Garrett Liette, Cathy Judge, Mitch Ruth, Jazz McMullen, Liz Taylor and Kevin Noll play a variety of roles in The Drama Workshop’s upcoming production of WORKING, based on the book by Studs Turkel. Photo by Kristy Rucker.
The Drama Workshop concludes another great year of theatre in its home in the Cheviot business district with the classic musical WORKING from May 3rd through May 19th. Performances are at The Glenmore Playhouse, 3716 Glenmore Ave, Cheviot.
WORKING by Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz, is based on Studs Terkel’s best-selling book of interviews with the American workforce. It is a loving portrait of the American workday told from the perspective of those that the world so often overlooks – the schoolteacher, the housewife, the fireman and the waitress amongst many – whose life and aspirations reflect the diversity that is America. It includes a wide range of musical styles, including contributions from five-time Grammy Award winner James Taylor and Pulitzer Prize winner Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Director Amy Waldfogle has wanted to do this show for years, and is grateful for the chance to stage it at TDW. “I love that the lyrics and the text of the monologues are all taken from real words that real people said about themselves and their job,” she explained. “There’s a rawness and honesty that permeates every single line because it’s all real, not an author trying to present a realistic portrayal.”
Actor Clare Hingsbergen agreed. “This show does a great job at sharing stories of real people and I think people like coming to the theatre and feeling connected with the piece they are seeing. I think everyone can connect with something in this show.”
WORKING is Elizabeth Taylor’s first time performing with TDW, and says she’s enjoyed working with the diverse group of actors who bring the show to life. “These are amazing and talented people. The characters, their everyday jobs and dreams are so relatable. Anyone can find a shared experience with at least one of the characters,” she said.
WORKING is directed and choreographed by Amy Waldfogle and produced by Mark Waldfogle, with musical direction by Allen Lindsey. The rest of the creative team includes Whitney Ball, Amanda Borchers, Elaine Volker, Eric Bardes, Greg Schaper, Jason Cox, Ray Persing, and Valeria Amburgey. The cast consists of veterans from around Cincinnati: Clare Hingsbergen, Kyndra Jefferies, Cathy Judge, Garret Liette, Jazzmann McMullen, Harold Murphy, Kevin Noll, Catherine Ross, Mitch Ruth, Helen Swartwout, Jim Swartwout, and Elizabeth Taylor.
Tickets to WORKING are $18 each if ordered in advance, or $20 the day of the show. Show dates and times are May 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 8 pm, May 5, 11, and 19 at 2 pm, and May 16 at 7:30 pm. Shows frequently sell out, and reservations are strongly recommended. Tickets can be ordered through The Drama Workshop’s ticket line at 513.598.8303, or ordered online via the TDW website at www.thedramaworkshop.org.
HOME BREW THEATRE
AUDITIONS for The Drama Workshop’s production of BLITHE SPIRIT.
WORKING
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 