Working
Much like the seminal musical A Chorus Line , Working is a concept musical that is adapted from intimate and illustrative interviews. In 1974, Studs Terkel released a book of interviews he’d conducted with American workers. Terkel interviewed bankers, waitresses, construction workers, housewives and more. In the late 70s, Stephen Schwartz ( Wicked , Godspell ) and Nina Faso adapted it into a concept musical (sans a linear plot line) that featured songs by Schwartz, Mary Rodgers, Craig Carnelia, Susan Birkenhead, Micki Grant and James Taylor. This 2012 incarnation includes additional interviews conducted in 2008 (additional contributions are attributed to director Gordon Greenberg), as well as new tunes from Lin-Manuel Miranda ( Bring It On ). As the title suggests, Working focuses on people at work. Mixing interviewees’ words with music, we are exposed to workers’ inner and honest thoughts about their work. Embodying the 36 workers is a six-member ensemble featuring Mar...