The Long Beach Press Telegram posted a nice feature about Landmark’s return to the stage with Working: A Musical. Here are a few excerpts.
Long Beach Landmark Theatre Company is back to work – after reconnecting with its roots.
– Long Beach Press Telegram – June 3, 2022
After a two-year, pandemic-induced hiatus, the theater recently resumed live performances in the First Congregational Church of Long Beach, from which it originated.
“Working: a Musical,” which began its run May 27 and ends June 12, marks a departure from the Broadway adaptations Landmark initially focused on. But it’s also a return to the social justice roots upon which the First Congregational Church of Long Beach was founded.
“We’re working to illuminate the current social climate,” Megan O’Toole, the driving force behind the theater company, said on the group’s website, “and issues that are affecting our local community and the world.”
In regards to Working: A Musical…
In looking for a piece to return to live performances, they were drawn to “Working: a Musical,” which focuses on interviews with people from various regions and occupations.
– Long Beach Press Telegram – June 3, 2022
The musical is an adaptation of the book, “Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do,” written in 1974 by Studs Terkel, an oral historian and radio broadcaster.
The musical is a deep dive into the hearts of people from all walks of life.
Landmark was able to secure the rights to an updated version of the show, which allows a production that expands the material to include interviews with local residents about their work lives and what matters most to them.
Through what O’Toole called “a true celebration of our city,” this production embraces local community members and values each person’s contribution to the city.
“‘Working’ is a vibrant and energetic musical,” O’Toole said, “that illuminates the humanity of the American worker.”
Read the full article online at: https://www.presstelegram.com/2022/06/03/long-beach-landmark-theatre-returns-at-first-congregational-church/