Herndon High School presents "Working," a play adapted from Studs Terkel's best-selling book of interviews with blue-collar workers. The plot-less play was adapted for the stage by Stephen Schwartz with music by notable composers, including James Taylor.
But what does a group of 15-, 16- and 17-year-old high school students know about working 9 to 5 in America? Plenty, according to John Whapham, director of Herndon High School's fall production which takes the stage beginning Thursday night. "I have been so impressed with their level of professionalism and dedication," Whapham said. "They have really come to know, and understand, their characters."
"Working" attempts to celebrate the diversity and commitment of Americans in everyday blue-collar occupations. "Working," based on interviews from Studs Terkel's best-selling book of the same name, relies on an ensemble cast of 25 student actors and consists of a rapid-fire line of monologues and songs that tell the story of American blue-collar experience from housewives to prostitutes and parking garage attendants to steelworkers. "This show has a lot of important things to say about people," Whapham said, shortly before Monday's dress rehearsal. "I think we tend to overlook people that we see everyday. We often look past people and diminish someone as being just a fireman or just a secretary when in reality everyone has a story to tell. They are human beings not just people doing a specific job."
<b>THE CHARACTERS</b> are based on real people and their actual words taken from a collection of the author's trademark man-in-the-workplace interviews. The music comes from Stephen Schwartz, composer of, among other Broadway hits, "Pippin," who adapted Terkel's book to the stage and includes an original score by Schwartz himself, as well as singer songwriter James Taylor. "The music in this show is beautiful," Whapham said. "Audiences will hear some really wonderful talent singing some really amazing songs."
With its bare bones set, large cast and serious subject matter, "Working" is a departure from traditional school plays and musicals. "Bye-Bye Birdie," it is not. "Putting on a show like this really shows how open Herndon High is to everything," said junior Sarah Azzinaro. "It shows that everyone is open to new ideas."
Whapham, who came to Herndon from Irving Middle School in Springfield, said one of the reasons he chose Herndon High was its proven dedication and support of the drama and music programs. "The faculty, and especially Principal Leslie, really sees the importance of the arts," the first-year director said. "They have been completely supportive every step of the way."
<b>IN ADDITION TO PLAYING</b> Rex Windship in the play, Ryan Price, 16, is also the assistant director and he said "Working" is easily the most realistic show he has ever been apart of. "It's also, quite honestly, my favorite show."
A junior, Price has worked on, among others, "Guys and Dolls," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and "Little Shop of Horrors," since he arrived on campus. An aspiring film director, Price, who started acting when he was in the fifth grade, is proud of his current project. "It really captures what workers in America are really like. I think the audience will really be able to connect with our characters."
Azzinaro said she wanted to show a vulnerable side to her character, Roberta Victor. Victor is a prostitute, and in the words of the director "a very sad character." "This show is great because it is so honest and pure," Azzinaro said. "It shows how people really feel. The realism is amazing."
Azzinaro said she came into the role with many of the regular preconceived notions about the everyday life of a prostitute. "Like most people, I thought they were just skanky hookers," said Azzinaro, who wants to study at Julliard. "In reality, she does what everybody else does. She gets up and goes to work just like everybody else. This show has taught me not to stereotype."
Azzinaro is one of more than two dozen main characters. "The show has no real leads," said Whapham. "It has been a real ensemble effort and I think it has really come along nicely."
Andrew Douglas plays 'Roberto,' a migrant worker, and Douglas has found the whole experience very enlightening. "People should not be so quick to look down on immigrant workers," said Douglas, a 16-year-old junior. "They came here looking for a new life and the lives they found are not easy. But they work very hard doing jobs most people would never consider doing."