Katy Visual & Performing Arts Center Kicks Off Fall Season this October

Katy Visual & Performing Arts Center's Encore Players kicks off their fall 2010 Season with Working, The Musical. Directed by Jonathan Gonzalez and sponsored by Jason's Deli, the show opens this weekend October 1, 2 & 3 and next weekend October 8, 9 & 10. All shows begin at 8:00pm, except for Sunday's which are matinees beginning at 2:00pm.

"Rehearsals have been underway for Working, The Musical for many weeks," explains Jonathan Gonzalez. "It has proven to be a unique and challenging experience- a departure from the conventional musicals we are used to working on and seeing."

Songwriter Stephen Schwartz started his career by writing music and new lyrics for GODSPELL, and went on to compose the Broadway mega-hit WICKED! In between, he co-adapted and directed Working, which explores the American work day from the Monday morning blues to the second shift blahs using the original words of some uncommon common men and women. "While not a huge Broadway hit when first produced in 1974, the play has drawn a cult following over the years," Gonzalez adds. "It has paved the way for musicals about the extraordinary in ordinary people -such as the recent Pulitzer-Prize winning Next to Normal."

Adapted from the book by Studs Turkel and featuring songs by Schwartz and James Taylor among others, Working celebrates the story of the average worker ... the teacher, mill-worker, waitress, check-out girl, fireman, iron worker, ... yes, even a hooker, who sing and talk about their jobs, defining not only their daily round, but their hopes and aspirations as well. The music is entertaining and emotional and will connect with adult audience members.

"This fantastic cast has adapted beautifully, and we are excited to share the work with Katy audiences," boasts Gonzalez proudly. The fine cast is a mix of veteran Encore Players actors and a few new faces to KVPAC's adult community theatre. All ensemble members portray multiple roles throughout the production. Amanda Barker plays Amanda the project manager, Babe the Checkout girl, Heather the Phone Operator, and Tom the Firefighter. Monica Davis plays Kate the Housewife, Cleaning woman, and Sharon (phone person). Micah Dumont plays Ralph, Charlie, Checkout clerk singer, Trucker, and Man with Headphones. Nancy Lewin plays Rose the Teacher and Cleaning woman. Elizabeth Mace plays Delores the Waitress, Candy the Socialite, and Millwork soloist. Christina Madero plays Roberta the Hooker and Maggie Holmes Cleaning woman. Stela Moreno plays Roberta the Migrant Worker, Woman in Office, and Mason Singer. Adam Stout plays Mike, Conrad, and Fathers and Sons singer. Brittney Thorne plays Grace the Millworker, Enid (phone saleslady) and Office Worker.

"These unsung heroes share the intimate thoughts and feelings about their jobs in monologue and song. Everyone in the show is in an ensemble, AND everyone has a featured solo role," says Gonzalez. "In keeping with the celebration of the worker, this production celebrates the actor and the power of the story. The actors have been encouraged to put in their own input to create their characters-from improvisatory movement, the real-life experiences of others in the cast, and reading the original interviews from Studs Turkel's famous book."

Pre-Sale Tickets of $15 Adults and $12 Seniors are still available. Tickets increase by $3 at the door. Group rates are available at www.kvpac.org.