Working

A.C.T. of CT — WoRLdwide licensed new version

Adapted by Nina Faso & Stephen Schwartz
Songs by Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mary Rodgers, Susan Birkenhead, Stephen Schwartz, and James Taylor
From the book by Studs Terkel
Localized format conceived by Daniel C. Levine

Director: Daniel C. Levine
Choreographer: Chip Abbott
Music Supervisor: Bryan Perri
Music Director: Dan Pardo
Costume Designer: Brenda Phelps
Scenic and Lighting Designer: Jack Mehler
Media Designer: Caite Hevner
Sound Designer: John Salutz
Wig Design and Hair Supervision: Liz Printz

Working original debuted in 1977, turning the stories collected by Chicago-radio personality Studs Terkel for his best-selling book on working lives into occasions for song and dance. The 2019 version at ACT, revamped by Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine, in consultation with Schwartz, updates elements of the show and, significantly, incorporates material from interviews Levine conducted with Ridgefield workers. The new version offers the best of both worlds: the Broadway polish of the original show together with home-grown local elements.

  • "What Daniel has done is unique in the true sense of the word. The A.C.T. production will remain unique, but with any luck, there will be other communities and their own unique versions using Dan’s template as the model."

    —Stephen Schwartz

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  • “I could not possibly imagine it ever having been performed any better than what I experienced at the A.C.T. of CT!”

    -Sean Fallon, BroadwayWorld

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  • "The biggest hero is director Daniel C. Levine, who keeps the musical in constant motion, and has added some extremely effective video projections that enrich the show tremendously."

    -Zander Opper, Talkin' Broadway

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  • "Levine, imprints this work with a steadfast knowledge, understanding and zest that heightens its hypnotic allure, its movement, its evolution, its rapidly changing emotional palate, its exploding spirit and its restructured curiosity, realism and truthfulness."

    —Jim Ruocco, Connecticut Critics Circle

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  • "Daniel C. Levine’s WORKING is a snappy example of musical theater that really works."

    -Donald Brown, New Haven Review

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  • “Mr. Levine is to be commended for his efforts to take this musical to another level. The result is a compassionate and moving musical experience.”

    —The Newtown Bee

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  • “Levine's expert direction stunningly creates storytelling as scenes appear seemingly out of nowhere. He creates the illusion one moment of being in a bustling city, then switches to a quiet moment highlighting one worker's intimate story. It's some of the best direction I have seen on a Connecticut stage.”

    —Connecticut Arts Connection

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  • "Levine has taken full advantage of the technical resources available to him in this state-of-the-art theater and the result is a carnival of sight and sound, a stroll down a midway where every booth is staffed by working folks offering something intriguing, entertaining, touching and, at moments, entrancing."

    —Geary Danihy, Connecticut Critics Circle

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  • Brad Greer*
    Cooper Grodin*
    André Jordan*
    Monica Ramirez*
    Zuri Washington*
    Laura Woyasz*

    * Indicates member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.

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