LaGuardia Performing Arts Center Presents “Working: A Musical”
Tickets on sale now for shows on February 15, 16, 23, and 24
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (February 6, 2024) — The LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC) at LaGuardia Community College/CUNY will present “Working: A Musical,” a vivid portrait of everyday workers in Western Queens. Musical Theater International describes the show as “one of the most accessible, relevant, and substantive musicals ever created.” Tickets are available for performances on February 15, 16, 23, and 24.
“Working: A Musical” is based on Pulitzer Prize-winning author Studs Terkel’s bestselling book “Working” (1975) featuring interviews with American workers.
“Working: A Musical” debuted on Broadway in 1978, receiving nominations for six Tony Awards, including Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score. It also received four Drama Desk Award nominations, winning Outstanding Director of a Musical for Stephen Schwartz and Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical for Bobo Lewis. In 2012, the show was updated to feature songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Stephen Schwartz, Craig Carnelia, James Taylor, Micki Grant, and more. The revised “Working: A Musical” received a special ensemble award from the 58th Annual Drama Desk Awards in 2013.
“We’re pleased to present ‘Working: A Musical,’ adapted to represent the LaGuardia community in Western Queens,” said Handan Ozbilgin, LPAC’s Artistic Director. “While weaving in seminal historical moments like the development of 5Pointz, the production provides glimpses into the daily lives of CUNY students, employees, and community members. The cast is comprised of a blend of professional performers, LaGuardia students, faculty staff, and local community members, who provide authenticity to the show.”
LPAC held several open casting calls for “Working: A Musical.” Invitations went out to community organizations and partners, e.g., Sunnyside Community Center, Sunnyside Shines, and Secret Theater. Audition calls were also promoted on LPAC’s social media channels and newsletter for wider community outreach. A full list of cast and crew is below.
Reserve your tickets today for “Working: A Musical.”
Performances:
- Feb 15 at 2:30 p.m.
- Feb 16 at 7 p.m.
- Feb 23 at 7 p.m.
- Feb 24 at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tickets – $20; Faculty/Staff – $15 (code “STAFF”); Students – $10 (code “STUDENT”); Note: Faculty/Staff/Students need to use a LaGuardia email for discount approval.
Guests attending LPAC shows are encouraged to enter via the college’s Van Dam entrance, located at 45-50 Van Dam Street, Long Island City, Queens (LaGuardia’s Maps And Directions). For more information, email lpacboxoffice@lagcc.cuny.edu or call (718) 482-5151.
“Working: A Musical” Cast and Crew
Cast: Syd Bakal, Ethan Chan, Aishat Jalloh, Alison Masulis, Alex Seaman, Miciah Wallace, Mathew Tierney, and Cindy Tsai
Community members and students: Juanita Andrea Herrera Cardenas, Julio Chabla, Paul Williams, Jeffrey Vogel, Brenda Ryan, and Annmarie Benigno
LaGuardia faculty and staff: Olga Cano, James Campbell, Wilson Munõz, Alvin Fingerhut, Widmar Rojas, Ivan Sanchez, Stanley Yip, Carmen Griffin and Ruth Foy
Director: Handan Ozbilgin
Assistant Director/Dramaturg/Localized Revisions: Lindsay Timmington
Music Director: Brandon Jackson
Choreographer: Alberto Denis
Stage manager: Sophie Nolan
Videographer: Ryan Prado
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The LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC) welcomes vibrant storytellers to create theater, music, and dance to inspire conversation, connection, and change within our diverse community.
LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 degrees and certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to educate New Yorkers seeking new skills and careers. As an institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of underserved populations. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students while providing them with access to a high quality, affordable college education.
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