Working is based on the best-selling book of the same name by Studs Terkel that was published in 1974. Interviews with American workers fill the pages, which became the foundation for the musical that opened on Broadway in 1978. Numerous workers, including a school teacher, waitress, millworker, housewife, etc., talk and sing about their jobs, explaining both what they do on a daily basis and also their hopes and aspirations for what could have been or what can be. A revised version of the musical came out in 2012 that introduced songs and monologues that are relevant to today’s world. Aspects that reflect 21st Century work life, such as technology, fast food, and fundraising are highlighted, while preserving material from the original show that still resonates today. 

Vermont Academy Theater Arts Director Jonathan Barron ’96 chose the revised version of the musical as it would better connect with today’s students and audiences. The songs included company numbers with all of the workers as well as solos and monologues that dove into each type of worker. The show closed with, “Something to Point To,” a company number that encourages people to boast about their accomplishments as workers, whether it’s pointing to a road they worked on or a building they drafted the plans for. Actors in VA’s production wore white tops and black bottoms for their costumes, showing them as everyday commuters, but as soon as they grab the prop that reflects which worker they were portraying, they would instantly become that character. 

As each rehearsal completed, the cast and crew became closer as they worked through some of the more involved pieces of music and choreography. With the show having many VA faculty members in the cast as well, it was a great opportunity for them to connect with students they might haven't gotten the chance to get to know yet. The students who were involved ranged throughout various grade levels and as well as levels of theatrical experience. For 9th grader Evie Meyer ’28, she had, “a great time getting to learn about [what] productions at VA [are like] and working with a wonderful group of people.” While this was a larger musical for the school, Evie still felt like she was able to, “work on a one on one level,” during rehearsals. 

For Mr. Barron, his main goal was to ensure the students were having fun while working together. “Musical theater is the most collaborative experience a person can have,” he noted. “Watching these young artists pull it together on time for opening night is magical.” He was also ecstatic to have a large group of diverse students where he could, “watch students [he’s] known for three years become leaders,” as well as seeing the large group of 9th and 10th graders step up to the plate and show, “the potential of our theater program over the next several years.” The future of performing arts at VA remains bright with this rich performance under its belt and many talented student participants in the program.

Photos from the production can be found here.

=========================

Kate Aldrich, Peter Ahlfeld, YeHoon Allen ’28, Jonathan Barron ’96, Liem Berman, Eddie Carson, Gabriella Clavel ’27, Andy Darcy ’25, Asper Donath ’26, Nik Dunbar ’27, Sara Dunbar, Christine Gilbert, Ysabelle Houde ’28, Suki Lambert ’25, Caitlin Masure ’25, Sara Martínez Mateos ’26, Evelyn Meyer ’28, Casey Rhodes ’27, and Maya Sbardellati ’25.

Jonathan Barron ’96

Margaret Dodson-Buhl

Steve Cady

Lindsey Fitzgerald 

Jonathan Barron ’96

Marley Odell ’26

Steve Cady

Antisha Ssuna ’25

Tahira Kharoti ’26

Sameera Azam-Nooristani ’26

Sara Martínez Mateos ’26

Jonathan Barron ’96

Case Siegel ’25

Madi Delisle ’28

Alvaro Vega Martin ’27

Working: A Musical is based on the book Working by Studs Terkel and was adapted by Stephen Schwartz & Nina Faso with additional contributions by Gordon Greenberg. The songs are by Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mary Rodgers & Susan Birkhead, Stephen Schwartz, and James Taylor.

Special thanks goes to VA faculty and staff, the Vermont Academy Parents Association (VAPA), and those who gave generously and anonymously. Thank you all for your support.