How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
at Woodgrove High School

Reviewed on May 4, 2014

Gavin Moore
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Loudoun

How does a bright-eyed window washer rise up to become an executive of a high-profile company? How do you deal with falling in love with your secretary? Why is the coffee always gone? These answers and more can be found in J. Pierrepont Finch's trusty book and in Woodgrove High School's infectious production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

Based off of Shepherd Mead's satirical 1952 book of the same name, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying was written by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert, with music and lyrics from Frank Loesser. Premiering on Broadway in 1961, the musical was met with critical and box office success, winning seven Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize. The plot, which digs at corporate life and bureaucracy, centers around J. Pierrepont Finch, an ambitious window washer who uses a helpful guide book to climb his way up the corporate ladder of the World Wide Wicket Company.

Chris Consaul stepped into the demanding lead role of J. Pierrepont Finch with tremendous ease, energizing his performance with superb facial expressions and bold characterization. Consaul's powerful stage presence and consistent vocals served as an impressive foundation for the rest of the production as he charmed audience members and company executives alike. Sam Van Vleet as JB Biggley, the president of the World Wide Wicket Company, displayed all of the qualities of a triple threat, combining uproarious acting, robust vocals and delightful dancing abilities in his brilliant performance. Rosemary Pilkington, a sweet secretary at the company who falls in love with Pierrepont, was played by Leah Wolford, who exhibited stupendous vocal prowess in numbers such as "Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm" and "Rosemary."

In addition to excellent leads, many supporting actors added further hilarity and enthusiasm to the jovial production. Kate Crescenzo assumed the persona of Hedy, JB Biggley's attractive and dim-witted mistress, imbuing her performance with commitment and hilarity. Matt Spears-Heinel as JB Biggley's nephew and Finch's nemesis Bud Frump, presented an absolutely uproarious performance as the scheming and incompetent character. Lauren Albanese depicted the role of Smitty, a fellow secretary and friend to Rosemary, with superb energy, portraying the bubbly character with winsome expressions, solid vocals and a commendable New York accent. Molly McIntyre, in the smaller role of Maggie, stood out amongst the rest of the ensemble, displaying incredible enthusiasm and dancing abilities. McIntyre was entirely committed to her character, with her wide array of facial expressions enhancing her role in larger group numbers. Overall, the entire ensemble remained dedicated and committed to the production.

Marvelous technical aspects brought the vibrancy of the 1960's to the stage. A beautiful set featured multiple doorways that simulated the opening and closing of elevators, as well as a backdrop of windows utilized to create stylized tableaus, and shone under the prismatic lighting design. Colorful and kaleidoscopic costumes and props further grounded the production in the era, and a magnificent pit orchestra tackled the show's challenging score with aplomb. Though scene changes ran long at times, these were not frequent enough to break the flow and excitement of the show.

While corporate work may be a boring, thankless task only broken up by much-needed coffee breaks, Woodgrove High School's production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying was anything but. The talented cast and crew at Woodgrove High School combined paramount musical numbers, dazzling technical elements and uproarious humor to succeed in producing a fun and energetic show.

Erin Dlott
South Lakes High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Loudoun

The life of a businessman is a captivating cycle of self-consumed coworkers, long awaited coffee breaks, and tempting secretaries in a muddled corporate system. In Woodgrove High School's production of How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, both cast and crew demonstrated what might come from a book that tells the secrets of how to prosper in the "Company Way."

Based on the original book by Shepherd Meade in 1952, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, written by Frank Loesser and with a book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert opened on Broadway in October of 1961, running for a compelling 1,417 performances. After receiving seven Tony Awards, the New York Drama Critics Circle Award and the 1962 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the film adaptation was released in 1967 by United Artists. The musical returned to Broadway in its 1995 and 2011 revivals. How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying follows the driven J. Pierpont Finch as he follows the instructions of his cherished book to rise through the ranks from window washer to chairman of the board at the World Wide Wicket Company.

Chris Consaul skillfully led the cast of the production in his charming portrayal of J. Pierpont Finch. Consaul's exemplary comedic delivery truly enhanced his stubborn and witty character. His humble nature was expertly counteracted by his character's manipulative motives and highlighted through his pleasantly sweet vocals. While there were a few strained notes, his dedication to the challenging tap choreography followed by his crescendo of pantomimic actions, was admirable.

Playing opposite Finch in the role of Rosemary Pilkington, the romantic and hopeful secretary, Leah Wolford wowed the audience with her wide vocal range, especially in her lovely rendition of "Happy to Keep his Dinner Warm." Although her chemistry with Finch appeared unwilling, her superb projection skills and timing persisted throughout the production.

Standout performances included that of Sam Van Vleet as millionaire tycoon JB Biggley. Vleet's deep bass fit the character of a profitable and self-driven businessman to a tee. In songs such as "Grand Old Ivy", he exuded such robust energy, leaving the audience in awe of his stellar performance. Vleet's smooth vocals demonstrated a softer side of JB Biggley, especially in his duet with love interest, Hedy.

Also impressive were performances by Matthew Spears-Heinel as the whining tattle-tale Bud Frump and Kate Crescenzo as the boisterous Hedy. Spears-Heinel's uproariously funny facials and animated line delivery filled each scene with refreshing energy, making for some marvelous moments on stage. Crescenzo's over the top portrayal of Hedy brought forth a flirty and suggestive character through her perfectly fitted attitude as a self-driven mistress.

The ensemble of the production conquered many a feat through their melodious harmonies and mastered student-choreographed numbers. The secretaries especially displayed an unmatched enthusiasm in the number "Cinderella Darling."

The set of the production included a skyscraper backdrop to substantiate the urban setting of the show. Roll on sets including those of an elevator and Biggley's office were incorporated well. Though scene changes were quite lengthy, most other technical feats were handled justly. The pit orchestra expertly enveloped the theatre with lively, upbeat tempos.

Woodgrove High School's production certainly made it seem simple to go into business without really trying.

Marielle Burt
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to ShowBizRadio.net

Who knew cubicles could contain so much pizzazz? High-strung corporate executives burst into high-spirited show tunes at Woodgrove High School, in "How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." With brazen humor, 60s flare, and exuberant dance, Woodgrove High School's rendition is a toe-tapping treat.

This cheeky satire follows the sprite young swindler J. Pierrepont Finch as he cheats his way up the corporate ladder, singing and dancing from rung to rung. With only an irresistible grin and an invaluable guidebook on "How to Succeed," he rises from mailroom worker, to chief of advertising, to chairman of the board at the World Wide Wicket Company. This musical favorite is by Frank Loesser with book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert. It premiered in 1961, receiving seven Tony Awards and recently returned to Broadway by popular demand - audiences just can't get enough of Finch's charms.

Leading the cast with gusto and pep was Chris Consaul as J. Pierpont Finch. Though confident and comedic throughout, his performance in "Grand Old Ivy" was to a highlight of the night. Consaul and big-shot corporate executive JB Biggley (Sam Van Vleet) unabashedly pranced about the stage as they performed Biggley's old college cheer. Van Vleet took on the age and persona of his character with incredible skill. Manipulating his physicality and voice, the high school actor was indistinguishable from stuffy, middle-aged business men. Matt Spears-Heinel, as Biggley's cry baby nephew was a comedic genius. Be it a devious smile or a snarky scowl, his priceless expressions had the audience howling with laughter in every one of his scenes.

The ensemble of female secretaries was stupendously sassy and seriously skilled- their energy and sharpness in tap numbers provided a delightful spectacle. Leah Wolford was a standout as Rosemary, a secretary who falls head-over-high-heels for Finch. The audience was as enthralled by her pure vocals as she was by Finch's charisma. Kate Crescenzo played the vixen of the Wicket company women, Hedy La Rue, with bold sex appeal and brilliant humor. Bodacious Crescenzo's flirtation with the uptight businessmen provided a spectacular comic contrast. Another star secretary was Molly McIntyre. Though she appeared mostly as part of the ensemble, she was an explosive performer and frequently stole the spotlight.

The stylized tech provided a dazzling 60s atmosphere. A backdrop of geometric squares cast striking shadows on the chromatic lit scrim. This sleek metal structure stretched to the ceiling and was evocative of the Wicket Corporation's massive industrial power. Intelligently crafted rolling set pieces provided the setting for each part of the office building. Though some scene changes moved slowly, the crew was careful to set up each scene accurately. The printed dresses, bright lips, and impressive up-dos of the secretaries also enhanced to the show's period vibe.

The incredible dedication of Woodgrove's cast was apparent in their production, yet the actors' superb performances were delivered with ease. Like Finch's rapid rise in the World Wide Wicket Company, Woodgrove High School's "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" was an effortless success.

Khrysgiana Pineda
Stone Bridge High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com - Loudoun

What if one could transpire from a man who washes the building, to a man who owns it? J. Pierpont Finch puts "mediocrity" to the test, putting on a "company face" procured for him straight out of the black and white pages of his secret weapon, a crafty book called "How to Succeed in Business".

Woodgrove High School is proud to present the musical, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, based on a book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert. The musical by Frank Loesser opened on Broadway in 1961 followed by a 1967 film. The 50th Broadway anniversary directed by Rob Ashford, and staring Daniel Radcliffe, appeared in 2011. It has also received seven Tony Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1962, and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award.

In this new land of business, J. Finch soon learns of "the brotherhood of men", "female traps", democratic schemes, and the plain and simple fact that "secretaries are not toys". J. Pierpont Finch (Chris Consaul) persuaded his superiors as well as the audience with conniving smiles and statistically acclaimed ideals of attaining success.

Consaul represented his loquacious, cheeky character through renowned charisma, dancing, and dynamism. Rosemary (Leah Wolford) swept the audience through a vortex of melody and ascendancy over her powerful vocal composition. Meanwhile Smitty (Lauren Albanese) and Bud Frump (Matt Spears-Heinel), along with Bud's uncle and president of the company, JB Biggley (Sam Van Vleet), added to the comical facets of the musical with palpable stage presence and intuitive audience connection.

Biggley proved himself a foreboding and prestigious man in the ‘face of the company', while an inspective look into the book exposed the IV League Groundhog certainly had his holes, which Ponty fervently undermined. The chemistry between JB and J. Finch was portrayed adequately by Van Vleet and Consaul in a humorous chain of events leading to both men's imminent doom and the tremendous amusement of the audience.

Also stealing the stage was Hedy (Kate Crescenzo). With her impressively candor disposition, the latest secretary seduces her way from note-taking to treasure girl. Sustaining an illustrious grasp of her comedic character, Crescenzo utilized supreme animation, energy, and line delivery.

The score varied from exuberant vigor in the rapacious number "Coffee Break" to alluring harmonization in performances such as "Been a Long Day". Vocalists were well atoned to each other as well as the orchestra and accomplished estimably vicarious pitch.

Though lines were occasionally lost due to low sound volume and lack of projection, the cast procured striking vocal stamina as well as adept and perceptible diction. The laudable orchestra remained gratifyingly correlated with actors onstage and presented a congenial overture and score. The stage was adorned with copious set pieces, such as sliding elevator doors, an intriguing scenery of building windows, rolling sinks, and numerous other supplies. While blocking was not predominantly direct, choreography design was well executed and therefore produced aesthetic stage pictures; creating an explicit array of finale tableaus.

By working together, the cast proved that "the whole omelet is bigger than any one egg", and "while others look like a waste of the company's expense", Woodgrove without a doubt wrote the chapter of success in this superlative rendition of How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.

Yena Seo
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to The Woodgrove Outlander

For a bright-eyed window washer, is there any higher he can go? With a trusty self-help book by his side, businessman J. Pierrepont Finch charmed his way up the corporate ladder of success and into the hearts of audience members in Woodgrove High School's infectious production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

Based on Shepherd Mead's bestselling book, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying was written by Frank Loesser, Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert as a satirical commentary on the business ethos of the era. The Broadway production opened in 1961, winning seven Tony Awards, including one for Best Musical, and has garnered many subsequent revivals, including a 2011 production featuring Daniel Radcliffe and John Larroquette. The upbeat musical chronicles protagonist J. Pierrepont Finch and his journey at the World Wide Wicket Company with the advice of a "how to" book. As he attempts to climb the ladder of executive success, the ambitious Finch is led to a roller-coaster ride of sabotage, romance and nepotism.

At the helm of the show, Chris Consaul performed the lead role of Finch with tremendous energy, highlighting his performance with his smooth tenor, quick wits and charming demeanor. Consaul wonderfully captured the tenacious spirit of the overly-ambitious protagonist, and his humorous interactions with other actors served as a foundation for the rest of the production. Finch's sweet love interest Rosemary Pilkington was delightfully portrayed by Leah Wolford, who exhibited brilliant vocal prowess and aptly depicted her anticipation for Finch's attention.

Several supporting actors added to the amusement and fervor of the production. Sam Van Vleet balanced professionalism and humor as company president JB Biggley, seizing every comic opportunity and showcasing phenomenal singing in the most challenging vocal part of the show. Van Vleet demonstrated excellent chemistry with other performers, and his hilarious duet with Consaul in "Grand Old Ivy" garnered thunderous laughter from the audience. As the bubble-brained Hedy LaRue, Kate Crescenzo was perfectly seductive and flamboyant, while Lauren Albanese showcased outstanding energy as Rosemary's friend Smitty. The Book Voice of Adam Lenhart exuded an appropriate wryness to the show, and Matt Spears-Heinel gave an absolutely uproarious performance as JB Biggley's dumb, incompetent nephew Bud Frump. Though in a smaller role, Molly McIntyre caught the audience's attention as Maggie, a secretary and one of the "pirate girls" in the company's televised scavenger hunt. The ensemble showcased outstanding camaraderie, creating a jovial and bustling office atmosphere.

Dazzling technical elements fantastically brought the vibrant, be-bop feel of the 60's to the stage. A kaleidoscopic range of costumes, from "Paris Original" dresses to three-piece suits, danced a matchy-matchy jig with the props and set. Attention to detail was evident in items such as antique typewriters, while adaptable, revolving set pieces were meticulously painted and accurately depicted the vibrancy of the era. Lighting was intelligently executed, creating a silhouette of the book's narrator and implementing prismatic tones to reflect the bounciness of the production. A commendable pit orchestra tackled the demanding score with ease. Despite some sound issues and a few lengthy scene changes, these problems did not detract from the overall production, and the cast and crew handled any mistakes with the utmost professionalism.

While performing such a large, iconic musical can prove to be a challenge for many high schools, Woodgrove High School brilliantly captured the essence and humor of the show. Heralded by soaring vocals, infectious energy and lively characterizations, the talented cast and crew of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying truly succeeded in producing a show the company way.