Simpson Productions presents Studs Terkel’s Working: A Musical Localized Version Feb. 14-16

Simpson Productions presents Studs Terkel’s Working: A Musical Directed by Jennifer Nostrala with music direction by Damon Stevens, the musical opens on Feb. 14 and runs only one weekend in the intimate Barnum Studio Theatre.

Based on Studs Terkel’s best-selling book of interviews with American workers, Working paints a vivid portrait of the workers that the world so often takes for granted: the schoolteacher, the phone operator, the waitress, the millworker, the mason, and the housewife, just to name a few. Nominated for six Tony Awards, this classic has been updated for a modern age, featuring songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Stephen Schwartz, Craig Carnelia, James Taylor, Micki Grant, and more with orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire.

Producing the localized version allowed Simpson Productions to replace some of the monologues with interviews of both local workers and Simpson College students. Last fall two students, along with Director Jennifer Nostrala, interviewed twelve individuals about their work and their dreams for the future. These interviews were turned into monologues that will be performed along with the original monologues from show. Those interviewed include an employee with Kiya Koda, a server at Crouse Café, an Indianola elementary school music teacher, and a 911 dispatcher. Simpson Productions is excited to produce a show with a direct connection to our community.

Performances are in the Blank Performing Arts Center at Simpson College on February 14-15 at 7:30 p.m. and February 15-16 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $20.00 for adults, $17.50 for seniors and non-Simpson students, $16.00 for group (10 or more) tickets, and free for Simpson students and employees with IDs.

Working: A Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Reserve your tickets today: Working: A Musical