Working really “works” in this Covid-necessitated video format. Riverwalk’s previous show, A Doll’s House, was remarkable in that it created a unified you-are-in-this-particular-room sense among the boxed performers. Working is remarkable in that each monologue is separate, with its own unique place and perspective — yet still unified by the idea of work and how it defines us. Each performer connects with the viewer in an up-close-and-personal way offering insight into a wide variety of jobs.
Director Kelly Stuible-Clark has successfully jumped off the never-done-it-this-way-before cliff to help individual performers create interesting, active scenes, in diverse locations. It’s a fascinating two hours that flies by and touches both brain and heart.
Music Director Nicole Martin, and Accompanist/Orchestrator Kait Wilson (who also perform) with the help of audio engineer Levi Galloway, have elevated the songs, new and old, and blended the “cast of thousands” (26) into some uplifting group numbers, even though each singer was recorded separately.
Kudos also to the creative, complex editing by Matt Ottinger, and to Rita Deibler, who coordinated the multitude of moving parts and technologies required for this uplifting musical.
When I first saw this show in 1985, I related most to “Just a Housewife” which was my “job” in those days. Abigail Grill does a marvelous rendition of that still-moving song, complete with adorable “costar” Korbin. Now I think I relate more to “Fathers and Sons” (which could well be “Mothers and Sons?”) thoughtfully rendered by Doak Bloss… or maybe “What I Could Have Been” a great ensemble number. Kaitlyn Bess Riel sashayed her way around the Woody’s Oasis restaurant “stage” with a style and aplomb I never had when I stumbled through waitressing back in the 70’s!
Kudos to all the performers — many talented new faces as well as some local favorites: Erika Allen, Doak Bloss, Ben Cassidy, Gordon Clark, Rose Jangmi Cooper, Laura Croff, Jessica Donahue, Maggie Dunn, Brian Farnham, Kameron Going, Abigail Grill, Sarah Hayner, Emily Kloc, Cassandra Larrieux, Josh Martin, Rachel Mender, Kaitlyn Bess Riel, Tricia Rogers, Kelly Sandula-Gruner, Ayden Soupal, Laney Soupal, Saroupa Taylor, Dan Templin, Abigail Tykocki, Travis Williams and Kait Wilson.
Just like a live, in-person show, YOU MUST WATCH AT YOUR SPECIFIC, PURCHASED SHOW TIME/DATE.
Five showings left: May 22-23 & 28-29-30, 8pm Fridays & Saturdays; 2pm Sundays. Since there are royalties for this show (unlike A Doll’s House) it will not be re-broadcast later.
Go to http://Riverwalktheatre.com and click on the link that takes you to ShowTix4U, where you will enter your email and credit card info. You will receive an email with a link, which is your “ticket.” Just prior to show time, you click that link. Tickets $25 plus $3-something in fees. If you need help with this ticketing process, call Mike at the office 517-482-5700.
NOTE: There is a lovely PROGRAM, designed by one of the performers, Kelly Sandula-Gruner — which Manager Mike sent to me as a pdf file. I’m not sure if he sends it to all who purchase tickets… and wondering if there’s a link on the ShowTix site that I missed? If you do NOT get a program, email me and I’ll send you a copy. mailto:jszussman@gmail.com It’s very helpful and has photos of all the performers so you can identify the new “stars” you haven’t met yet.