Donna Lynne Champlin, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Nehal Joshi and Kenita Miller. It had "developmental productions" directed by Gordon Greenberg at Asolo Repertory Theatre, Sarasota, Florida in May 2008 and at the Old Globe Theatre, San Diego, California, in March 2009. Schwartz revised the musical with Greenberg, which includes two new songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The show's Asian premiere was in Singapore, performed by LASALLE College of the Arts at the Creative Cube in September 2011.[6]

The show's European premiere was in London at the Southwark Playhouse, from 2 June to 8 July 2017.[7]

The show's Latin American premiere was in an all Spanish version in Montevideo, Uruguay at the Teatro Tablado in 2003. Directed and Choreographed by Alvaro Loureiro and Stefan Sittig.

Synopsis

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Act 1

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In the morning all the workers are getting ready for their jobs (All the Livelong Day). Mike Dillard, a steelworker, talks about the dangers of his job. Some people get caught in a (Traffic Jam) on the highway. Some of the cars stop at an office building where Al Calinda, a parking lot attendant is working. He parks the cars and states that he has been parking cars his whole life, and probably will for the rest of his life (Lovin Al). On top of the parking lot there is an office building. Amanda McKenny is displeased that people stereotype her with her job. She has a strained relationship with her boss, Rex Winship, who tells us he wants to be a teacher. Rose Hoffman, a teacher who has one year left until retirement, is unhappy with the changes she sees in the school system (Nobody Tells Me How). She remembers a student of hers, Babe Secoli, who is now a checker at the Treasure Island Supermarket. Babe explains that her job requires work from every part of the body (I'm Just Movin). Her bag boy, Roberto Núñez, is unhappy with the music that is playing in the market, which is the Cuban Revolution celebratory song along with the hardships of working on a farm and hopes a better day will come (Un Mejor Día Vendrá). In the neighborhood, Conrad Swibel is on his UPS delivery route, talking about the perks of his job: meeting women, and the bad parts, getting chased by dogs. After he leaves, John Rushton delivers the newspaper and tells of his dreams for the future (Neat to be a Newsboy). His mother, Kate Rushton, a housewife, who complains that people doubt her intelligence because she chooses to stay at home and look after her family (Just a Housewife). Candy Cottingham says that she needs to separate people from their jobs for her job as a political fundraiser. Grace Clements explains that she does not want to see any young people doing her job as a millworker because of the physical stress on the body (Millwork). As evening rolls in, all the workers remember their dreams of old (If I Could've Been).

Act 2

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Anthony Coelho likes his job because in a hundred years people will still see his work (The Mason). On the highway, Frank Decker and Dave are driving their truck (Brother Trucker). Frank explains that he barely sees his family because of his schedule. He makes a call and because of the signal is transferred to the operator, Heather Lamb. She, Sharon Atkins, and Enid DuBois explain that sometimes it's hard not to listen in on phone conversations. Dolores Dante loves her job and is proud to be a waitress (It's an Art). At the park Joe Zutty, a retired man, talks about his life (Joe). He spends his days as a volunteer firefighter. Tom Patrick, who also works as a firefighter, gets emotional talking about the lives he saved. Maggie Holmes talks about wanting a better life for her daughter (Cleanin' Woman). Finally, Ralph Werner recounts his dream life. Mike Dillard comes back and relates how much time he has missed with his family because of work (Fathers and Sons). The ensemble boasts about their accomplishments as workers (Something to Point To).

Musical numbers

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Broadway Production
Original Licensed Version
2012 Revised Version

Characters (in alphabetical order)

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Between the Broadway production, the original licensed version, and the 2012 revised version, Working has featured over 50 different characters. The show is traditionally performed with extensive doubling. The Broadway production featured 17 actors (ten men and seven women), the original licensed version calls for nine actors (five men and four women), and the 2012 revised version calls for six actors (three men and three women).

Characters featured in more than one version of Working

  • Sharon Atkins, receptionist
  • Charlie Blossom, ex-copyboy
  • Al Calinda, parking lot attendant (Not featured in the 2012 revised version)
  • Grace Clements, millworker
  • Anthony Coelho, stonemason (Anthony Palazzo in the Broadway production)
  • Candy Cottingham, fundraiser (Not featured in the Broadway production)
  • Delores Dante, waitress
  • Frank Decker, interstate trucker
  • Mike Dillard, ironworker (Mike LeFevre, steelworker, in the Broadway production)
  • Rose Hoffman, schoolteacher
  • Maggie Holmes, cleaning woman
  • Heather Lamb, telephone operator (Not featured in the 2012 revised version)
  • Terry Mason, flight attendant (Not featured in the original licensed version)
  • Dave McCormick, interstate trucker (Not featured in the 2012 revised version)
  • Amanda McKenny, project manager (Not featured in the Broadway production)
  • Tom Patrick, fireman
  • Kate Rushton, housewife
  • Babe Secoli, supermarket checker (Not featured in the 2012 revised version)
  • Conrad Swibel, UPS deliveryman (Gas meter reader in the Broadway production)
  • Roberta Victor, prostitute
  • Ralph Werner, salesman
  • Rex Winship, corporate executive (Herb Rosen in the Broadway production)
  • Joe Zutty, retired
  • "The Mason" Soloist

Characters featured in the Broadway production only

  • Benny Blue, bar pianist
  • Marco Camerone, hockey player
  • Tim Devlin, salesman
  • Carla Devlin, his wife
  • John Fortune, advertising copy chief
  • Emilio Hernández, migrant worker
  • Barbara Herrick, agency vice-president
  • Bud Jonas, football coach
  • Brett Meyer, box boy
  • Cathleen Moran, hospital aide
  • Booker Page, seaman
  • Lucille Page, his wife
  • Will Robinson, bus driver
  • JoAnne Robinson, his wife
  • John Rushton, newsboy
  • Fran Swenson, hotel switchboard operator
  • Jill Torrance, model
  • Nora Watson, editor
  • Diane Wilson, secretary

Characters featured in the original licensed version only

  • Enid Dubois, telephone solicitor
  • Roberto Núñez, box boy/migrant worker

Characters featured in the 2012 revised version only

  • Raj Chadha, tech support
  • Allen Epstein, community organizer
  • Eddie Jaffe, publicist
  • Theresa Liu, nanny
  • Freddy Rodríguez, fast food worker
  • Utkarsh Trajillo, eldercare worker

Awards and nominations

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Original Broadway production

[edit]
Year Award Category Nominee Result
1978 Tony Award Best Book of a Musical Stephen Schwartz Nominated
Best Original Score Stephen Schwartz, Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant, James Taylor, Mary Rodgers and Susan Birkenhead Nominated
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical Steven Boockvor Nominated
Rex Everhart Nominated
Best Scenic Design David Mitchell Nominated
Best Lighting Design Ken Billington Nominated
Drama Desk Award Outstanding Musical Nominated
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Matt Landers Nominated
Brad Sullivan Nominated
Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical Bobo Lewis Won
Lenora Nemetz Nominated
Outstanding Director of a Musical Stephen Schwartz Won

References

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  1. ^ De Gare, Carol.Defying Gravity:the Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked, (2008), "Working chapter", Music Dispatch, ISBN 1-55783-745-7, pp.158-174 https://books.google.com, accessed October 31, 2010
  2. ^ "David Smyrl Dies at 80; Played Mr. Handford on 'Sesame Street'". New York Times (Associated Press). 2016-03-25. Retrieved 2016-04-17.
  3. ^ Marks, Peter."Review, 'Working The Musical'"The New York Times, March 17, 1999, reprint in The New York Times Theatre Reviews 1999-2000, Taylor & Francis, 2002, ISBN 0-415-93697-7 (books.google.com)
  4. ^ "Matilda & Pippin Top Winners' List at 2013 Drama Desk Awards" broadway.com, May 20, 2013
  5. ^ "The 58th Annual Drama Desk Awards" newyorktheatreguide.com, May 19, 2013
  6. ^ "LASALLE College of the Arts". Archived from the original on 2013-07-01.
  7. ^ "Southwark Playhouse – Theatre + Bar | Working". southwarkplayhouse.co.uk. Retrieved 2017-05-26.
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