‘Working: The Musical’

Sounds of music and laughter filled the Puhi Theatrical Warehouse on Sunday as cast members from Kaua‘i Community Players transported a packed house into the lives and thoughts of people from different walks of life in their sixth performance of the musical “Working.”

The musical, which was directed by Ross Martineau, is based on Lois “Studs” Terkel’s best-selling 1974 non-fiction book, “Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do.”

Much like the book itself, which delves into the thoughts of people across the occupational spectrum from a parking valet to a business executive, Martineau said the musical provides an way for audience members to relate to the characters on stage.

“I would hope that people can see a little bit of themselves, their family and the people around them and come away a little bit of inspiration and respect for the unsung hero,” Martineau said. “He (Terkel) is not glorifying the doctors and lawyers  — not that there’s anything wrong with that — but this is about the working man. It’s a show about every man and I’m glad that we’re able to share it with Kaua‘i.”

But getting to this point, he said, has not been an easy one and has required about a year of preparation and rehearsals.

“It’s a labor of love,” Director Ross Martineau said. “It’s a community theater so no one gets paid — we all have second jobs — but we all just come together and try to put on a good show.”

Many of the cast members, however, took the tasks in stride as they gathered together backstage in the theater’s small dressing room before the show began.

“During our last show, it just seemed like everything was clicking with that audience,” cast member Jeff Demma said. “We’re not just up there doing the show — we’re there to connect with the audience.”