As presented by Concordia University’s Theatre Department, “Working” is an intimate little variety-show tribute to the working class in America that’s a cozy way to spend a couple of hours when not working.

Theater chair Peter Senkbeil effectively and deftly directs a cast of a dozen who assume some 28 characters from all walks of life – fireman, teacher, waitress, trucker, executive, receptionist, cleaning woman – even housewife, retiree and prostitute.

This is a true ensemble piece, with each actor important in each and every role. No one stands out because everyone stands out in this non-showy musical. The fact no vocal talent shines through is exactly what’s needed: an appealing cast with conversational and certainly not exceptional singing talent to put across a musical done in documentary style, keeping true to the original book by Studs Terkel that Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso adapted, with songs by Schwartz, James Taylor, Mary Rodgers, Micki Grant and others.

Some of the monologues play without song and others have bits of song interspersed and there are even full production numbers that begin and end each of the two acts.

Rob Blaney plays keyboard and leads a small combo that gives refined accompaniment to the songs and singers. Melanie Jacobson puts the performers through their paces in the few dance numbers efficiently. Chris Turnow’s all-purpose set serves its differing functions well.

The cast and especially their characters are too numerous to mention by name, but that doesn’t make their contributions any less exemplary. To cite only a few examples: Andrew Eddins is the quintessential, Neew Yawker-accented iron worker who accepts his job. This contrasts with his later portrayal of the fireman who gets all excited over the fact he saves lives every day.

Equally moving is Deanne Mallett as the mill worker who knows the monotonous routine she goes through every hour of each day is the only thing she is qualified to do and will do for the rest of her life.

Then there is Aaron Hoble’s obnoxious UPS deliveryman who enjoys scaring unsuspecting recipients. And Christina Schaeffer plays a hooker who is matter-of-fact about the way she eased into her “job,” as well as a receptionist who is shunned the moment people find out her “lowly” profession.

Rounding out the cast and giving fine performances in various other roles are Chad Biar, Sarah O’Connor, Peter Schnake and Serena Weir. There’s truly not a weak link among the cast who make “Working” truly work.




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