How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
at University

Reviewed on March 15, 2019

Cameron Newman
San Juan Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Uni's "How to Succeed in Business" is (sales) pitch perfect
written by Cameron Newman, a junior at San Juan Hills High School

In New York City's business world, climbing the corporate ladder is a daunting task, but a self-help book assures one man that if he follows a few simple rules, "he can!". Set in 1961, this uproarious satire follows J. Pierrepont Finch's meteoric rise--via flattery and misdirection rather than hard work--from window-washer to executive of the World Wide Wicket Company. With help from a book, Finch wrangles romance, rivalries, and the occasional rousing dance number.

Slick, charismatic, and devastatingly charming, Davide Costa embodies Finch with his disarming smile, breezy physicality, and powerful voice. But his polished demeanor dissolves into tongue-tied trip-ups and and panicked fidgeting when he meets bright and flirtatious secretary Rosemary Pilkington (Angelina Ross). Ross' Rosemary is swoony, doe-eyed, and endearingly awkward; her wistful sighs and gushy declarations of devotion turn to palpable despondence when neglected by Finch.

Rosemary's foil is the voluptuous Hedy La Rue (Bailey Yace). With a sultry sway and a squeaky Brooklyn affect, Yace earnestly declares she types twelve whole words per minute. She is having an affair with company president Mr. Biggley (Neiman Araque), who storms about the stage self importantly, his gravelly voice booming, softening only to proclaim his love for Hedy in the hilarious duet "Love From a Heart of Gold".

Gino Torquato steals scenes as Mr. Biggley's pompous, petulant nephew Bud Frump, who makes whiny calls to his mother and relies on nepotism for advancement within the company. With swiveling hips and a sleazy smile, he gloats over his promotion, but malicious giggling gives way to stomping and tantrums when his sabotages of Finch are continually thwarted, leaving the audience in hysterics.

The show's technical elements capture the essence of the 1960's. Kimia Javaherneshan's mid-century modern set resembles the children's building kit "Tinkertoy", referencing the song "A Secretary is Not a Toy". The muted colors and clean lines offset Gianna DiTolla's costumes: mod dresses in varying vibrant colors help distinguish the secretaries, while Hedy wears a skin-tight black dress and a fur stole.

The pit orchestra performs admirably, playing improvisational jazz to carry the show's pacing and smooth out scene transitions.

With a sharp ensemble cast, impeccable comedic timing, and engaging technical elements, Uni puts on a production worth its weight in wickets.

Bella Gordon
San Juan Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Hilarity and Romance at Uni's "How to Succeed in Business"
written by Bella Gordon, a freshman at San Juan Hills High School

Through a breathtaking blend of technical ability and hysterical acting, Uni delivers a lively performance of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" abounding in energy and passion.

"How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" follows J. Pierrepont Finch, a window cleaner, as he follows the instructions of a book he finds in order to make it in the business world. The tactics lead him to getting a job in the mailroom at the World Wide Wicket Company and assist him further as he continues to claw his way up the corporate ladder.

As the hopeful business man J. Pierrepont Finch, Davide Costa captivates the audience with his charisma as he hilariously works his way to executive positions. With impeccable comedic timing, Costa expertly shifts between his confident, magnetic personality that he uses around his coworkers to a gawky shell of a man as he attempts to flirt with the romantic Rosemary (Angelina Ross), creating a humorous juxtaposition as he switches through the two contradictory personas.

Bud Frump (Gino Torquato) is the boss's highly unqualified, brash, despised nephew who constantly relies on nepotism to get ahead. Torquato enthralls the audience with his uproarious physical comedy, like when he begins to sink underneath the boardroom table while shamefully clinging to the edge of it as he is blamed by Finch for the catastrophic World Wide Wicket Treasure Hunt.

Throughout the show, the ensemble assist with completing the story and exhibiting the feelings of the ordinary employee. After discovering there is no coffee left in the office, the ensemble erupts into song with Frump and Smitty while gloomily trudging around the stage and moving in sudden, sharp movements during each beat with exhausted, exasperated faces that demonstrate their agonizing desperation for coffee.

With scrupulous, consistent timing of the cues, stage manager Ariana Casey and the Uni Technical Theatre reinforce the immersion of the audience into the world of the story. Throughout the show, whenever characters enter or exit through the elevator, the elevator dings before smoothly opening and closing.

With precise technical elements and gut-busting acting, Uni creates a truly dynamic rendition of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying."

Florence Lee
Irvine
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

University High School Knows Exactly How to Succeed
written by Florence Lee, a senior at Irvine High School

"How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" at Uni truly looks effortless. Dynamic dances, vibrant music, and effervescent performances from students capture the distinctive, spunky style of this corporate classic.

Davide Costa as main character J. Pierrepont Finch displays a versatility vital to the role. His excellent singing voice and command of comedic timing shine. His exaggerated faces perfectly suit the hilarious plots Finch uses to rise through the ranks of corporate competition.

Finch's love interest, Rosemary Pilkington (Angelina Ross), has her own plots. In "Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm", Ross sways and smiles, seemingly lost in love. However, in "Paris Original", her horrified response to a fashion faux pas is completely opposite and equally valuable.

Working alongside Rosemary are secretaries Smitty and Miss Krumholtz (Audrey Moore and Lauren Lee). Both girls' subtle acting choices and timing made the two stand out from the ensemble.

A particular standout performance comes from Gino Torquato, as Bud Frump, with his over exaggerated movements and faces. In particular, his salacious butt waggle and flirtatious wrist twirls contribute to Bud's brattiness and playful energy.

To match Torquato's light hearted energy, Bailey Yace plays her character Hedy Larue, as a bubble-headed sex icon, complete with quirky head bobs and vapid vocal affect. Consequently, Yace stands out on stage as complete comic relief.

Backstage, the stage managers and running crew kept the show functioning. The crew changed sets and props out between scenes while also managing dozens of quick changes with ease.

Speaking of changing scenes, the set and props teams created a set that was versatile enough to be multiple floors and a recording studio. The light up pillars that roll across stage complement the action and the wooden walls and personalized desks remain faithful to the mid-century modern style of the musical.

Another technical aspect of the musical that created a sixties vibe was the costumes and makeup. The use of silhouettes, eyeshadow, and hairstyles to differentiate age and rank display both a dedication to accuracy and functionality. A special commendation goes to Giana DiTolla for designing and creating over a dozen matching dresses for "Paris Original".

Nearly every aspect of Uni's "How to Succeed" is flawless, as if they had their own little how to book. It is impeccably executed and allows the satirical message of the show to shine, without losing the power of a genuinely fun musical.