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K-State Today

September 30, 2021

'Working the Musical' opens tonight through Oct. 10

Submitted by Jerry Cranford

WORKING rehearsal photo by Jerry Jay

Based on "Working," the acclaimed 1974 book of interviews with blue-collar workers collected by Studs Terkel, K-State's School of Music, Theatre, and Dance opens "Working the Musical" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, in Chapman Theatre in Nichols Hall.

Shows will be offered at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 9, with 2:30 p.m. matinees on Sunday, Oct. 3 and 10. Join the company for a talkback after the Oct. 3 matinee.

The musical premiered in Chicago in 1977 before moving to New York in 1978. The music and script were revised in 2012 for the London West End adding new songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda — "Hamilton," "In The Heights," "Moana." Stephen Schwartz — "Godspell," "Pippin," "Wicked," "Enchanted" — was the original creator and organizer behind the show with many composers contributing songs: pop star James Taylor, Mary Rodgers — "Once Upon a Mattress"; Micki Grant — "Don't Bother Me I Can't Cope"; Susan Birkenhead — "Jelly's Last Jam," "Triumph of Love" and Craig Carnelia — Sweet Smell of Success."

The show marks the return of live theatre on the K-State campus since the opera "Susannah" closed on March 1, 2020. With an eight-piece rock band and 16 performers, the show is a celebration of the working class. It is especially relevant at this moment in time with so many returning to work after this global pandemic. 

To prepare our theatre artists, we're missing one big piece — you! We need you, our audience, to laugh, cheer, cry and celebrate with us. So dress up, enjoy a nice dinner and spend an evening with us at Chapman Theatre in Nichols Hall.

For ticket information, visit ksu.universitytickets.com.

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