OHS musical Working Nov. 20-23

Photos by Leon Chuck www.pressboxphoto.com

This week, Oakwood High School will present Working, a musical based on the book by Studs Terkel about what people do for a living and how they feel about it. Studs Terkel passed away on Oct. 31. This production is dedicated to his memory.

The book was adapted for the stage by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked) and Nina Faso, boasting an amazing selection of songs from several different composers, including Schwartz and pop legend James Taylor.

This lovely, ensemble show details the lives of 25 Americans in a variety of jobs. This is actually non-fiction, based on a series of interviews between Studs Terkel and individual workers. The names have been changed, but the stories are from the original transcriptions: real people describing real life. The action takes place in the course of an average workday. These characters share their stories in monologues and songs, giving us a profound view of our American diversity, our strengths and weaknesses, our successes and our sacrifices.

This dynamic, fast-paced show touches a wide range of emotions. It makes us think while it entertains. While there are some adult ideas, the play is recommended for the whole family. The live band plays on stage, behind the set: a series of scaffolding units that become a skeleton for the many work venues presented in the show.

Eighteen actors make up this ensemble cast, including Max Wiliams from Harman Elementary, who plays a newsboy delivering papers. Other cast members include Nick Wagner, Noah Berry, Sterre ter Haar, Gabe Robinson, Olivia Cuipak, Alexandra Morris, Alana D’Agostino, Nick Grilliot, Tyler Murphy, Haley Penchoff, Kaitlynn Trent, Alyssa Coyle, Katie Taylor, Michael Chapman, Hannah Berry, Rachel Stock and Oakwood Rotary exchange student, Daniel Leon.

The show is directed by Jean Howat Berry, a teaching artist with Ohio Arts Council and Muse Machine. John W. Johns, Choir Director at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, is the music director. OHS staff member, Debbie Smith, has led a team of tech students, devising computer-generated projections in support of the documentary aspect of this project. Lighting and sound designer, Tim Guth (TimBeckTwo), has done the technical coordination for the project.

Tickets are $5 and available at the Oakwood High School main office by calling 297-5325. Tickets are also available at the door. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. The box office will open one hour before curtain. Performances are Nov. 20, 21 & 22 at 8 p.m. and Nov 23 at 2 p.m.

Don’t miss this outstanding celebration of the American worker!