Full Synopsis

This localized version of Working begins on Monday morning, as the actors introduce their characters and prepare for their day ("All the Livelong Day"). Following this opening scene is an opportunity for the insertion of a localized worker interview. If not, the show continues with Mike Dillard, as he shares the pride of his manual labor and his frustrations in the lack of recognition that he receives for his simple, yet important, work.

Meanwhile, in the land of office cubicles, Amanda McKenny, a project manager at a major business, and several other employees whose personalities are confined to their cubicles, comment on what they do to pass the time of their boring jobs. Amanda, however, has aspirations that are bigger than her current job and shows her determination to work her way up through the ropes.

Next, Freddy Gomez, a fast-food worker who is thrilled when he gets to deliver food and receive tips ("Delivery"), talks of his hopes of saving enough money to live out his dreams one day. Rex Winship, a hedge fund manager and Amanda's boss, tells us of his enjoyment in leadership and the attraction of women to money. He speaks of his aspirations to share his experiences and values as a teacher.

Rose Hoffman, a third-grade teacher, shares her experiences in dealing with different types of children and the changing times since she began working ("Nobody Tells Me How"). Rose speaks about one of her special students, which presents another opportunity for the insertion of a localized worker interview. If a localized interview is not inserted, then Terry Mason enters to share a story of a recent experience traveling as a flight attendant.

A truck horn honks as Frank Decker expounds on his love of cruising through the country as a delivery truck driver ("Brother Trucker"). Going home to visit his wife is a hassle for Frank and, even though he may find himself within minutes of his home, he finds it too difficult to go back to his family. He tries to call his wife to tell her that he will not be coming back home, but his cell phone problems lead him to a phone call with Raj Patel, an operator for Verizon tech support. Raj deals with the struggles of wanting to be a voice for someone in need but with the limitations that his job puts on customer communication. Sharon Atkins, a receptionist, steps in and joins Raj, discussing the negative aspects of jobs that are communication-based.

Kate Rushton, a housewife, receives a phone call that forces her to deal with the challenges of simple housework ("Just a Housewife"). Following this touching scene is an opportunity for the addition of a localized worker interview. If no interview is added, then Conrad Swibel, a UPS man, startles Kate when he arrives to deliver a basket. Conrad relates the excitement that he receives from catching dogs and women unaware in an effort to spice up his job. A hustler, Roberta Victor, and a fundraiser, Candy Cottingham, discuss the necessities of working, scrambling to make money and getting lost in work (this monologue/profession, like others, can be removed from this version of the show).

At this point, the localized version allows for the addition of one of the show’s original monologue/songs featuring Emilio Hernandez, a migrant farmworker, and the song "Un Mejor Dia Vendra". Emilio has worked in the fields since he was a child and wishes people knew the human cost of the produce on their table.

Grace Clements, a millworker, illustrates the dangers of a typical day at the factory and the hardships of living under a constant clock, but offers her secrets to get through it ("Millwork").

Following "Millwork" is an opportunity for a localized worker interview, directly transitioning into "The Mason", where Anthony Coelho, a 60-year-old stone mason, remarks on the joy that he finds in his craft, as shown by his incredible attention to detail. If no local interview is inserted, then Allen Epstein, a community organizer, shares the necessities and troubles in fighting for a better way of life. Here, the localized version allows for the addition of the show's other original monologue/song featuring Al Calinda, parking lot attendant ("Lovin' Al").

The cast enters, assuming various characters from the show, remembering their dreams and aspirations and the challenges that changed their plans along the way ("If I Could've Been"). The position of this scene/song can be shifted in the localized version.

Eddie Jaffe, a publicist, honestly reflects on his shortcomings as a person and how this is reflected in his work. Then, Delores Dante, a waitress, explains her job as a personal passion that she has perfected over the past 16 years ("It's an Art"). Several other common people enter to lament on getting laid off, the economy and the battle to stay above it all.

Joe Zutty, a retired man, offers advice on how to stay active after retirement ("Joe"). Jairo Trujillo, elder care worker, comes to assist Joe and explains that, while his job may not pay much, it is incredibly rewarding work; meanwhile, Theresa Bautista, a nanny, talks about the joy that she finds in caring for children of careless parents ("A Very Good Day").

Tom Patrick, a current firefighter, expresses the intensity of having a life-threatening, yet life-saving, job. Following this touching and important scene is an opportunity for a localized worker interview.

Part of a family line of cleaning ladies, Maggie Holmes finds hope and strength in the belief that her daughter is of a new generation that will break the mold and make something more of herself than has been their family's tradition ("Cleanin' Women"). Following this scene is an opportunity for the insertion of a localized worker interview, which then transitions to Mike being reminded of his son, as he speculates on how quickly his child grew up and how quickly he too must have grown up in his father's eyes ("Fathers and Sons"). If no localized interview is added, then Ralph Werner, a 19-year-old salesman, is sharing his life plan for living, working and a family. Another 19-year-old who is currently collecting unemployment, Charlie Blossom tells of an incredible job that he had with a Chicago newspaper... and how he got fired through a plan that he had concocted in the hopes of being different.

Following this is an opportunity for another localized worker interview, which transitions to all of the workers coming back to restate the importance of taking pride in their work and acknowledge the impact that their work has had on so many other people's lives ("Something to Point To").