Ball State student actors bring real American workers to life in "Working," opening at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at University Theatre.

Based on Studs Terkel's book, "Working" showcases the American Dream and puts to music the personal hopes and aspirations of 26 working-class Americans. The play is presented by the Department of Theatre and Dance and will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29-Oct. 1 and Oct. 5-8 with a matinee at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 2. Parental discretion is advised, as the show contains strong language and adult themes.

"If Studs Terkel's book is a testament to the American worker then the musical adaptation is an anthem to the theatre artist," said Bill Osetek, director. "We have exaggerated the theatricality of the production in order to magnify the passions of the people represented."

While Terkel's book is strikingly realistic and full of honesty, the musical is able to more deeply express the passion of the individuals featured. As their stories unfold on stage, a waitress who dreams of being an artist becomes one, and a grocery checker finds an elaborate dance within her everyday movements.

"We have to approach 'Working' much like a historical play. The characters are real people, and their stories, dreams and passions are real," Osetek said. "This gives the actors a heightened sense of priority in telling their stories well."

The cast members, each of whom plays multiple parts, are Peter Hawn, David Black, Barry McMullen, Zach Harris, Kyle Johnson, Rex Wolfley, Justin Brown, Kaitlin Fumarolo, Terra Mackintosh, Emily Nejad, Magan Spahr, Amber Rees, Amanda Hummer, Angele Price and Alex Santori.

Osetek comes to Ball State as a guest director from Drury Lane Productions in Chicago, where he is associate artistic director.

Tickets are $12 ($11 for Ball State faculty and staff, $9 for senior citizens and $6 for students), and can be purchased at the University Theatre Box Office. Mainstage Season subscriptions are $40 ($36 for Ball State faculty and staff, $25 for senior citizens and $20 for students).

Upcoming productions include:

"Disappeared" – 7:30 p.m., Oct. 27-29, Nov. 2-5; 2:30 p.m., Oct. 30, Strother Theatre. Written by Phyllis Nagy and directed by student director Tichia Guillaud.

"Caucasian Chalk Circle" – 7:30 p.m., Nov. 10-12, 16-19; 2:30 p.m., Nov. 13, University Theatre. Written by Bertolt Brecht and directed by Jennifer Blackmer with original music by Jody Nagel and multimedia design by guest artist Tony Brown.

"Coppelia," – 7:30 p.m., Dec. 8-10; 2:30 p.m., Dec. 10-11; 10 a.m., Dec. 9, University Theatre. Ball State's first full-length ballet in 20 years will be performed under the artistic direction of Lou Ann Young.

"Antigone" – 7:30 p.m., Feb. 15-19; 2:30 p.m., Feb. 19; 10 a.m., Feb. 16, University Theatre. Irish poet Brian Kennelly's new translation of the Sophocles classic. Directed by Karen Kessler.

(Note to editors: For more information, contact Osetek at (773) 848-2455 or williamosetek@sbcglobal.net.)

Kari Jones