Working: The Musical
From the Book by Studs Terkel
Directed by Ashley Puckett Gonzales
Produced by Theatre Frisco
Running Time: 2 hours including 15 minute intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Performance: Not Available
Production Sound Level: Comfortable Sound Level
Noises or Visuals to Prepare for: None of note
Reviewed by Glynda Welch
Working: A Musical has undergone many revisions since its 1978 opening on Broadway. Based on Studs Terkel’s 1974 book “Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do”, the original version is a series of vignettes from Terkel’s interviews wrapped around songs by Stephen Schwartz, Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant, Mary Rodgers, and James Taylor with additional lyrics from Susan Birkenhead. The updated version on Frisco’s stage adds songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Characters get a refresh too, with workers in current fields like fast food, tech support and eldercare joining more traditional workers like the trucker, teacher, millworker, and waitress.
Gonzales and Music Director Joey O’Reilly have assembled a talented cast and given them all a chance to shine. Faith Grier wows the audience as a parking attendant in “Loving Al.” Her stage presence and vocal talent are impressive. Ken O’Reilly tugs at heart strings both with “Joe” and with “Fathers and Sons.” Tony Barone leads the company in “Brother Truckers.” Watch for the scaffolding that becomes the truck to reappear cleverly throughout the performance. Stephanie Felton is plaintive in “Nobody Tells Me How” and comic as the waitress in “It’s an Art.” Shannon Davidson explores the sameness of being a housewife and a millworker in “Just A Housewife” and “Millwork.” Nick Merritt provides vocals on “The Mason” with Faith Grier joining the orchestra on guitar. Nick also leads the company in “Delivery.” Ryan Lee as an eldercare worker and Krystal Rodriguez as a nanny deliver “A Very Good Day.” Rodriguez leads the women in the energetic “Cleanin’ Women.” The final two numbers, “If I Could’ve Been,” and “Something to Point To” are performed powerfully by the full company.
Rodney Dobb’s versatile set transforms quickly and constantly. I loved that the Orchestra is onstage throughout. Music Director O’Reilly also served as conductor/keyboard. Randy Lindberg on Drums/Percussion, Daniel Davidson on Bass, and Anthony Holmes on Guitar completed the orchestra. Allison Kingwell’s costume design allowed the actors to make their transformations quickly.
I appreciated the addition of new music and of characters working in fields not around in the 1970s when Terkel was interviewing people for his book. I did miss the longer monologues created from some of those early interviews. Go see this show. You will recognize yourself and people you know.
Theatre Frisco’s season opener Working: A Musical continues through March 1st in the Black Box Theater at Frisco Discovery Center. Tickets are available through the box office at 972-370-2266 or at theatrefrisco.com.
Experience Live Theater!
Glynda Welch
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