‘Working’ based on popular Studs Terkel book set to air on Riverwalk Theatre’s virtual stage beginning May 21 LANSING, Mich., May 12, 2021 — Following a successful run of “A Doll’s House” in February, Riverwalk Theatre will stream its first full-length musical this May. The 2012 revised version of “Working” is based on Studs Terkel’s best-selling book of interviews with American workers and features music from Stephen Schwartz, Lin-Manuel Miranda, James Taylor and others. Director Kelly Stuible-Clark, a Lansing-area community theatre mainstay and Wharton Center for the Performing Arts employee, leads a cast of nearly 30 familiar and new faces, as well as a savvy technical and production team, in this lofty endeavor.
“Directing a virtual musical is like jumping off a cliff,” says Stuible-Clark. “This is new territory for me, my production team and cast. I am so grateful this cast agreed to learn with me.” Originally performed in 1977, “Working” explores the lives of teachers, millworkers, housewives, masons and more. Many of the professions and sentiments have been updated for this version. The show’s power comes not just from bringing these professions to the front of people’s minds, but from watching the characters discover pieces of their humanity and the world around them through their relationships to work, regardless of the individual aspects of the jobs themselves.
Stuible-Clark thinks “Working” couldn’t be timelier. “The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many of us to examine how we think about work. Moving virtually, being considered essential, balancing work and family life, loss of work — these are all relevant topics. What better time to hear stories of folks from all walks of life and how they feel about work? These actors have done a wonderful job portraying workers in heartfelt, moving and humorous ways.”
“Working” will air Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. from May 21 through May 30. Patrons can tune in at the time of their performance and stay through the end like they would if they were attending in person. Tickets are $25 per device (computer, phone, tablet, etc.) plus handling fees.
To learn more and purchase tickets, visit riverwalktheatre.com, call the box office at 517-482-5700 or email [email protected]. About Riverwalk Theatre/Community Circle Players — Riverwalk Theater/Community Circle Players is a nonprofit community theatre serving the Greater Lansing Area. For nearly 60 years, we have been presenting dramas, comedies, musicals and children’s shows to audiences and giving back to our community. For more information, visit www.riverwalktheatre.com or call our box office at 517-482-5700.