APRIL 29–MAY 9, 2021 | VIRTUAL
Based upon Studs Terkel’s 1974 bestseller, Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do, Working: A Musical shares actual workers’ words from the book and gives voice to their hopes and aspirations through music by Stephen Schwartz, James Taylor, Micki Grant, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, among others. Each person – trucker, waitress, stay-at-home mom, hedge fund manager, laborer, millworker, project manager, delivery person, and more – have a unique story to tell.
The musical has undergone several revisions since its premiere in 1977 and on Broadway in 1978. CATCO will present the 2012 Revised Version with updated text and new songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
“At a time when our relationship with work is shifting – mass unemployment, concerns over workplace safety, more people than ever working from home – many of us are thinking hard about the role our jobs play in our lives. Are we defined by our jobs? Should we be? What hopes and dreams are tied up in that paycheck? From Studs Terkel’s book to the original musical, to this revised version, Working has always been about our shared humanity and the universal longing in all of us to be part of something.”
Leda Hoffmann, Artistic Director
CAST & CREW
Daniella Wheelock
Daniella Wheelock is a Chicago-based theatremaker, originally from San Diego, California. She graduated magna cum laude from the Conservatory for Theatre Arts at Webster University with a degree in directing and was an Emerging Professional Resident at Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. She is on the DirectorsLabChicago Steering Committee and is a grant writer for Red Tape Theatre. Recent directing credits include: Fragmented (visual designer/assistant to dir. Spencer Diedrick, Our Perspectives: Asian American Plays); The Roommate (Cardinal Stage); Every Christmas Story Ever Told (Quincy Community Theatre); The Great Leap (assistant to dir. Jesca Prudencio, Steppenwolf Theatre Company); The Process (The Barrens Theatre Co.). daniellawheelock.com
Daniella Wheelock
Director
Jeremy Ramey
Jeremy Ramey is a concert pianist, conductor, and music director based in Chicago and serves as the resident music director for Theo Ubique Theatre Company. In 2020, Jeremy received his eleventh and twelfth Jeff nominations for music direction for his work on Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Hello, Again. Jeremy has won six Jeff awards total – most recently for Bridges of Madison County in 2019. He received previous Jeff awards for The Light in the Piazza, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Rent, The Most Happy Fella and Sweeney Todd. In 2016, he won his second Broadway World Award for Music Direction for his work on Bette, Live at The Continental Baths with the production company Hell in a Handbag. He received his training in piano performance and music at Rhodes College, Northwestern University and The Juilliard School of Music. Jeremy sends his best regards to the wonderful cast, crew, and our director, Daniella. Thank you, especially, to Leda for the opportunity to be a part of the team at CATCO.
Jeremy Ramey
Music Director
Chris Leyva
Chris is excited to be part of CATCO’s virtual season as a digital designer! Chris previously worked as digital designer for A Columbus Christmas Carol. His new play Prima Donna was part of the CATCO New Works Festival. Chris’ previous plays have been commissioned and developed by CATCO, CLIMB Theatre, MadLab Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Curtain Players New Play Initiative, Great Plains Theatre Conference, and the Columbus School for Girls, among others. His plays The Throne of Oz and Cowgirls Don’t Ride Zebras both premiered at CATCO is Kids. Chris has been an artist educator for CATCO and is a playwright mentor for MadLab Theatre’s Young Writers Short Play Festival. He received an MFA from the Playwrights Workshop at The University of Iowa, a BA in Directing from Coe College, and is a member of the Dramatists Guild.
Chris Leyva
Digital Designer/EditorSEASON SUPPORT
