ECC Musical Theatre presents 'Working' musical starting Feb. 23
The Elgin Community College Musical Theatre will present its production of "Working: A Musical" on Friday, Feb. 23 through Sunday, March 4.
Based on Studs Terkel's best-selling book of interviews with American workers, the musical was adapted by Nina Faso and Stephen Schwartz with additional contributions from Gordon Greenberg. It features songs by Craig Carnelia; James Taylor; Mary Rodgers and Susan Birkenhead; Micki Grant; Stephen Schwartz; and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
ECC Musical Theatre's production is directed by Mary Hatch, dean of Liberal, Visual and Performing Arts at ECC, with musical direction by Marc Beth, music program coordinator at ECC, and choreography by Heather Goldman.
Performances take place in the SecondSpace Theatre, located in the ECC Arts Center in Building H, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The production starts at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays.
Originally produced in 1977, ECC Musical Theatre is presenting the revised version of "Working" that was updated in 2012 to reflect the jobs of contemporary America. Nominated for six Tony Awards, the updated musical features new songs by Tony Award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda ("Hamilton," "In the Heights"), as well as favorites by Stephen Schwartz ("Wicked," "Godspell"), Craig Carnelia and James Taylor.
The musical explores the work lives of 26 people from all walks of life. While most of the professions have been updated, the strength of the show is in the core truths that transcend specific professions - truths brought to life by the musical's vivid portraits of workers the world so often takes for granted.
"This musical is a celebration of work, but it's also much more. Work is integral to our identities. We work because we need to, and because we want to. Work gives us a sense of belonging, accomplishment and purpose," says director Mary Hatch. "Studs Terkel conducted over one hundred interviews to tell the stories of average people who are usually left out of history books. 'Working' reveals the day-in, day-out efforts of ordinary Americans."
Musical director Marc Beth says that the musical is both timely and timeless. "There has been a lot of attention to social and economic class structure in the news this past year, and this production is a wonderful look at the people that are affected by changes in the economy and the changing labor landscape. I love the music in the show, and am amazed at how it has been updated to reflect modern struggles and celebrations."
Tickets are $20 or $18 for seniors and students. Tickets for all performances in the ECC Arts Center are available online at tickets.elgin.edu or at the ECC Arts Center box office. Box office hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday. To purchase tickets by phone, call 847-622-0300. All major credit cards are accepted.
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"Working: 2012 Revised Version" is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI (www.MTIShows.com).