HOW TO SUCCEED………….
Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser
Book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert
From the authors of “Guys and Dolls” comes one of the most delightfully irreverent musicals of all time. A satire of big business and all it holds sacred, “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying” follows the rise of J. Pierrepont Finch, who uses a little handbook called "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying" to climb the corporate ladder from lowly window washer to high-powered executive, tackling such familiar but potent dangers as the aggressively compliant "company man," the boss' whiny, nepotistic nephew, the office party, backstabbing co-workers, caffeine addiction and, of course, true love.
Guaranteed to appeal to anyone who has ever worked in an office, the show boasts a show-stealing star role in its antihero, quirky, memorable secondary characters, a catchy, witty score that's bright, brassy and easy to learn and sing, and a wicked sense of humor that's as biting, unforgiving and on-target today as ever!
FINCH – (Tenor - 20's) our hero. A young man whose meteoric progress from window cleaner to company chairman owes little to his qualifications and much to his wits, single-mindedness and the aid of a good instruction manual.
ROSEMARY – (Mezzo - 20's) our heroine. A pretty young secretary of above-average qualifications, in danger of being wasted when she sets her career sights on being Mrs. Finch.
J.B. BIGGLEY – (Baritone - 40's-60's) The boss; President of the World Wide Wicket Company. A ruthless, consequently successful, businessman, though still a college lad at heart.
BUD FRUMP – (Tenor - 20's-30's) The villain; the boss’s nephew. An obnoxious young man who can’t make it to the top in spite of his devious machinations and family connections.
HEDY LARUE – (Soprano - 20's-30's) the femme fatale. A blond bombshell, ex-night-club cigarette girl, would-be secretary under the boss’s protection.
SMITTY – (Mezzo - 20's-40's) A big-hearted, if cynical, working girl. A good secretary and likely to remain just that.
MISS JONES – (Mezzo - 30's-50's) J.B. Biggley’s secretary, who enjoys the respect her position and mature years command.
BRATT – (Baritone - 30's-50's) The Personnel Manager, adept in the main skill required for holding his job – agreeing with the boss.
MR. TWIMBLE – (Tenor - 40's-60's) An example of how not to succeed; a loyal company man with 25 years’ service spent climbing from mailroom worker to head of the mail-room.
GATCH – An almost-successful executive with fatal penchant for the ladies.
MR. WOMPER – A highly successful man with a small stature but the biggest job – Chairman.
Ensemble and Featured Roles**:
MISS KRUMHOLTZ, JENKINS, TACKABERRY, PETERSON, OVINGTON, TOYNBEE
Executives, Scrubwomen, Policeman, Secretaries
THE ENTIRE CAST SINGS AND DANCES. **Lots of opportunity for ensemble as there are many speaking parts.