Working (13 Apr. 1982)

A musical adaptation of Studs Terkel's book celebrating the lives of everyday working-class people.

Directors:

Kirk Browning, Stephen Schwartz

Writers:

Studs Terkel (book), Stephen Schwartz (adaptation),

Stars:

Studs Terkel, Barry Bostwick, Scatman Crothers

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Studs Terkel	...	Himself - Host
Barry Bostwick	...	Steelworker
Scatman Crothers	...	Parking Attendant
Barbara Browning	...	Editor
Vernee Watson-Johnson	...	Secretary (as Vernée Watson)
Jay Garner	...	Corporate Executive
Billy Jayne	...	Newsboy (as Billy Jacoby)
Barbara Barrie	...	Schoolteacher
Carole Schwartz	...	Supermarket Checker
Bill Beyers	...	Boxboy
Fausto Barajas	...	Migrant Worker
Charles Haid	...	Gas Man
Beth Howland	...	Housewife
Barbara Hershey	...	Call Girl
Eileen Brennan	...	Millworker

Storyline

A musical adaptation of Studs Terkel's book celebrating the lives of everyday working-class people.

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Plot Keywords:

working class | truck driver | based on stage musical based on book | worker | job | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

13 April 1982 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

WNET Channel 13 New York, KCET

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In a seminar with the Dramatist's Guild of North America in December 2003, Stephen Schwartz said that directing this television production was the lowest point in his career. He believed at the time he would never write another musical and that he was in a position where he did not know what he was doing.

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Quotes

Song Lyric: Hey somebody, do you wanna hear the story of my life?

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Soundtracks

"It's an Art"
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Sung by Rita Moreno

User Reviews

A wan version of a lost classic

This musical deserved more than its short Broadway run, and has gotten new life in college and regional theaters. I had the honor of performing in a community theater version in 2000. The PBS version is a letdown. It is like a documentary with a few songs thrown in. Sometimes the characters are shown talking to the narrator instead of performing or the songs are sung over still photographs or filmed versions of the actors doing 'work,' which blunts the impact. Some of the songs have been cut, and the 'ensemble' cast rarely interacts or performs together. Plus, it is not all that well cast; Barbara Barrie and Beth Howland are very lackluster in their roles (although I usually like Barbara Barrie). Look for a live performance, it will be worth it.