Drama
Drama Department Announces Fall Production
Working, a musical based on Studs Terkel’s celebrated book of in depth workplace interviews will be Bishop O’Dowd High School’s fall production this year. Performance dates are Nov. 12, 13, 19 and 20, at 8 p.m., and Nov. 14 and 21, at 2 p.m., in the theater.
Auditions for this production are set for Monday, Aug. 23, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 24, from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Wednesday, Aug. 25, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., in the theater Callbacks will be held Friday, Aug. 27, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The subtitle of Terkel’s impressive job survey is
People Talk About What They Do. In the case of this musical adaptation, people also sing and dance about what they do, offering up intimate feelings about their lives, regrets, hopes, dreams, as well as the pride and accomplishments within their careers. Characters include, among others, an ironworker, a waitress, a trucker, a stone mason, a UPS delivery man, a housewife, a teacher, a mill worker, a supermarket checker and a migrant worker. Songs of contrasting styles and monologues, both comic and dramatic, offer excellent opportunities for students eager to lend their specific talents to this production.
Where most musicals feature the composing talents of one or two, the unusual score of
Working boasts seven composers or lyricists including Stephen Schwartz known for
Wicked and
Godspell, and James Taylor, whose poignant "Millwork" is an emotional highlight.
Working is rich with canny insights into America’s eclectic work force making this show a perfect fit for O’Dowd, where “Strength of Character,” “Community in Diversity” and “Social Justice” are highly regarded values in our school charism.
Sweeney Has Left The Barbershop
The lights have dimmed. Props are put away. Costumes are hung back on the rack. And the shaving cream no longer has a diabolical subtext now that eight celebrated performances of Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street has concluded it’s amazing run. Eight standing ovations and several sold-out performances is further proof our multi-talented BOD drama students rose to the challenge of this difficult musical thriller and surpassed all expectations. For those who missed this extraordinary theatrical event, check out a slide show of memorable Sweeney Todd moments.