WWU Theatre presents updated 'Working, a musical' with new songs, Dec. 5-8

The Western Washington University Department of Theatre and Dance will perform “Working, a musical,” based on the book by Studs Terkel, Dec.5-8 on the Performing Arts Center Mainstage.

The musical is a revised version staged first in 2012 and features new music and characters, including a new song by Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the Tony Award-winning “Hamilton.”

Based on Studs Terkel's best-selling 1974 book of interviews with American workers, “Working, a musical” paints a vivid portrait of the men and women that the world so often takes for granted: the schoolteacher, the phone operator, the waitress, the millworker, the mason and the housewife, and others.

Nominated for six Tony Awards, this classic has been updated for a modern age, featuring new songs by Tony Award-winning Lin-Manuel Miranda, as well as favorites by Stephen Schwartz, Craig Carnelia and James Taylor.

Set in contemporary America, this new version of “Working” is a musical exploration of 26 people from all walks of life. The strength of the show is in truths that transcend specific professions — how our relationship to work reveals key aspects of our humanity.

The raw new adaptation of “Working” allows us a rare glimpse of the actors and technicians working to put on a show which further enhances the relatable nature of our lives as workers.

Performances are Dec. 5-7 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 8 at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the door, online at tickets.wwu.edu, or by calling the box office at 360-650-6146. Free parking for events is available in the C Lots off Bill McDonald Parkway. Pay-by-the-hour parking is available in designated lots. WTA offers regular bus service to the WWU campus, with stops adjacent to the Performing Arts Center.