A Tribute to the Common Man

Working – Theo Ubique Cabaret

The dreams, duties and dynamics of the everyday worker are celebrated in this wonderful musical play. A tribute to the common man, Stephen Schwartz’s musical first saw the light of day at the Goodman Theatre in 1977, and eventually opened on Broadway the following year. It was nominated for six Tony Awards in 1978 and has been produced around the world ever since. Continually being updated by the playwright, this latest version of the musical is being given a fresh, gorgeous new production at Fred Anzevino’s Evanston cabaret theatre. 

Over the years, Schwartz’s musical has undergone many revisions. All of them have featured new material, including a couple original songs by “Hamilton” playwright and star, Lin-Manuel Miranda. One of the updated versions of the musical opened at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place in 2011. Simply-staged and beautifully acted and sung at Theo Ubique, the revised Stephen Schwartz/Nina Faso musical, features much of the original score by Schwartz, Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant, Mary Rodgers and James Taylor. The lyricists who contributed their talents include Schwartz, Carnelia, Grant, Taylor and Susan Birkenhead. 

This show, which is more like a song cycle than an actual book musical, is adapted from Studs Terkel’s massive, groundbreaking, 1974 collection of essays. Terkel subtitled his work of nonfiction, Working, as “People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do.” The characters, their dialogue and the lyrics for most of the songs are all taken from interviews conducted by the author. The late Studs Terkel, a diehard Chicagoan, is best remembered for his honest oral histories of common Americans. Back in 1974, Terkel’s collection of interviews inspired Stephen Schwartz, but this new streamlined production features several 21st century jobs, and is at once informative, hilarious and touching. 

The original production featured a cast of 17 and tried to cover far too much material. It was also considered overly sentimental by many critics. Sensitively directed and choreographed with spirit by Chicagoan Christopher Chase Carter, this new production is a fast-paced 100 minutes, performed with an intermission by six talented Chicago actors, all playing multiple roles. Often, these gifted triple-threats transform from character to character before the theatergoers’ eyes. And while much of the material evokes laughter there are many poignant moments guaranteed to bring a tear.

The cast features six talented veterans of all ages from various Chicago productions. Adding maturity and realism to this production, Michael Kingston awakens memories in many audience members as a retiree, “Joe,” and later as an iron worker singing the poignant, “Fathers and Sons.” Kingston’s characters  are all as honest and gritty as life itself. Another brilliant character actress, the wonderful Cynthia F. Carter also finds truth and pathos in a variety of roles. She’s gritty and gutsy, spilling the dirt on the life of the “Cleaning Women,” and is the real deal as a proud prostitute, singing “If I Could Have Been.”

Kiersten Frumkin shows off her considerable musical and acting talents as “Just a Housewife,” suddenly changing the pace playing a tough, female factory worker in the song, “Millwork.” The actress shows heartfelt emotion as a young mother who works as a nanny, caring for the child of a wealthier woman, in the heart-tugging, “A Very Good Day.” Handsome, gifted Stephen Blu Allan joins Kiersten in this number, as a caregiver for an elderly man; and he’s a standout as a young man making a “Delivery” on his bicycle. He’s also excellent as a bricklayer, whose pride in his work is as strong as the houses he builds from stone. 

Pretty Loretta Rezos touches the audience’s heart portraying a frustrated third grade schoolteacher, trying to adjust to the new demands of her job, singing “Nobody Tells Me How.” She also dazzles as a funny, feisty, theatrical waitress who truly enjoys her job, singing “It’s an Art.” And burley Jared David Michael Grant expertly and smoothly takes on a number of varied roles, including a long-hauling “Brother Trucker, as well as a fellow construction worker in “The Mason.” 

All six actors, accompanied with typical polish and professionalism by Musical Director Jeremy Ramey on keyboard, are joined by his rockin’ onstage band. They fully inject their skill, spirit and enthusiasm into this terrific production. Under the careful, inspired direction of Christopher Chase Carter, this charming, thought-provoking show honors all the men and women who keep America running and make honest, hard work seem almost fun.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented December 6-January 26 by Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, 721 Howard Street, Evanston.

Tickets may be reserved by calling 773-347-1109 or by going to www.Theo-u.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.