Grayson College theatre presents “Working” April 29 to May 1
People may not always whistle while they work, but Grayson College Theatre Department students sing about jobs and the people who do them during its production of “Working.” The musical runs April 29 through May 1 in Grayson College’s Cruce Stark Auditorium in the Arts & Communication Building on its Main Campus in Denison.
The Tony Award-winning musical follows the lives of everyday people as they tackle their work day. Grayson College actors bring the characters to life as they deliver their dreams and disappointments in a fun, funny and – at times – poignant meld of song and dance.
The musical is based on Studs Terkel’s book, “Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do,” which features people from different regions and occupations. Interviews from the book were turned into monologues and songs by Steven Schwartz, composer of “Wicked” and “Godspell,” as well as composers Ina Faso and Gordon Greenberg. It features songs by Schwartz, Susan Birkenhead, Craig Carnelian, Micki Grant, Lin-Manuel Miranda (composer and writer of “Hamilton” now appearing on Broadway, and composer for “In the Heights”), Mary Rogers, and James Taylor.
“Working” kicks off Grayson College’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Day with a performance at 10 a.m. on April 29, and another that evening at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Jeremy McMillen, Grayson College president, gives opening remarks at both performances. Other performances are April 30 at 7:30 p.m., and May 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets are free.
“‘Working’ is Grayson College’s gift to the community in honor of our golden anniversary. We picked this show because it celebrates working people – the people we don’t usually think about who are in the background, just doing their jobs,” said Robin Robinson, Grayson College theatre director and theatre professor. “Obviously, Grayson College is about that. Our degree programs, tech programs, degrees and certificates provide opportunities and celebrate the idea of people working and contributing to their families and communities.”
Denison sophomore Holden Webster directs the musical, a first for him in this genre. He made his directorial debut last year in “Last Call at Chez Mort,” Grayson College’s murder mystery dinner theatre production.
“I’ve been in 14 musicals as an actor, but this is my first to direct,” Webster said. “As a performer, I know how actors think and go about the process of developing a character. This helps me as a director to communicate my vision and to help bring about the best in them as they develop their characters.
“‘Working’ is just plain fun. Its content and the people I’m involved with here have made it one of the best experiences,” he said. “The cast and crew are incredible to work with. They’ve been receptive in doing everything I’ve asked and are bringing great things to the production. The audience is in for a treat.”
While there are 40 characters in all, the production is traditionally performed by much fewer people who portray multiple roles. Of the 15 actors in the musical, Olney freshman Jesse Alsup plays steelworker Mike Dillard, which is the only character that recurs throughout the production.
Grayson College sophomore cast members are: Hunter Malone of Bells; Lydia Foster of Chesterfield, Va.; and Jorge Amador of Princeton. Freshman cast members include: Tyler Burns of Bells; Darrion Dockins of Clarksville; Caitlin Pohland of Corsicana; James Berggren of Denison; Christian Love of Farmersville; Ashley Coffman of Houston; Jamee Rhoades of Sweetwater; Colton Wall of Whitewright; and Luke Brown of Wolfe City. Anna Clarkson, Sherman High School choir director, is a cast member as well.
Robinson also performs in the musical. Her character is a teacher with 40 years of experience, and since Robinson retires from Grayson College in June after a 19-year tenure, Webster thought it would be a great swan-song role for her.
“I’ve acted in a few shows while I’ve been at Grayson College, but I never do it unless I can trust that the student director won’t be intimidated by me,” she said. “Holden is the first Grayson College student to be in charge of a musical. His experience and maturity definitely played a role in that decision, and he has proven himself more than capable.”
Grayson College theatre professor Thea Albert designed the scenery, which is abstract and features workplace objects that represent more than what they typically do. Katie Gaskill of Savoy, a graduating sophomore, serves as stage manager and choreographer. Grayson College theatre professor Tenna Matthews is technical director and production manager. Bryce Dansby of Denison, also a graduating sophomore, is light designer. It is his responsibility to create the atmosphere of the various vocations with the lighting.
“Katie and Bryce carry a lot of weight in this production because what they’re doing contributes to the overall success of the actors and the production,” Webster said. “It’s an incredible challenge that they’re both performing fantastically well.”
“Working” features a live band to accompany the vocalists. Pam Gauthier-Hamer, a choir director for Sherman ISD, serves as the production’s music director and plays keyboard in the band. Other band members are: Dr. David Tercero, Grayson College music professor, and Brad Roberts, GRAYSON COLLEGE graduate, both on guitar; and community members Vallerie Farris on keyboard, Frank Steele on percussion, and Gregg Tarvin on guitar.
Three cast members also serve as crew members, including Amador as sound designer, Poland as costume designer, and Love as assistant costume designer. McKinney sophomore Robert Gildner operates the spotlight. Freshmen crew members are: Jordan Harger of Bonham, wardrobe; Colt Schell of Denison, assistant stage manager; Connor Copeland of Howe, mic operator; Devin Anding of Jewett, master electrician and light board operator; Jordan Curry of Sadler, makeup and hair designer; Dwayne Bruce of Tom Bean, assistant stage manager and props; and Trent Rohret of Wolfe City, sound board operator.
“Working” is a 90-minute musical with no intermission. While it’s not a children’s show, it is appropriate for most family members. Tickets are free and reservations are not required. For more information about the musical, contact the GRAYSON COLLEGE Theatre Department at 903-463-8609 or theatre@grayson.edu .