How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
at San Juan Hills High School

Reviewed on April 25, 2014

Sabrina Thompson
Pacifica High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

How to Put on an Amazing Show

Sabrina Thompson is a junior at Pacifica High School in Garden Grove.

Start at the bottom of the show with the basics, a lively orchestra, an energetic cast of characters, and skilled crew, then add a charming story line, and 1960's design, and lastly have the show be put on by San Juan Hills High School, and you have a lovely production of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying".

The show begins with a young window washer who wants to reach the top of the corporate ladder, but he wants to reach it fast. Davey Diamsay is the confident J. Pierrepont Finch. Diamsay's melodic tenor voice and abundant energy help characterize Mr. Finch. Goal driven Finch has to choose between work and play, and in "Rosemary" play takes over as Diamsay leaps across stage with a lover's playfulness and sings with charm and strength.

Yet in the world of business there is always someone to take you down. The boss's nephew, a nepotism seeking boy named Bud Frump hatches plan after plan to take Finch down. Grant Dossey's comedic timing and conniving characterization of Bud is seen in hunched posture and whinny vocals. Dossey sets his character apart from the big men of business with funny and quirky antics in pursuit of taking down Finch's climb to the top.

And the business world is not complete without a curvaceous secretary to distract the men of the office. With a musky voice, and ditzy childlike behaviors Hedy causes a stir at the office of World Wide Wickets. Madeline Blomdahl exudes confidence and sexuality as Hedy fails miserably as a secretary, but wins as the eye candy of business men.

The workplace is often abuzz with people. In "How to Succeed…Trying" the ensemble of secretaries and businessmen have consistent energy and defined characters, from housewife secretary to the "yes man" of the office the ensemble sets their presence early with "Coffee Break" and maintains their exuberance.

Through many adversities the crew puts on a spectacular show. Creative lighting in certain scenes give the show a special touch, thanks to Lukas Brenchbill. The multiple sets of the main office floor, rooftop party, and smaller offices of some employees, designed by San Juan Hill's Theatre Production Class, give a change of scene and variability that you would find in any office.

San Juan Hills High School surely knows how to make it in business without really trying.

Sabrina Thompson
Pacifica High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

How to Put on an Amazing Show

Sabrina Thompson is a junior at Pacifica High School in Garden Grove.

Start at the bottom of the show with the basics, a lively orchestra, an energetic cast of characters, and skilled crew, then add a charming story line, and 1960's design, and lastly have the show be put on by San Juan Hills High School, and you have a lovely production of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying".

The show begins with a young window washer who wants to reach the top of the corporate ladder, but he wants to reach it fast. Davey Diamsay is the confident J. Pierrepont Finch. Diamsay's melodic tenor voice and abundant energy help characterize Mr. Finch. Goal driven Finch has to choose between work and play, and in "Rosemary" play takes over as Diamsay leaps across stage with a lover's playfulness and sings with charm and strength.

Yet in the world of business there is always someone to take you down. The boss's nephew, a nepotism seeking boy named Bud Frump hatches plan after plan to take Finch down. Grant Dossey's comedic timing and conniving characterization of Bud is seen in hunched posture and whinny vocals. Dossey sets his character apart from the big men of business with funny and quirky antics in pursuit of taking down Finch's climb to the top.

And the business world is not complete without a curvaceous secretary to distract the men of the office. With a musky voice, and ditzy childlike behaviors Hedy causes a stir at the office of World Wide Wickets. Madeline Blomdahl exudes confidence and sexuality as Hedy fails miserably as a secretary, but wins as the eye candy of business men.

The workplace is often abuzz with people. In "How to Succeed…Trying" the ensemble of secretaries and businessmen have consistent energy and defined characters, from housewife secretary to the "yes man" of the office the ensemble sets their presence early with "Coffee Break" and maintains their exuberance.

Through many adversities the crew puts on a spectacular show. Creative lighting in certain scenes give the show a special touch, thanks to Lukas Brenchbill. The multiple sets of the main office floor, rooftop party, and smaller offices of some employees, designed by San Juan Hill's Theatre Production Class, give a change of scene and variability that you would find in any office.

San Juan Hills High School surely knows how to make it in business without really trying.

Siena Brown
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Funny "Business" is afoot at San Juan Hills

Siena Brown is a sophomore at SOCSA Dana Hills in Dana Point.

Forget accounting, economics, and statistics; the students of San Juan Hills High School successfully earn their master's degree in comedy! Their newest production of the bubbly sixties satire "How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" follows the ambitious J. Pierrepont Finch as he steadily climbs the ladder of the business world with the help of a straightforward instruction manual.

Davey Diamsay heads the cast as Finch, a young window washer who dreams of becoming a prominent businessman at the illustrious World Wide Wicket Company. Presenting a tall, confident stance and a charismatic smile, Diamsay develops a character with a level-head and sky-high aspirations. His self-assurance in business is contrasted humorously with his oblivious nature in matters of the heart, evident by his blank looks when his love interest attempts to flirt with him. However, his suave persona returns when he begins to sing, his notes smooth, consistent, and painted with optimism.

The epitome of feminine charm, Tessa Engelsman blossoms as Rosemary Pilkington, a secretary at World Wide Wicket and the secret admirer of Finch. Applying both class and buoyancy to her character, Engelsman cheerfully twirls across the stage. With high, energized vocal tones and a face beaming with determination, her endearing personality prompts audience members to root for Rosemary's success just as much as Finch's.

Madeline Blomdahl shines as Hedy LaRue, Finch's good-looking and highly flirtatious new secretary. Blomdahl makes use of a wispy, slinky voice, reminiscent of the iconic Marilyn Monroe, and a sassy saunter to create a humorously over the top character.

In addition to the leads, a colorful ensemble of secretaries and executives help to add a hectic nature to the show, and shine in their sidesplitting number "Coffee Break", where the use of melodramatic facial contortions and anguished cries help express the importance of caffeine in the business world.

The show's lighting (Cameron Tilmont, Lukas Brechbill, and Brandon Ceballos) is simple, subtle, and highly effective. In one scene, flashes of red and pink erupt across the stage, reflecting the passion Finch suddenly feels for his co-worker, ("Rosemary"). Perhaps even more notable are the spotlights that quickly shine on Finch whenever he has an ingenious thought, a clever reference to the classic "idea bulb" trope.

In their most recent musical endeavor, San Juan Hills presents a performance that is quick-witted, touching, and nothing less than successful.

Siena Brown
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Funny "Business" is afoot at San Juan Hills

Siena Brown is a sophomore at SOCSA Dana Hills in Dana Point.

Forget accounting, economics, and statistics; the students of San Juan Hills High School successfully earn their master's degree in comedy! Their newest production of the bubbly sixties satire "How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" follows the ambitious J. Pierrepont Finch as he steadily climbs the ladder of the business world with the help of a straightforward instruction manual.

Davey Diamsay heads the cast as Finch, a young window washer who dreams of becoming a prominent businessman at the illustrious World Wide Wicket Company. Presenting a tall, confident stance and a charismatic smile, Diamsay develops a character with a level-head and sky-high aspirations. His self-assurance in business is contrasted humorously with his oblivious nature in matters of the heart, evident by his blank looks when his love interest attempts to flirt with him. However, his suave persona returns when he begins to sing, his notes smooth, consistent, and painted with optimism.

The epitome of feminine charm, Tessa Engelsman blossoms as Rosemary Pilkington, a secretary at World Wide Wicket and the secret admirer of Finch. Applying both class and buoyancy to her character, Engelsman cheerfully twirls across the stage. With high, energized vocal tones and a face beaming with determination, her endearing personality prompts audience members to root for Rosemary's success just as much as Finch's.

Madeline Blomdahl shines as Hedy LaRue, Finch's good-looking and highly flirtatious new secretary. Blomdahl makes use of a wispy, slinky voice, reminiscent of the iconic Marilyn Monroe, and a sassy saunter to create a humorously over the top character.

In addition to the leads, a colorful ensemble of secretaries and executives help to add a hectic nature to the show, and shine in their sidesplitting number "Coffee Break", where the use of melodramatic facial contortions and anguished cries help express the importance of caffeine in the business world.

The show's lighting (Cameron Tilmont, Lukas Brechbill, and Brandon Ceballos) is simple, subtle, and highly effective. In one scene, flashes of red and pink erupt across the stage, reflecting the passion Finch suddenly feels for his co-worker, ("Rosemary"). Perhaps even more notable are the spotlights that quickly shine on Finch whenever he has an ingenious thought, a clever reference to the classic "idea bulb" trope.

In their most recent musical endeavor, San Juan Hills presents a performance that is quick-witted, touching, and nothing less than successful.

Darrius Estigoy
University High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

San Juan Hills Goes For A Coffee Break

Darrius Estigoy is a freshman at University High School in Irvine.

Consider the Modern Businessman; a dashing, young man who always yields to the boss's opinions. With a healthy flow of coffee in his veins, he's ready to climb the ladder of hierarchy and succeed in business. San Juan Hills High School's production of "How to Succeed in Business" is a hysterical musical with strong acting and an effective set design.

Davey Diamsay portrays J. Pierrepont Finch, an aspiring window washer who wishes to make it big in the business world. His portrayal of Finch as a clean, smooth talker suits the character well. His progression from an idealistic youth to a mature adult is augmented with the help of the costumes, by Gia Chacon and Danielle Didier, which transition from a plaid, out-of-place blazer to more appropriate black suits as the story progresses.

Progressing alongside Finch is Rosemary, his love interest, portrayed by Tessa Engelsman. A neat and girlish secretary, she awaits for his hand in marriage as he plots to reach new heights in the company. Starting out as the 60's ideal of a woman, Engelsman progresses the character from a shy, awkward character to a defensive and determined character when she makes a discovery about Finch.

Grant Dossey plays the insufferable Bud Frump. As the whiny, entitled nephew of J.B. Biggley, president of the World Wide Wicket Company, Frump serves as Finch's foil in the show. With his shrill voice and slumped shoulders, Dossey creates a distinct character with his creative acting choices that is consistently maintained throughout the show.

Acting as more than just set dressing, the ensemble is a worthy component of the show. In the ensemble-heavy song, "A Secretary is Not a Toy", the ensemble of executives and their secretaries truly shines. With good interplay between members of the ensemble and the leads, in addition to strong characters from each actor, the ensemble is an entertaining and energetic addition of the program.

The set design by Thomas Pike and Sara Stickler is a creative and imaginative solution. Using a permanent set as backing, scenery and set pieces are brought in to create the various settings. Faced with this complex task, Stage Manager Kaiden Gerlach must be commended for keeping the scene changes fast and efficient.

The vibrant cast of "How to Succeed in Business" reminds the audience that the workplace is not always a boring drudge.

Darrius Estigoy
University High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

San Juan Hills Goes For A Coffee Break

Darrius Estigoy is a freshman at University High School in Irvine.

Consider the Modern Businessman; a dashing, young man who always yields to the boss's opinions. With a healthy flow of coffee in his veins, he's ready to climb the ladder of hierarchy and succeed in business. San Juan Hills High School's production of "How to Succeed in Business" is a hysterical musical with strong acting and an effective set design.

Davey Diamsay portrays J. Pierrepont Finch, an aspiring window washer who wishes to make it big in the business world. His portrayal of Finch as a clean, smooth talker suits the character well. His progression from an idealistic youth to a mature adult is augmented with the help of the costumes, by Gia Chacon and Danielle Didier, which transition from a plaid, out-of-place blazer to more appropriate black suits as the story progresses.

Progressing alongside Finch is Rosemary, his love interest, portrayed by Tessa Engelsman. A neat and girlish secretary, she awaits for his hand in marriage as he plots to reach new heights in the company. Starting out as the 60's ideal of a woman, Engelsman progresses the character from a shy, awkward character to a defensive and determined character when she makes a discovery about Finch.

Grant Dossey plays the insufferable Bud Frump. As the whiny, entitled nephew of J.B. Biggley, president of the World Wide Wicket Company, Frump serves as Finch's foil in the show. With his shrill voice and slumped shoulders, Dossey creates a distinct character with his creative acting choices that is consistently maintained throughout the show.

Acting as more than just set dressing, the ensemble is a worthy component of the show. In the ensemble-heavy song, "A Secretary is Not a Toy", the ensemble of executives and their secretaries truly shines. With good interplay between members of the ensemble and the leads, in addition to strong characters from each actor, the ensemble is an entertaining and energetic addition of the program.

The set design by Thomas Pike and Sara Stickler is a creative and imaginative solution. Using a permanent set as backing, scenery and set pieces are brought in to create the various settings. Faced with this complex task, Stage Manager Kaiden Gerlach must be commended for keeping the scene changes fast and efficient.

The vibrant cast of "How to Succeed in Business" reminds the audience that the workplace is not always a boring drudge.