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Jan 24, 2024

Theater review: ‘Working, A Musical’ from DeSales’ Act 1 examines good and bad days at the office

Jobs, with all their joys and frustration, are on glorious display in Act 1

Jobs, with all their joys and frustration, are on glorious display in Act 1 DeSales University Theatre ‘s engaging and thought-provoking "Working, A Musical."

The show, bursting off the stage with energy under the deft hands of director Anne Hills, gives both musical and nonmusical explorations of 26 people with jobs from all walks of life.

While showcasing individual professions, the show uses people's relationships at work to reveal key truths about humanity.

The set, by Bridget Broskey, cleverly ties in Lehigh Valley connections, including Bethlehem Steel's wide flange beams and a silhouette of the PPL building — featured prominently in the backdrop.

The strength of ensemble cast is immediately proven by the opening number, "All the Livelong Day," which introduces the characters as they prepare for their day.

Ryan Reyes starts the show off powerfully as he delivers a larger-than-life personality in "Delivery" — in which a fast food worker is thrilled to make deliveries and earn tips.

Other performers portray workers equally excited about their jobs, like Angela LaRosa, who loves being a waitress — as she defiantly and humorously sings "It's an Art." Joe Correale, a stone mason, finds joy in the permanence and details of a noble laborer in "The Mason."

Other performers relay more ambivalent view of the workplace.

A frustrated teacher played by Megan Fry sings wryly about the changes in classrooms over the years in "Nobody Tells Me How;" and Lexi Rastelli portrays an equally frustrated housewife, who feels people doubt her intelligence because she chose to stay at home and look after her family, in the poignant "Just a Housewife."

Ikechi McCoy is compelling as a long distance trucker who leaves behind his family for the open road in "Brother Trucker."

The show takes a dark turn with the heart-wrenching "Joe," as Gabe Moses’ retired firefighter looks for meaning in his life now that he's unemployed.

That is followed by Reyes, as Joe's caregiver, and Allie Vazquez, as a nanny, singing about doing the work "no one wants to do" in the thought-provoking "A Very Good Day."

Mackenna Copeland is inspiring as a cleaning woman determined that her daughter will find something better for herself in "Cleanin’ Women" — in which she is accompanied by five cleaning women comically singing into their cleaning brushes.

The entire cast looks at their dreams and aspirations that didn't quite come true in the bittersweet "If I Could’ve Been," and the impact of work on children in "Fathers and Sons."

Despite the introspection, the show ends on a positive note as workers sing about the pride they have in their occupations and the impact of their efforts in the uplifting "Something to Point To."

Other interesting characters include a proud ironworker, a UPS man who likes to startle his customers and a firefighter who talks about the dangerous but rewarding aspect of his job.

The singers are backed by a talented ensemble led by pianist and music director Nancy Moser Collins, Tynan Hooker-Haring on bass, Will Currier on guitar and Ryan Cullen on drums.

The 2 p.m. Oct. 19 performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing and audio descriptions for patrons who are blind or visually impaired. Tickets are half-price for patrons using these special services on this date.

For more information, contact Box Office Manager Nicole Moyer, at 610-282-3654, ext. 1.

"WORKING, A MUSICAL"

When: 8 p.m. Oct. 16-18; 2 p.m. Oct. 19-20

Where: Schubert Theatre, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, 2755 Station Ave., Center Valley

Cost: $30; $28 for students and seniors, Wednesdays and Thursdays; $31; $29 for students and seniors on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

Tickets: 610-282-3192, www.desales.edu/act1

Kathy Lauer-Williams is a contributor to The Morning Call

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