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The show is an adaptation of a book of interviews by
Studs Terkel. The musical, originally produced in 1977, was written
by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso with music and lyrics contributed
by Schwartz, James Taylor, Mary Rodgers, and others, has been
revised several times, and its current version includes two songs
written by “Hamilton” author, Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The musical has no single story to follow; all the
characters are, essentially, speaking directly to the audience or,
in a way, to themselves. There are group songs and there are solos;
there are also spoken monologues interspersed. The effect is of a
thematically unified revue. And the Lincoln Community Theatre pulls
it off charmingly.
Some songs are supported by backup singers and
dancers, and these numbers are tight and well-executed. There are 27
“scenes” in the show. Each one has a point, makes it, and then the
show moves on. Much credit for the effectiveness of performance goes
to the director, Dan McLaughlin, and the vocal director/
choreographer, Brittney McLaughlin.
The instrumental pit band is led by Julie Kasa and the scenery
designer and tech director is Michael Higgins.
Each cast member has at least one moment to shine
individually. Some of the songs, monologues, feature humor, but most
are heart-felt and self-revelatory. Every audience member can choose
favorite moments in the show.
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To name a few performers and roles: Cari Wilmert’s
waitress, Kim Peterson-Quinn’s housewife, Brian Bolton’s trucker,
Mike Lovett’s firefighter, Lauren Stanfield’s millworker, Rebecca
Stein’s farm worker, Tom McLaughlin’s father, Karyn Blumhagen’s
teacher, Mike Higgins’s mason, Derek Rademacher’s UPS
deliveryman—all these are especially notable. Perhaps my
favorite—Steve Schreiber’s retiree. His monologue in the second act
is varied, authentic, outstanding.
Rounding out the versatile and energetic cast are Sadie Bolton,
Sherylyn Bolton, Zildjian Bolton, Linda Cole, Claire Conrady,
Jacqueline Keysear, Logan Keysear, and Kirby Rodgers.
“Working” runs the final two weekends of July: Friday and Saturday
July 20th, 21st and 27th, 28th performances begin at 7:30pm; Sunday
July 22nd and 29th performances begin at 2:00pm. The venue is the
Johnston Center on the Lincoln College campus.
For tickets, go to
www.lincoln communitytheatre.org, call 217.651-4271, see a
sneak peak at the ALMH Market on Saturday, July 21 at 10 a.m. and 11
a.m. and purchase tickets there, or at the box office one hour
before show time.
[Bill DeLoriea]
Bill DeLoriea coached speech and directed
theatre for decades at Olympia High School in Stanford, IL. In his
retirement, Bill continues to be a judge for the Illinois High
School Association's speech and theatre programs and mentors those
who follow in his footsteps. Bill graciously reviewed the Lincoln
Community Theatre's final show of the 2018 summer season - "Working:
A Musical" - and submits his review for publication.
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