From the book by Studs Terkel
Adapted by Nina Faso & Stephen Schwartz
Localized format conceived by Daniel C. Levine for ACT of CT
Directed by Tom Wyatt
Performance Dates: February 28 - March 29, 2025
Run time: 2h 30m
(including intermission)

About the Director

Having directed and choreographed shows for 30 years, Tom is especially happy to put this "bucket list" show on his resume. While he has appeared as an actor on The Colonial Players stage (Casa Valentina, By The Way, Meet Vera Stark), this is his first foray into directing here. Directing & choreographic resume includes Once On This Island, Sister Act, Titanic the Musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, 12 Angry Men, Curtains, The Secret Garden,  Me and My Girl, and Listen To My Heart - all in the Baltimore Area.  And his first performance on this stage was while he was in high school (in the 1800's ?!), directed by Edd Miller! Tom is so glad to reunite with Edd for this project.

Director's Notes

Since I first heard the original cast album of WORKING (when I was in college) I have wanted to direct this show. All of the music as well as the focus, tone and dignity of the piece have always resonated with me, as I have deep respect for anyone who works hard and loves what they do. And this show is a wonderful showcase for actors/singers to explore very human feelings in some complex and thoughtful situations. Humor, pathos, pride and regret are all represented in different ways, and, I find, quite easy to relate to. The additional joy of this show was interviewing the local "workers" in the Annapolis area and blending their stories into the existing text - we were only able to use small pieces of their stories, but the way in which they all opened up to us felt beautiful to see, and their personal contributions must not be undervalued — I am so grateful to each of them.In our current era of conflict and disrespect, it is encouraging to be reminded that there are many people who go to work every day, work very hard and have great pride in what they do. The fact that the show explores "working" over the past 50 years helps give context to the highs and the lows of American Work Life, now and in the past. And reminds us that Pride - in ourselves and in our work - comes from within and can be accessible to us all. — TOM WYATT

About the Source Material

Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do is a 1974 nonfiction book by the oral historian and radio broadcaster Studs Terkel. Working investigates the meaning of work for different people under different circumstances, showing it can vary in importance. The book also reflects Terkel's general idea that work can be difficult but still provides meaning for workers. It is an exploration of what makes work meaningful for people in all walks of life, from Lovin' Al the parking valet, Dolores the waitress, the fireman, to the business executive. The narrative moves through mundane details, emotional truths, and existential questioning. As the foreword to the book points out, "Mr. Terkel found, work was a search, sometimes successful, sometimes not, 'for daily meaning as well as daily bread'.... The oral histories in Working are wistful dispatches from a distant era...when management practices and computers were just beginning to transform the American workplace. In the last thirty years, productivity has soared but job satisfaction has plummeted. It is hard to read Working without wondering what has gone wrong." A bestseller when first published in 1974, adaptations have included the musical, a similar book titled “Gig: Americans Talk About Their Jobs”, and in May 2009 a graphic novel adaptation. In 2023, Netflix announced a limited series titled “Working: What We Do All Day” (hosted by Barack Obama), which is inspired by this book.

The Cast

Cheryl J. Campo Coming off a yearlong break from treading the boards, Cheryl is grateful to be back at CP where she had previously been in A New Brain (Homeless Lady) and was a rehearsal pianist for The Secret Garden. Select Maryland credits include Olney Theatre Center: Fiddler on the Roof (Yente, Golde u/s), South Pacific (Bloody Mary); Silhouette Stages: The Lightning Thief (Sally Jackson and others), Calendar Girls (Cora) [Leta Hall Outstanding Ensemble in a Play]; Baltimore Shakespeare Factory: Knight of the Burning Pestle (Old Merrythought); and Damascus Theatre Company: The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!) (Abby) [WATCH Award nomination, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical]. Cheryl also sings with the Handel Choir of Baltimore and is the Director of Honors and Undergraduate Research at Howard Community College. Much thanks to Tom and the rest of Working's production team, cast, and crew; spruce, for everything; and audiences, especially, for supporting local theatre.

Ben Carr Ben is excited to be back performing at The Colonial Players. Some of his favorite previous roles include Marjorie Prime (Jon), Maytag Virgin (Jack), Rocket Man (Donny), Stone in His Pocket (Various) and Dog Logic (Hertel). He would like to thank Tom and the rest of the Cast and Crew for making this such a wonderful experience.

Kristen Cooley Kristen has been involved with Baltimore Community Theater for over 30 Years. She has served on multiple boards of directors including Cockpit in Court, and Spotlighters Theater. She has also directed and musically directed multiple shows throughout the area, and is currently serving as the Artistic Director of Third Wall Productions. Favorite roles previously performed have been, Uncle Fester in The Addams Family, Shrek in Shrek, The Musical, Kate Murphey in Titanic,  Mitch Mahoney in 25th Annual Spelling Bee, Madam Dandon in La Cage Aux Folles, Princess Winifred in Once Upon a Mattress, and many more! “All my love to Holly and I hope you enjoy the show!”

Peter N. Crews Peter is celebrating over 45 years as an active member of the performing arts community as an actor, choreographer, educator and storyteller. He returns to The Colonial Players stage after a successful run in the 2023 production of A Christmas Carol as the Undertaker's Man. Past CP performances include The Sunshine Boys, Closer Than Ever, and Is There Life After High School. Thank you to all who continue to support the efforts of the performing arts — “Everyone deserves to have their story fully told.” – Dominique Morisseau. Enjoy! VKM<3

Kyle Eshom Kyle is elated to be returning to the CP stage — it's been a minute! His previous Colonial Players productions include The Secret Garden, and A Few Good Men. Most recently, Kyle played Nigel in Something Rotten at 2nd Star (Bowie Playhouse) and Robert in The Drowsy Chaperone at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre. When not performing Kyle serves the community as a Bilingual Facilitator for Monarch Academy Annapolis, ‘shout out to my Monarch Family: you all are the best!!  To a VERY patient director, Tom, thank you for this challenging opportunity! And to Nick, I love you’. "Though we live on the US dollar, you and me, we've got our own sense of time." Thanks for everything.

Christian Gonzalez Christian is thrilled to be making his Colonial Players debut! Favorite roles include: Rocky in The Rocky Horror Show (Player’s on Air), Jamal in Escape to Margaritaville (ASGT), Melchior in Spring Awakening (Wolf Pack Theatre) just to name a few. He’d like to the thank the cast and crew for their hard work and collaboration. He also wants to give a shout out to the director Tom for his leadership! Lastly he’d like to send a special thank you to his friends and family for their support! Enjoy the Show!

Sarah Kent Sarah is pleased to return to The Colonial Players stage after many years. Sarah is the director of contemporary music at Woods Presbyterian Church and can be seen gigging about town in her acoustic duo, Taproot Soul. Some of Sarah's most recent roles have been Mary Magdalen in Jesus Christ Superstar and the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, but her favorite role is being mom to her mostly grown sons. When she's not working, Sarah can be found hiking with her dog Nala or playing pickle ball.

Samantha Mcewen Deininger Samantha is happy to return to The Colonial Players for her third production! Samantha is a professional singer/actor who has performed in over 45 musicals, plays, and operas throughout the country and received numerous awards. She is also part of the bands "Scotch and Lies" and "Falling Water", who's debute album will release early next year! Notable roles include Eva Peron in Evita, Florance Vassy in Chess, Marianne Angelle in The Revolutionists, Nicki in The Bodyguard, Sour Kangaroo in Seussical, Queenie in Showboat, Sarah in Ragtime,  Micaëla in Carmen, Joanne in Godspell, Queenie in The Wild Party, Geneva in 1940's Radio Hour, Erzulie in Once on this Island, Fiordiligi in Così Fan Tutte, Reno in Anything Goes, and Tituba in The Crucible.  Thank you, Sydney, for your spiritual guidance!

Tia Silver Tia is thrilled to be making her Colonial Players debut in Working! She holds a BFA in Acting from Academy of Art University and some recent theatre credits include: Fastrada in Pippin (Small Town Stars Theatre), Kaylee in The Prom (Annapolis Summer Garden Theater), Jovie in Elf the Musical (Third Wall Productions), Urleen in Footloose (Annapolis Summer Garden Theater) and Janet Weiss in The Rocky Horror Show (Stand Up for Theatre). Tia thanks her family, friends, boyfriend and corgi pup, Daisy, for their never-ending love and support!

Lance Teller Lance is beyond excited to be performing at his first Colonial Players production and ecstatic to be performing in Working. New to Maryland, he recently performed as Will Bloom in Other Voices Theatre's production of Big Fish. Other credits include: Emcee in Cabaret, Robert Martin in The Drowsy Chaperone, Felix Geisel in The Game's Afoot, and Edward Bloom in Big Fish. He has also directed The New Albion Radio Hour. He would like to thank both the wonderful production team and cast!

The Production Staff

Richard Atha-Nicholls (Sound Designer / Projections) Richard is usually found in the tech booth at CP designing sound/projections or designing and programming the stream camera cuts. His sound design has garnered multiple WATCH nominations. Richard has appeared on area stages and in his spare time helps run Discworld™ conventions. He recently directed The Colonial Players’ production of The Book of Will in 2023 and produced the The Baker’s Wife in 2024, and Tiny Beautiful Things this season. He’d like to thank all those who spend countless hours creating amazing theatre. He’d especially like to thank Amy, who takes care of the circus in his absence. Love to C, A, P, K, I & J. Always in my heart, O.

Jen Coken (Producer) Jen is thrilled to help bring Working by Studs Terkel to life at The Colonial Players. This musical speaks to her heart—it is a celebration of everyday heroes whose stories serve as a reminder of the value and dignity in all work. Growing up in Michigan and Ohio, Jen was immersed in community theater, both on stage and behind the scenes. A shared love for storytelling and collaboration within her family helped shape a lifelong passion for the arts. After moving to Annapolis, Jen found a home at The Colonial Players. Beginning as an usher three years ago while still living in Rockville, she has since embraced every behind-the-scenes role—from crew to booth tech and now as producer. Being part of this production feels like coming full circle, reconnecting her to her theatrical roots and deep appreciation for the stories that unite us. Outside the theater, Jen is an executive coach, speaker, and author of Make Imposter Syndrome Your Superpower. Both her work and theater experience share a common goal: creating spaces where voices can shine and stories can inspire. Jen hopes Working encourages audiences to reflect on the power of their own stories—because they are more extraordinary than they know.

Adam Daniels (Videographer) For over two decades, Adam has built a distinguished career in the visual arts, with concentrations in portrait and food photography, among others. His keen eye for detail and composition has not only made him a sought-after photographer but has also earned him awards for photo retouching and portrait work. Expanding his creative expertise, he has spent the past 12 years in video production, focusing on corporate video projects, where he brings a cinematic approach to visual storytelling. Having once operated lights at CP for A Christmas Carol in 1996, Adam returns years later, this time as a videographer/editor for Working, bringing with him a wealth of experience in crafting compelling visuals.

Andy McLendon (Stage Manager) The talent and creativity of cast and production staff never cease to amaze; the Working ensemble continues this tradition. Andy has this perspective as she has been wearing a stage manager's hat since 1983. With too many productions to identify her favorites, she would simply say "thank you" for another rewarding experience. Break a leg.

Edd Miller (Set Designer / Play Consultant) Edd has a long history with The Colonial Players, as an actor, director, designer, and after 60 years, part of the woodwork. His most recent set designs were for Alabama Story, and last seasons Marjorie Prime and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.  Other set designs include Coyote On A Fence, Going To St.Ives, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Chapter Two (WATCH nomination) The Lost Boy, and many more. Edd has directed over 20 shows for CP and was honored with a WATCH award for Going to St.Ives and a nomination for Coyote On A Fence. He also lead the production of CP's first Ruby Griffith award — I Never Sang For My Father, 1973. Thanks for all the opportunities.

Kady Robshaw (Assistant Stage Manager) Kady is so excited to join the crew of Working here at The Colonial Players. Most recently, she could be found backstage for CP's production of Tiny Beautiful Things, keeping everything organized and enjoying the occasional "prop-corn." She'd like to give all the thanks in the world to her wonderful parents, whose support and love mean everything and more to her, as well as her incredible friends, who make the days worthwhile. Kady wishes all the best to the cast and crew, and looks forward to many more productions to come!

Beth Terranova (Costume Designer) Beth has been designing costumes for community theaters for 30 years. Working is her 19th costume design for The Colonial Players. Her previous costume designs were seen in Alabama Story, Putting It Together, A Christmas Carol (2021, 2018, 2016), Maytag Virgin, Nine (WATCH nomination), A Few Good Men, These Shining Lives, Coyote on a Fence, Going to St. Ives (WATCH nomination), Cinderella Waltz (WATCH nomination), Lettice and Lovage, The Diviners, The Lion in Winter, The Philadelphia Story, Hauptmann, and Moon Over Buffalo. In Maryland she has also designed costumes for 2nd Star (Gypsy), Compass Rose (The Diary of Anne Frank, and Eleanore), and Bay Theater (Beyond Therapy). Other costume design credits from years of theater in Florida include The Importance of Being Ernest, Beau Jest, The Last Night of Ballyhoo, Call Me Madam, and Gypsy (yes, she has had the “joy” of costuming this show twice!). Beth was most recently on stage at CP as Williamina Fleming in Silent Sky. Other work behind the scenes includes director, producer, set designer, play consultant, dramaturg, and tech crew.  Beth currently serves on the CP Board as the Artistic Director and is the long-time editor of CP’s News and Cues newsletter. Happily retired, these days you might catch Beth in colonial garb leading historic and ghost tours around Annapolis…when she isn’t doing “things” for the theater.

Dianne Trickey-Rokenbrod (Lighting Designer) Dianne’s passion for the theater started in Western NY with acting (incl. Vivian Bearing in Wit, Dotty Otley in Noises Off, Martha Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace, Yenta in Fiddler on the Roof) and directing (Barefoot in the Park, Godspell, Nunsense, A Christmas Carol). But along the way she discovered her love for lighting design. Some of the shows she most enjoyed lighting in NY included Into the Woods, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and 42nd St. When Dianne moved to Annapolis five years ago, she discovered a rich and welcoming theater community. She is excited to be designing for another wonderful musical at CP. She has had the pleasure of being the lighting designer at CP for The Baker’s Wife, Putting it Together and A Christmas Carol, as well as the assistant lighting designer for The Lost Boy and Tartuffe. At nearby Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, she designed The Prom (2024 lighting design WATCH nomination) and was assistant lighting designer for Rock of Ages (2022 lighting design WATCH nomination). No bio for Dianne is complete without recognition of her "partner-in-crime" Jo-Anne Taylor and her family, especially her husband Bill, who is truly “the wind beneath her wings.”