While Studs Terkel's book Working was a groundbreaking insider's look at dozens of occupations told in the workers' own words, it had a dark, sometimes even violent, tone. But "Working: a Musical," based on that book and now playing at Key City Playhouse, is a different beast altogether.
I confess that after a long week at the newspaper, I wasn't sure I was up to watching characters sing hallelujah about their jobs, but the buzz started early. Only hours after opening night on Friday did I hear from someone on Saturday morning that this play was a knockout.
After seeing the show on Saturday night, I found the rumors are true. Durm und strang has never been so delightful and never so timely, as the nation's economy thrashes about like a fish caught on a hook.
Everyone in the audience, including myself, roared at Raven's "Lovin' Al" and "Brother Trucker" numbers and Denise Fleener's rendition of "It's an Art (The Waitress)." These two natural performers always give everything they've got to their work, and this play is no exception.
The subject is work though, the kind done by people written about in Barbara Ehrenreich's book Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America, so there are sad moments too. In fact, I got misty-eyed as Deena Lien-Richards sang James Taylor's "Millwork," and I totally lost it when Michael Gruber sang the ballad "Fathers and Sons," as I thought of my own father's influence on my education and working life. I rarely cry in movies or plays, or while reading books, so this is quite a compliment for these two actor/singers. I found Richard Bruce's "Mason" and Jennifer Nielsen's "Cleaning Women" touching as well, and Beth Noelle's song "Just a Housewife" is stunning.
In a unique twist, the show incorporates video taken by Jonathan Safir of seven local laborers who talk about their jobs to great effect.
By the time the show ended with "Something" - a celebration of every worker's accomplishments - I was filled with joy at being privileged to get up and go to work again on Monday (though that feeling will surely fade as the week continues).
Director Heather Poulsen, Musical Director Noelle and the musical's 13 actors have done a great job of putting together this script and score. What amazed me the most was watching some relative unknowns in our tiny theater community exude as much confidence and talent as the seasoned performers onstage.
Much praise goes to all of them, including Set Designer Scott Nollette, Lighting Designer Albert Mendez, Hair and Makeup Designer Angela Agnew, Choreographer Denise Winter and Costume Designer Sophie Pipia.
"Working" runs through Oct. 12. For ticket and show information, call 385-7396 or visit www.KeyCityPublicTheatre.org.
The pay-what-you-wish performance sponsored by the Port Townsend Arts Commission takes place this Thursday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are sold at full price, with donations accepted at the door for the remaining seats on a first-come, first-served basis.
