Lenora Nemetz

Director Griffith Digs Into the Art of ‘Working’for Front Porch

Daina Michelle Griffith has memories of “Working” dating back to her college days, when her friend was performing in a Theatre Factory production of the musical. “I went out to see it and loved it,” recalls Griffith, who will direct the musical to lead off Front Porch Theatricals’ 2026 season, opening Friday, May 15, 2026. To take on Working, Griffith will direct back-to-back shows (next up is barebones productions’ “Our Dear Dead Drug Lord,” June 12-28, 2026. When Front Porch came calling, she thought she knew exactly what she was getting into – until it was explained that the show, conceived and first produced by Stephen Schwartz in the 1970s, was to be the 2012 revised version, updated with songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Front Porch Theatricals in 2026 Musicals: ‘Working’ and ‘Come From Away’

Reaching back and passing the torch was a running theme of Front Porch Theatricals 2026 season announced on Monday, where it was revealed that Working and Come From Away will be their summer shows. For the occasion of the annual fundraising cabaret and season reveal, a songfest of local talent onstage and in the audience, the incomparable Lenora Nemetz, a Pittsburgher and a member of the original Broadway cast of “Working” in 1978, told a funny story about how she got the role, then provided a heartfelt introduction for Marnie Quick, who sang the show’s waitress song, It’s an Art.

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