Oscar Wilde beautifully stated that “theatre is the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another a sense of what it is to be a human being.” In times like these which we are experiencing, we are all yearning to share a unifying experience that celebrates life and what it means to be human. Estancia Production Drama’s Working: A Musical is exactly that. It’s a reflection of the world we live in, and highlights the fact that no matter how your life has changed or your profession, you are valued, irreplaceable, and seen. After being given permission from the adapter and composer of the musical, Stephen Schwartz, to update the interviews from the original script to be a reflection of the world in which we live today, I decided to take this opportunity and make this timely musical a love letter to those in our own community.
Although we cannot all be in the Barbara Van Holt Theater experiencing a live performance, the magic of theatre is the reason why we are here today. Theatre has a funny way of making the seemingly impossible, possible. As a first-time director (during a pandemic nonetheless) I couldn't have been more intimidated, yet eager to tackle this challenge, especially with the drama program that is so near and dear to my heart. The students of Estancia Production Drama with their perseverance and determination, gave everything to this production, from interviewing individuals all over Costa Mesa, adapting to rehearsals on zoom, socially-distanced choreography, transitioning from stage to film acting, refilming due to technical issues… the list can go on. It was something to behold. Through it all, witnessing their love for one another has been the greatest joy. I am beyond honored to be their director.
Since Working: A Musical celebrates the importance of those who often aren’t seen, I need to take time to thank individuals behind the scenes, who made this show possible. We dove into creating this virtual production without knowing the ‘right’ way to navigate this process, yet we did it, while having fun along the way. Thank you to “Super Lucy'' Reidling (producer), for being a light to everyone on this production. She went above and beyond in every aspect and inspires all who know and love her. “Magical-Angel Erik” Przytulski (editor/music director) - he was beyond selfless throughout this process. Erik not only created the tracks, taught the music, and edited everything together- but his heart radiates positivity and genuine love for art and the students. The “Brilliant Jenny” Moon-Shaw (choreographer) ... her work on this production speaks for itself. She is a force of nature - thank you for making the show as captivating and as special as it is. Her passion and pure genius is all over this production. Thank you to our graphic designer, Jim Huffman, who gave us the tools to tell these different stories effectively, while also allowing us to share his special story in the show. To the person who made me fall in love with theatre, Pauline Maranian, thank you for trusting me and for being the best “guide on the side”. She will forever inspire me. Lastly, I need to thank my talented little brother, Justin Marroquin (director of photography/assistant editor/actor), for wearing so many hats during this process. We couldn't have done it without him - I’m so lucky to be his sister.
The cast and team of Working: A Musical are individuals who gracefully accepted the challenges of this past year and adapted with pure resilience and empathy for the community and each other; they created something truly beautiful, which is being shared tonight. Working with this cast and team has been one of the greatest honors of my life. These students are the magic of theatre, and we hope that this show brings you joy and the knowledge that you have so many things in which to be proud. This is our special gift to you.
Amber Marroquin
