Search - Studs Terkel's Working (Broadway Theatre Archive) on DVD

Some great stuff

marknyc | 11/29/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This production moved me when it first aired, and I was not disappointed when I bought the DVD. I remember thinking back in 1982 that some performances/songs were fantastic, others less so. This holds true today: Eileen Brennan is heart-wrenching as the millworker, as is her song; Rita Moreno is perfection as the waitress, with another great song; Beth Howland may not have been the perfect choice for the housewife, but the song is so good it doesn't matter; and who can resist Edie McClurg as the hotel switchboard operator?

Overall, this production has much to commend it - the closing number chokes me up every time I see it. It may not be perfect, but let's be glad it was done!"

Working doesn't work for me!

K. Monismith | LIncoln, Ne | 11/17/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"This is a terrible, dated 70's version of the musical. I was so disappointed when I watched it. h Only half the music is in there and the same goes for the monologues. Really bad, REALLY, REALLY BAD."

A great dvd

disneybuff | NYC USA | 01/21/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"never say you "have it bad" until you have walked in someone elses shoes..everyone has troubles..
this play tells the story from the other side..and everybody has a story..you are not the only one..

this is the story of "working"
I love the dvd .. and it is the best for the year of 1982..the play was from the year 1978 and it was on a stage.. the only thing is ..the actor "david patrick kelly " sings a song called "the mason" which was from the play. but is not on this dvd ..it has been cut from this ..he has a great voice and is a fantastic actor even today..I am sorry to have missed seeing that part being I am such a big fan of his .
the play was shot for the tv station PBS and is in "play form"
the film was remastered and sound is great also.
there are so many good actors in it as well some are not with us anymore but good to see on this..
there are many scenes that tells the stories of how people deal with thier jobs and what they do for a living.. I will watch this dvd again and again . it hits close to home with me..


"

An Undiscovered Gem

Michael B. Druxman | Austin, TX | 02/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though it feels like a stage play, WORKING (1982) was an original production on "American Playhouse".

Adapted as a musical by Stephen Schwartz from Studs Terkel's WORKING, a book in which the author examined the hopes, dreams and viewpoints of the average American worker, this fabulous production is made up of short monologues, both spoken and sung, by Americans from all walks of life.

The songs by James Taylor, Schwartz and others are first-rate, and they are performed by the likes of Rita Moreno, Barry Bostwick, Charles Durning, Patti LaBelle, Scatman Crothers, Barbara Hershey and Eileen Brennan.

One number, "If I Could've Been," was so moving that we're surprised that it hasn't become a standard.

© Michael B. Druxman"