Theatre Oxford Stages 'Working' Musical Celebrating Everyday Workers

The production highlights the lives and struggles of teachers, millworkers, waitresses, and other unsung professions.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:58pm

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Theatre Oxford is bringing Studs Terkel's 'Working' to the stage, a musical adaptation that showcases the lives and experiences of teachers, millworkers, masons, waitresses, housewives, and other everyday working people. The production, directed by Christopher Schager, will run for two performances on April 10 and 11 at the Powerhouse in Oxford, Mississippi.

Why it matters

By highlighting the stories of unsung workers across a variety of professions, 'Working' aims to celebrate the dignity and humanity in everyday labor, providing a platform for the experiences of those who often go unrecognized in mainstream culture.

The details

The musical features songs by composers Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mary Rogers, Susan Birkhead, Stephen Schwartz and James Taylor, as well as contributions from Gordon Greenberg. Justin Wadkins is providing musical direction, with choreography by Jennifer Mizenko. Tickets are $15 for Theatre Oxford members, $20 for non-members, and $18 for seniors and students.

  • The production will run on April 10 and 11, 2026.
  • Shows will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 10, and at 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 11.

The players

Theatre Oxford

A local theatre company in Oxford, Mississippi, that is staging the production of 'Working'.

Christopher Schager

The director of the Theatre Oxford production of 'Working'.

Studs Terkel

The author whose book 'Working' inspired the musical adaptation being performed.

Stephen Schwartz

One of the composers who contributed songs to the musical adaptation of 'Working'.

Nina Faso

The co-writer who adapted Studs Terkel's 'Working' into a musical.

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What they’re saying

“By highlighting the stories of unsung workers across a variety of professions, 'Working' aims to celebrate the dignity and humanity in everyday labor, providing a platform for the experiences of those who often go unrecognized in mainstream culture.”

— Christopher Schager, Director

What’s next

Tickets for the 'Working' performances at the Powerhouse are on sale now through the Theatre Oxford website.

The takeaway

Theatre Oxford's production of 'Working' promises to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our society, reminding audiences of the value and humanity in all forms of labor, from teachers to waitresses to millworkers and beyond.