Vibrancy Theater opens the musical “Working” this week, featuring Ohio University School of Fine Arts students. "Working" is a musical capturing the hopes, dreams and struggles of the American Dream.
From the book of Studs Terkel, the show consists of many different characters from different career paths including teachers, waitresses, corporate executives, housewives and more. Each monologue tells a different story, and is accompanied by a musical number.
Through music and dance, these everyday characters share what motivates and frustrates them, and how their work shapes their identities. The musical celebrates resilience and connection through each character.
Directed by Steven Strafford, associate professor of instruction and head of musical theatre, “Working” opens this week.
The first preview performance occurred Thursday at 8 p.m. There will be a showing on Friday at 8 p.m. Additional performances are on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., as well as next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m.
All performances will be held at the Elizabeth Evans Baker Theater in Kantner Hall located at 19 S. College St.
Tickets can be purchased online. General admission is $10, non-OU students are $7, OU student tickets are $5 and senior tickets are $7. The run time of "Working” is 95 minutes and does not have an intermission.
Andrew Zambito, a sophomore studying in musical theater, is on the leadership board with Vibrancy Theater and is an ensemble member in “Working.” Zambito said the mission of Vibrancy Theater is to uplift people of color at OU.
“We’re trying to elevate BIPOC people as black, Indigenous and people of color in artistic settings with theater being our main one,” Zambito said. “With the stickers and posters for “Working,” we try to prioritize getting people of color to get involved and create art for our shows in whatever way that they can.”
With the organization amplifying the voices of people of color, “Working” aims to amplify the stories of the working class in America. Zambito said every person has a story, which is the message behind the show.
“It’s a 90 minute cycle of different monologues and songs based off interviews in a book by Studs Terkel called ‘Working,’” Zambito said. “We’re just really trying to remind people that the people you see at Walmart are real people and all these different jobs, trying to find points of view on how people view their jobs. We also interviewed people around Athens. My monologue in the show is based on a handyman that was interviewed here in Athens.”
The show encapsulates the day-to-day life of different professions in America, offering a different perspective of how each person's experiences add up to create their own story.
Emma Mayes, a senior studying musical theater, is in the ensemble of “Working.” Mayes said her role is portraying a teacher, and it means a lot to her to have the opportunity to step into the role.
“I play Rose Hoffman, who is a teacher in Chicago,” Mayes said. “She’s a third-grade teacher, and her main focus for her time is letting the interviewer know what teachers experience on the day to day.”
Each character has an every day profession, and each have a story behind their line of work. Behind the scenes, learning about the characters and stories in “Working” has brought together the performers, creating an optimistic environment.
Hugh Davis, a sophomore studying musical theater, is in the ensemble of “Working.” Davis said the rehearsal process has allowed the performers to open up, creating a creative and positive space.
“All around the rehearsal process has been really smooth,” Davis said. “The people are all wonderful. I seriously could not have asked for a better cast because everyone gets along so well, and it’s such a positive environment.”
Mayes said the goal is for the audience to feel all the feelings and to walk away from the show with a different perspective when looking at others around them. “Don’t be afraid to laugh, and also don’t be afraid to cry,” Mayes said. “We want people to genuinely have a good time. We have all kinds of different songs and stuff. If you want to boogie in your seat, do that. We know you’ll be respectful, just enjoy yourself because that’s what we want to do.”
