![Working: A Musical, UAA Department of Theatre and Dance, 2017](https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/_images/ldp/.private_ldp/a941/production/thumb/8d8de281-7376-4116-b653-013cef5e7b21.jpg)
Working
![Working](/academics/college-of-arts-and-sciences/departments/theatre-and-dance/productions/_images/WorkingLogo.jpg)
By Studs Terkel
Lyrics and Music by Stephen Schwartz
Showdates: February 10 - February 26, 2017
Working is what happens when the lyrics and music of Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin) meet the writing of Studs Terkel and the real-life words of American workers. Based on Terkel’s 1974 book of the same name—Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do—the musical follows characters toiling away at a kaleidoscopic array of 40 jobs. A millworker shares the stage with a flight attendant, an advertising executive, a gas-meter reader, a teacher, and an escort—all played by 17 actors. As they tell their stories and examine ambition, work-life balance, dress codes that ban bell bottoms, and other issues that are as relevant today as they were during the play’s 1977 Tony-nominated premiere, these characters use songs, stories, and dance. And Schwartz’s isn’t the only music in the score. Audiences will also hear collaborations by James Taylor, Mary Rodgers, and others in this foot tapping production.
UAA’s Working is a collaboration between Director Nova Cunningham and UAA Music faculty Dr. Mari Hahn and Karen Strid-Chadwick. Opening night is February 10th and the musical will run through February 26th in the UAA Mainstage Theatre.
Performance run time: 2 hours with a 10-minute intermission
Performances held at the UAA Mainstage Theatre, 3700 Alumni Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
- Cast
Alison Anteau as Rose Hoffman, Candy Cottingham
Angela Colavecchio as Terry Mason
Lailani Cook as Delores Dante
Jordan Crenshaw as Lovin’ Al, Conrad Swibel
Donald Endres as Eddie Jaffe, Joe Zutty
Andy King as Frank Decker, Father
Alexandra McCall as Sharon Atkins
Jacob Mayforth as Rex Winship, Allen Epstein, Tom Patrick
Christian Mendoza as Raj Chadha, Charlie Blossom
Matthew Meyer as Utkarsh Trajillo
Becca Padrick as Amanda McKenny, Roberta Victor
Seth’Mikel Queja as Mike Dillard, Anthony Coelho
Hana Rondeau as Theresa Liu
Jill Tieskoetter as Grace Clements
Danielle Vetro as Kate Rushton
Edward Washington II as Ralph Warner
Rolanda Watson as Maggie Holmes
Alexandra McCall (Ensemble) is so excited to be exercising her singing voice and dancing feet in Working! Alexandra is a theatre major at UAA in her 4th year. She has performed in several main stage productions at UAA, appearing as Joe Harper and Susan Wilkes in Big River (2013), Viola in Twelfth Night (2014), Presidents Taft, Eisenhower, and various others in 44 Plays for 44 Presidents (2015), and Lamballe in Marie Antoinette (2015). Other theatrical ventures include ensemble roles in Theatre Artists United production of Pippin (2014), Eli in Let the Right One In (2014) at UAA’s direction scenes, and the Wench in A Bully There Be for UAA’s Theatre for Young Audiences Tour (2016).
Alison Anteau (Rose Hoffman, Ensemble) is excited to be on stage again after a 2 year hiatus. She last performed in UAA’s production of Sense & Sensibility as Fanny Dashwood. She received her Theatre degree from UAA many years ago, and now teaches 5th grade. Over the years, Alison has performed in many shows in Anchorage and Honolulu.
Jill Tieskoetter (Grace Clements, Ensemble)- Jill is very excited to be joining UAA for this production of Working. She is a 2002 graduate of Viterbo University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Performance. She has spent the better part of 13 years performing professionally in Arizona and Alaska. Most recently, she performed in A Christmas Carol the musical at Arizona Broadway Theatre. Favorite roles include Anna in The King and I, Frauline Kost in Cabaret, and Elsa in The Sound of Music. Jill spends her summers in Denali National Park performing at Cabin Nite Dinner Theatre and her winters are spent in Girdwood working for Chugach Powder Guides. Thanks to Rob for all of his love and support. Enjoy the show!
Hana Rondeau (Ensemble) Originally from South Korea, Hana received her degree in Musical Theater at Seoul Institute of the Arts. Recently, Hana was the 2nd place winner of the 2016 Bel Canto Vocal Competition. Currently, Hana is pursuing a degree with the University of Alaska Anchorage in Music where she hopes to become a local music teacher. Ever since she was young, Hana’s determination and love for the arts motivates her to flourish in two ways, the smile of the audience, and lastly but certainly not the least, the ability to praise God.
Becca Padrick (Roberta Victor, Ensemble) Becca “Shrekka” Padrick is in her sophomore year studying Theatre Performance at UAA. She has had the privilege of being involved in numerous UAA productions. Working is Becca’s first musical. She is also intent on learning how to scenic paint, as it combines her passion for art and theatre. Some of her favorite productions include Marie Antoinette, Much Ado About Nothing, and the Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged). Becca’s many hobbies include creating art, theatre, and staring at walls waiting for paint to dry.
Jordan Crenshaw (Lovin’ Al, Conrad Swibel) is a junior theatre major at UAA. He is currently president of the Wolfpack Theatre Club and has been involved in numerous shows for the Department of Theatre and Dance. Most recently, Jordan was the Stage Manager for And Then There Were None. In addition, he did the Lighting Design for UAA Dance in Performance 2016. Jordan is very excited to continue his journey in the world of the stage for his remaining two years.
Danielle Vetro-Kalseth (Kate Rushton, Ensemble) is happy to be performing in UAA’s production of Working. Danielle spent a good 12 years as a professional actress performing in regional theatre and tours. In 2013, she went back to school to get her Masters in Music Therapy from The Florida State University. These days you can find her at Providence Alaska Medical Center as a board certified Music Therapist. Danielle loves music, hiking, snow-shoeing, traveling, her husband, Ryan and her 4-month old baby, Ava. For more information on music therapy: www.AMTA.org. Enjoy the show!
Don Endres (Ensemble) began studying voice a few years ago after he was recruited into his church choir. Recent roles include The Mayor in Bizet’s Dr. Miracle, The Father in Aklaq and Nayak (the UAA/Anchorage Opera adaptation of Hansel and Gretel), Mr. Peachum in UAA’s Threepenny Opera, and Dulcamara in UAA’s Elixir of Love. He has performed as bass soloist in Handel’s Messiah with the Anchorage Concert Chorus. Don performs in the Anchorage Opera chorus (most recently Rigoletto) and has sung in the Anchorage Concert Chorus chorale. Most recently, Don won the Advanced Artist division of the 2016 NATS Alaska Classical Voice Competition. Don holds non-musical degrees, and is now (slowly) winding his way through the vocal performance coursework at UAA.
Andy King (Ensemble) is a local musician who plays in several honkytonk and bluegrass bands in Anchorage. His recent roles include Joe Quigley, as part the Cabin Nite Dinner Theater show in Denali National Park. He also starred in the reality TV show, Alaska Proof on the Discovery Channel. In his spare time, Andy likes to build houses and play LEGOs with his 3-year-old son.
Edward Washington II (Ensemble) recently graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. He has performed in several UAA ensembles and productions including, The Fantastiks (El Gallo), Hansel & Gretel (The Witch), Dr. Miracle (Shaggy), University Singers, UAA Glee Club, and the UAA Vocal Octet. Edward received the title Best Male Vocalist of 2015 in the 3rd annual Alaska Hip Hop Awards. He aspires to master and teach all vocal styles as a vocal instructor, and he plans to achieve this by furthering his education in music, performing, and traveling.
Angela Colavecchio (Terry Mason, Ensemble) is a 2nd year theatre student. Working is Angela’s 4th production at UAA. Her previous productions include And Then There Were None, 44 Plays for 44 Presidents, and Eurydice.
Seth’Mikel Queja–Makana (Anthony Coelho, Mike Dillard, Ensemble) is a part time student at UAA and Guardsman for the 176th Civil Engineering Squadron. His theatre experience has primarily been centered around East Anchorage High School, performing as Dauntless in Once Upon a Mattress, Prince Humperdinck in a stage adaption of Princess Bride. Makana was also a member of East High’s improv troupe Wingin’ It.
Chris Mendoza (Ensemble) is in his second semester as a Music Performance Major at UAA. Working is Chris’ first show outside of West High School’s productions, here in Anchorage. Some of Chris’ favorite roles include Donkey in Shrek The Musical and Sebastian in The Little Mermaid. This is Chris’ first step toward becoming a part of the theatre community in Anchorage.
Matthew Meyer (Ensemble) is Junior Theatre Major here at UAA. Some of his most recent roles include Thomas Rogers in UAA’s production of And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie and in another UAA production as King Louis in Marie Antoinette by David Adjmi. While working his day job he likes to listen to the audio drama Welcome to Nightvale to make the time go by faster.
Lailani Cook (Delores Dante, Ensemble) is a senior in her final semester at UAA as a Music Education Major (Vocal Emphasis) & Theatre Minor. She is originally from Hawaii, where she met her husband, before they were stationed in North Dakota and now Alaska. Favorite stage credits include Roger & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Fairy Godmother), Once on this Island (Asaka), Threepenny Opera (Jenny), BARE: A Pop Opera (Ivy), and The Vagina Monologues. Last Spring, she was a featured soloist for Symphony of Sounds. Lailani has participated in the UAA Opera Ensemble, UAA U-Singers, and the UAA Glee Club. Lailani acted as president of the UAA Glee Club for three years and was the music director for two. Out in the community, she is a board member & vocal coach for Girls Rock Camp Alaska (girlsrockcampalliance.org), and is the Executive Director & new Children’s Choir Director of the Alaska Fine Arts Academy in Eagle River. When she has time, she interns under Ron Lange with the Chugiak High School & Eagle River High School Choirs. One of her goals before graduating was to be in a UAA Musical, so she is more than excited to be working with this amazing cast & crew. The next time you’ll see her on stage will be at her Senior Vocal Recital on April 15 at 4pm in the Fine Arts Building Recital Hall. After graduation (and maybe after sleeping for a year), she plans to further her education with a Master of Arts in Teaching (Music Education).
RoLanda Veronica Watson (Maggie Homes, Ensemble) is an American gospel singer-songwriter hailing from Arcadia, Florida. RoLanda started singing as a child at Mount Olive Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and went on to become one the most revered gospel figures in her home town and abroad. RoLanda has performed all over the world, including Alaska, New York, Colorado, Georgia, Washington, Germany and Puerto Rico. She has shared the stage with some of the Gospel greats, Shirley Caesar, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Israel Houghton, Kierra “KiKi” Sheard and R&B singers Peabo Bryson, Freddie Jackson and Alyson Wilson. In 1990, Watson joined the U.S. Army as Communications Specialist, where she continued to sing throughout her career. In 2007, she enrolled at University of Alaska Anchorage and obtained a Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree with a dual concentration in Management and Marketing. Watson is a Gulf War Veteran of the United States Army who now works as a Financial Manager with the United States Air Force. Watson can be heard singing special music at the local church she attends, Shiloh Missionary Baptist and various community events.
- Creative
Director, Nova Cunningham
Music Director, Mari Hahn
Conductor, Karen Strid-Chadwick
Set Designer, Daniel Glen Carlgren
Costume Designer, Colleen Alexis Metzger
Lighting Designer, Daniel J. Anteau
Choreographer, Stephanie Brenner
Nova Cunningham (director) holds a Bachelor of Music degree (with an emphasis in Music Education and Vocal Performance) from Ohio Northern University, and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre (with an emphasis in Musical Theatre) from San Diego State University. She has made a career performing live theatre. Her favorite roles include Maria in Lend Me a Tenor, Betty Rizzo in Grease, Aldonza in Man of La Mancha, Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Her role as Bunny Byron in Babes in Arms landed her a recording contract with Hugh Martin and Mickey Rooney. She has served as Producing Artistic Director for several regional theatres. Nova has been a seasonal resident of Alaska. She manages Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theatre in Denali National Park for Aramark. She is currently a Term Assistant Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance at UAA.
Daniel Glen Carlgren (Scenic Designer and Technical Director) is currently the faculty scenic designer, projection designer, and technical director at the University of Alaska Anchorage. He received his BFA from Southern Oregon University in 2001 and his MFA from University of Oregon in 2012. Daniel’s recent credits include scenic and projection design, and technical direction for 44 Plays for 44 Presidents, Night of the Iguana, SPAMalot, Twelfth Night, and many others. Daniel has also worked on the automation for Julie Taymor’s Grendal and Wagner’s Ring Cycle for the Los Angeles Opera and Disney’s Aladdin at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, Washington. Daniel has worked as a scenery, staging and rigging specialist in the entertainment industry for many years.
Colleen Alexis Metzger is a costume designer and technician whose work has taken her across the country. She has worked for the Santa Fe Opera in New Mexico, the Glimmerglass Opera in New York, The Barter Theatre in Virginia, Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan, Chautauqua Opera in New York, Perseverance Theatre in Juneau, Portland Stage Company in Maine, and most recently, Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts.
Daniel Anteau (Lighting Designer) received a B.A. from the University of Alaska Anchorage and his M.F.A in Lighting Design from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. In his academic career Daniel has taught for the University of Alaska Anchorage as term technical director/lighting designer, The University of Hawaii as Assistant professor in Lighting Design and Technical Director. After returning to the University of Alaska Anchorage He now serves as Professor in design, and Production Manager. Daniel is also the academic advisor for the design and technical students, manages the light shop as well as sound, projections, and special effects. Professionally, Daniel’s Lighting Designs have been seen across Alaska & Hawaii, to New York City, and internationally to Africa. In Hawaii, Daniel continues to stay active as Lighting Designer working with Manoa Valley Theatre on their summer production.
- Crew
Stage Manager: Adi Davis
Assistant Stage Manager: Emily Pratt
Scene Shop Supervisor: Henry Coleman
Scenic Artist: Daniel Glen Carlgren
Costume Shop Manager: Kaie Promish
Audio House Mixer: Henry Coleman
Spotlight Operator: Petra Murray, Devan Hawkins
Master Electrician/Programers: James Branstetter
Wardrobe Crew: Stephanie Brenner, Kayla Gonzalez, Aurora Hoefferle, Emmy Rozkyd
Light Board Operator: Andrew Miller
Lighting Crew: Jordan Crenshaw, Mary Alley, Zoe Ellis, Austin Roach, Mike Vanni, Katie Bailey Nixon, James Branstetter, Katie O’Laughlin, Meagan Stanford, Phillip Freeman, Dennis Stevens, Kyle Campbell
Band: Karen Strid-Chadwick, Aaron Dudly, Sam Haney, Francisco Badillo
HOUSE
Publicist/Media: O’Hara Shipe
Additional Publicity: Nova Cunningham
Videographer: Cedar Cussins
Event Support Assistants: Paitton Reid, Eric Bleicher, Alina Markina, Ausitin Rochon, Kala Romero - Production Photos
- News, Reviews, and Buzz
- Getting down to business in ‘Working: The Musical’, KTVA
WORKING: A Musical
From the book by STUDS TERKEL
Adapted by STEPHEN SCHWARTZ and NINA FASO
Songs by CRAIG CARNELIA, MICKI GRANT, MARY RODGERS and SUSAN BIRKENHEAD, STEPHEN SCHWARTZ,
JAMES TAYLOR
Dance Music by MICHELE BROURMAN
Original production directed by STEPHEN SCHWARTZ
WORKING is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com