Caldwell Theatre Company Starts Working
Caldwell Theatre Company is set to launch the revamped, updated, and contemporized musical Working, featuring the music of Tony winners, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell), Lin Manuel Miranda (In the Heights) and Grammy winner James Taylor. The original source material for this unabashedly American musical is based on the original novel Working by Studs Terkel.
“What drew me to the piece was the extent to which the material really celebrates the American worker,” said Clive Cholerton, Artistic Director of Caldwell Theatre Company and director for the show. “In this period of high unemployment, it is so refreshing to hear this music which is so emotionally engaging and I think even further hints at the rebirth that we seem to be on the verge of.”
An all-Florida cast embodies this eclectic mix of monologues and songs featuring Broadway vets Melissa Minyard (Les Miserables), Barry Tarallo (Grease), South Florida favorites, Jim Ballard (All My Sons, Urinetown, Adding Machine), Laura Hodos (She Loves Me), Kareema Khouri (Motherhood the Musical) and Michael Focas (Lend Me a Tenor). Musical Direction will be in the capable hands of Caryl Fantel whose previous work at Caldwell included the powerhouse show Vices: A Love Story and the Broadway Concert, A Secret Garden.
Caldwell’s design team for the piece includes the always inventive scenic designer Tim Bennett, Joseph P. Oshrey will provide lighting design, Linda C. Shorrock assumes costume design, Thomas M. Shorrock sound design, and Sean Lawson will work his magic with projection design.
This will mark the second production of this updated version of Working with the original production in Chicago at the Broadway Playhouse. Critical acclaim there lead to an extended run and further talks, which still continue, to move the show to New York.
“Working has a structure similar to A Chorus Line in that we really dive inside the mindset of these characters,” continued Cholerton. “What we also see is just how interconnected we all are and how shared all of our experiences are. Its themes are possibly the most universal of any show we’ve recently done at Caldwell Theatre Company.”
Writing for the Chicago Tribune, Chris Jones would say, “Working…packs more of an emotional punch that you’d expect…”
John Olson of Broadway World would state, “…Beyond its timeliness, though, Working remains a moving piece of musical theater, with one of the best scores of the latter 20th century.”
Working
A Musical
From the book by STUDS TERKEL
Adapted by STEPHEN SCHWARTZ and NINA FASO
Songs by: CRAIG CARNELIA, MICKI GRANT, LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA, MARY RODGERS, SUSAN BIRKENHEAD, STEPHEN SCHWARTZ AND JAMES TAYLOR.
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
Media Contact:
Clive Cholerton, Artistic Director of Caldwell Theatre Company
561-995-2326 or clive@caldwelltheatre.com
Cast List: (in alphabetical order)
JIM BALLARD
MICHAEL FOCAS
LAURA HODOS
KAREEMA KHOURI
MELISSA MINYARD
BARRY TARALLO
Director: CLIVE CHOLERTON
Musical Director: CARYL FANTEL
Stage Manager: ROBERT HERRLE
Scenic Designer: TIM BENNETT
Sound Designer: THOMAS M. SHORROCK
Lighting Designer: JOSEPH P. OSHREY
Costume Designer: LINDA C. SHORROCK
Projection Designer: SEAN LAWSON
Performances:
February 26 – April 1, 2012
Wednesday – Saturday: 8:00 p.m.
Select Tuesdays 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday: 2:00 p.m.
Tickets:
$27 to $50 depending on performance and seat location. $10 Students with ID.
Box Office:
Box Office 561-241-7432
Group Sales:
Group pricing of $25 for all performances are available. Groups must consist of at least 15. Groups receive one comp for every 20 tickets purchased. Contact Group Sales at (561) 995-2333 or groupsales@caldwelltheatre.com.
About Caldwell Theatre Company:
Caldwell Theatre Company is the longest running regional theater in South Florida. The 2011-2012 Mainstage Season celebrates our 37th Season. The theater has 333 seats with no obstructions and no seat is over 60 feet from the stage. You’ll feel as if you’re watching a performance from your living room. Accessible seating is available upon request. All donations are 100% tax deductable. Caldwell Theatre Company is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.