Everyone can relate to ‘Working’

Have you ever looked at a building and wondered about the people who work there; about the people who built it? All those people have stories to tell – stories about working.

Utah State University Theater department’s production of “Working” gives a wonderful look into the lives of working Americans.

Anyone who has ever had to work will find at least one character they can relate to, from the iron worker and the businessman, to the school teacher and factory worker, to the clerk at the market and the housewife, or even to the waitress and delivery man.

Through the musical adaptation of Studs Terkel’s book by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso, director Kris Bushman brings the plight of the working American to life. The choice to stage such an emotionally charged show in the intimate setting of the studio stage is to be commended. The proximity of the audience to the actors added to the feeling of kinship between those watching the performance and the characters brought to life in front of them.

This amazing show is full of wonderful moments, which are sure to touch the hearts of everyone. In one particularly moving scene, Eric Van Tielen plays a laborer telling of his hopes for a better life for his son, while expressing his respect for the efforts of his father to give him that better life. In addition to Van Tielen’s presentation, the audience is treated to the equally moving performance of Jon Savage as a range of characters, including a fireman and a long-haul trucker.

Melanie Rees, Erica Stoddard, Emily Ferrin, Melinda McDermott, Carrie Farnsworth, David Nickle, JayC Stoddard and Chad Wasden each bring their own talents to enhance the production.

“Working” is by far the best opportunity this semester to see USU theater students at their best. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. March 5 through 10 on the Studio Stage in the Chase Fine Arts Building.

Admission is free with USU ID or $5 for non-students.