About The Show (July 2019)
HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING
Twenty-seven year old New York window washer J. Pierrepont Finch believes that he can be a success in the corporate world after he impulsively picks up the book “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”. The book promises its reader that one can climb the corporate ladder simply and quickly. The World Wide Wicket Corporation, the business in the office building whose windows he washes, is, according to the book, the perfect type of business. There, Finch meets secretary Rosemary Pilkington, who sees in Ponty, as she calls him, an unassuming man whom she believes the corporate world will eat alive. But Ponty, memorizing what the book tells him, does quickly climb the corporate ladder, but not by doing any real work. Ponty, however, has a few obstacles along the way: Bud Frump, the nephew by marriage of the company president, J. B. Biggley; Hedy LaRue, a curvaceous but simple woman who has a secret (or not-so-secret) tie to someone important in the company; Smitty, a sassy secretarial friend of Rosemary’s; and Ponty, himself, possibly making a fatal occupational error by not reading far enough ahead in the book. Finch ultimately has to decide if climbing to the top of the ladder is worth stepping on all of those along the way and worth risking the loss of the love of Rosemary. In the end, telling the truth may set him free.
DIRECTOR’S NOTES - How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
This is, perhaps, in my opinion, one of the best satirical parodies made into a musical comedy. The songs are original and appealing, the dialogue is sharp-witted, the plot is engaging, and the pace is brisk. Underneath the humor of the superbly funny script, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is,of course, a scathing reflection of corporate culture in the 1950s. It’s biting social commentary is as timely now, however, as it was then. I could not be happier with this entertaining sensation! The cast and crew of this GACT production are most dedicated and driven … they HAVE succeeded, with much effort and enthusiasm. This was no small undertaking and I am proud of all involved. Thank you to my many friends who were an amazing team to work with: the GACT Board, Jim, Karyn, Margie, Carly, linda, Fran, Sarah, Nick, and many others. Much gratitude to you all!
Perhaps a tie that binds us all together here tonight is the love of theatre. In a time where the arts are not always supported and being cut … in schools, community theatres, and even Broadway, it warms my heart to know that so many of you have attended this production to show your support of something that is so very important in life. With learning and refining the skills of discipline, teamwork, problem-solving, self control, communication, public speaking, confidence in one’s self image, creativity, and the understanding of the way human beings interact, all of us can experience much success in life. The Alliance for Education and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Arts jointly state, “The future of our nation depends on our ability to create, be creative, and appreciate and support the arts together”. Thanks for joining our “Brother hood of Man”. Enjoy the show!