LIHU‘E — The bright and dazzling but somewhat dated musical “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” opens 7 p.m. today at Kaua‘i War Memorial Conventional Hall. Thirty-one high school students from Kaua‘i, Kapa‘a and Waimea high schools and
LIHU‘E — The bright and dazzling but somewhat dated musical “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” opens 7 p.m. today at Kaua‘i War Memorial Conventional Hall.
Thirty-one high school students from Kaua‘i, Kapa‘a and Waimea high schools and Hawai‘i Technology Academy channel 1960s corporate America in this musical comedy about J. Pierrepont Finch (Malachi Burrow), a window-washer who schemes his way to the top of the corporate ladder thanks to a self-help manual.
J.B. Biggley (Toby Riggle) is currently on top of that corporate ladder, while his lazy nephew, Bud Frump (Cameron Williamson), is Finch’s trouble-making nemesis.
Meanwhile, secretaries Rosemary (Shealynna Ringor) and Hedy LaRue (Isabella Arcio) dream of a life of marriage.
While the original Broadway production won a Pulitzer Prize for drama, along with a slew of Tony Awards, today, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” offers a satirical look at 1960s life.
The men connive and scheme to the top, and the women connive and scheme for a husband.
While it’s not easy to turn back the clock to 1961, KPAC transports the audience back to an era of cool, accentuated by the secretaries’ vintage costumes and the executives’ power suits.
The musical is vibrant and funny with a memorable score penned by veteran composer Frank Loesser, including musical numbers such as “Coffee Break,” “The Company Way” and “Been a Long Day.”
“I just think the whole show is just very funny,” Dennis McGraw said, who is directing the production. “Taking a show from 1961, it might seem dated, but it’s fresh now. They are currently reviving it on Broadway.”
A 50th anniversary Broadway revival opened last month starring Daniel Radcliffe of “Harry Potter” fame. A 1995 revival starring Matthew Broderick earned him a Tony Award.
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” opens today at 7 p.m. at Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall. Performances are 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays. The musical closes Sunday, May 8.
Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door for adults, and $8 in advance and $10 at the door for students. Tickets are available from cast members, Scotty’s Music in Kalaheo, Progressive Expressions in Koloa, Vim ‘n Vigor in Lihu‘e, Jim Saylor Jewelers in Kapa‘a and North Shore Pharmacy in Kilauea.
For more information call Dennis McGraw at 651-2417.
• Andrea Frainier, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or afrainier@ thegardenisland.com.
