Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington will be presenting “Working,” a musical about the everyday life of American workers, at the Atlas Performing Arts Center on February 9-10. The musical has been adapted for the stage by Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso.
Using words and music, the musical depicts hopes, dreams, and struggles of ordinary men and women from all walks of life. The characters represent working people, including a delivery driver, steelworker, teacher, a parking lot attendant, a waitress, among others.
The musical is adapted from Studs Terkel’s 1974 bestselling book, “Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do.” The author interviewed hundreds of people about their working life for the book.
In 1978, the musical had its first opening on Broadway and it went on to earn six Tony Award nominations that year. It has since been revised several times with additions of new songs.
The current version of the musical incorporates original songs, including by Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mary Rodgers, Susan Birkenhead, Stephen Schwartz, and pop star James Taylor.
The actors also address the audience in the musical. Sometimes they sing and speak about what their profession means to them. They also talk about their struggles, and also how their jobs failed them.
The Daily News called the musical “immensely moving… terrifically original in concept… it’s a glorious show that rethreads the fabric of American life and leaves you cheering.”
For tickets in groups of 10 and more, call 202-293-1548. Purchase tickets here.