WORKING: A MUSICAL

Adapted by Nina Faso & Stephen Schwartz
From the book by Studs Terkel
Songs by Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant, Lin-Manuel Miranda,
Mary Rodgers, Susan Birkenhead, Stephen Schwartz,
and James Taylor

RUTH HUMPHREYS BROWN THEATRE
June 20 – Sept 5
Tickets Start at $45 for adults & $25 for children
Celebrating Colorado’s 150th year of statehood !

View Dates & Book

EVERY JOB HAS A STORY
Working is a celebration of everyday people and the jobs that shape their lives. Told through a series of monologues and songs, the show spotlights workers from all walks of life—teachers, laborers, servers, caregivers, artists, and more—each sharing their hopes, struggles, pride, and unseen contributions. And in honor of our local community, the piece is tailored to reflect the unique voices of Creede and the surrounding region, incorporating local stories and trades. Together, these portraits create a heartfelt, human tapestry that honors the dignity, humor, and resilience of the people who keep a community running.
Musical, Drama

Content Advisory

Recommended for ages 13+

Content Information: This production contains moderate language, mature themes, and the grit of everyday, working people.

Please see CRT’s complete list of Content Advisories for additional information. Parents: We understand that every child is different. Don’t hesitate to call the box office for more detailed content information to help decide what’s best for your child.

ASL-Interpreted Performances

Friday, July 17 @ 7pm

During ASL–interpreted performances, American Sign Language interpreters are located near the stage. Patrons using this service will be seated in an area that gives the best sight lines to follow both the interpretation and the action on stage. One signed performance will be offered for each CRT production July 17-19.

Seating in the designated area (denoted by the letter “A”) may be purchased online, through boxoffice@creederep.com, or by calling the box office at (719) 658-2540 (voice).

Jenni Harbour

Director’s Note

“I think most of us are looking for a calling, not
a job. Most of us, like the assembly line worker,
have jobs that are too small for our spirit. Jobs
are not big enough for people.”
—Nora Watson from the book, Working, by Studs Terkel

I first saw Working onstage in Chicago the summer before I went to college. I had gotten in the habit of taking the train downtown, putting my name into student lotteries for as many different theatres as I could, and seeing a show. On this particular day, my dad asked to come, and we won tickets to see Working: A Musical.
My dad is as blue collar as they come, fourth-generation family- business owner in asphalt paving. He really saw himself in this show.It’s a special memory that the two of us share, and I think it was the moment when he stopped being so nervous about my theatre degree.
Flash-forward to May 2020: My husband and I relocated to Creede with no plan. The hardworking folks of Creede embraced us and made us feel at home, so we haven’t left. In those early days, we worked at The Creede Hotel; Kentucky Belle Market (when it was owned by Ron and Kay Fief ); the Creede Arts Council; and Creede America, all beside some of the hardest-working people we’ve ever met. During that time, I kept thinking that this town and these people have “something to point to” and a lot to be proud of. The localized version of Working is the perfect celebration of the spirit of Creede.
It has been a true privilege to share time and stories with local folks for this production. I’m eternally grateful for the generosity of our community members who spoke with me at length about working in the mines, caretaking at a ranch, what growing up in Creede is like, and so much more. I left every interview humbled and proud to be able to tell this story and to share my appreciation for the grit of Creede locals with you all. I can’t wait for you to hear their stories.

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM

CREATIVE TEAM
Director – Jenni Harbour
Music Director – Alec Steinhorn
Choreographer – Brenda Perez de Tejada
Scenic Design – Jon Young**++
Associate Scenic Design – Abby Pirtle
Costume Design – Nicole Watts
Lighting Design – Kevin Frazier
Sound Design – Chevelier Wiggins
Dramaturg – Kit Milne Twichell
Voice Coach – Rebecca Bossen

STAGE MANAGEMENT
Stage Manager – Esther McFaden*
Asst. Stage Manager – Ashleigh David*

CAST
Woman 1 – Sydney Wilson
Woman 2 – Maya Tanaka Allwardt
Woman 3 – McKinley Carter*
Man 1 – Clark Destin Jones
Man 2 – Julian Ibarra
Man 3 – Richaun Stewart*

Songs by Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant, Lin-Manuel
Miranda, Mary Rodgers and Susan Birkenhead,
Steven Schwartz, and James Taylor.

Dance music by Michele Brourman.

Original production directed by Stephen Schwartz.

**Terrence & Polly Jones Scenic Designer
++Designer is represented by United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829 of the IATSE.
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.