How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying

It is a truth, universally acknowledged, that a musical without a fine orchestra, dazzling dancing, elevated and emotion-packed singing and skilled acting, cannot succeed, even if really trying. In the case of the ECMT’s production of How to Succeed in Business without really trying, all the ducks lined up admirably and the musical succeeded.

To begin, the orchestra, under the direction of Paul Sinkinson, sounded fantastic from the first to the last note, and all those in-between.

Then, the choreography was a major feature of the show.  The dance numbers showed imagination and flair, allowing each member of the ensemble to create an individual personality. Choreography by Alexander Kermond created visually exciting routines. Good use was made of the acrobatic skills of Jack Rocca, rocketing and somersaulting all over the stage And the dancers really could dance.

Importantly, there are the lead players. J.Pirrepont Finch (Matt Hawke) held the audience as he portrayed a hapless window washer rising through the ranks of a big company, with the help of an advice manual.  Each new success was greeted with a knowing grin. That he can sing and dance is a given in a musical lead, but he also managed to portray, in his rise to the top, a guile and ruthless approach which should have made us dislike him. Instead we cheered him along, all the way., and to give him his due, he did work hard and turn up on time.

Conversely Bud Frump (Joey Haenen), just as ambitious for promotion, displayed equal guile and cunning, without the work ethic, relying on family connections.  He came across as a sly piece of work, so that we all rejoiced when he slid down the corporate ladder to the lowest rung. His was a stunning performance, for all that.

J.B.Biggley (Ryan Murphy) optimised the incompetent company president who compensated his deficiencies by barking orders at hapless subordinates. However, his duet with Hedy La Rue, Love from a Heart of Gold, was one of the most delightful moments in the show. In contrast, his duet with Finch, Grand Old ivy, was one of the funniest, in a show full of humour

Nor should we neglect the women. Rosemary (Elly Esdene McMahon)  sweetly singing Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm was the antithesis of Finch with whom she had become enamoured. She endured his insensitivities, obtuseness and vacillation with patience and dignity. Finally, when she had enough, it was the other women singing with religious fervour, Cinderella Darling, that changed her mind and she forgave all. Was it not every secretary’s dream to marry an Executive? The feminine version of succeeding?

Not for Hedy la Rue (Sophie Carmody) who knew exactly what she wanted and how to succeed, with lots of glamour, sex appeal, more showing of leg than was necessary (or was it?) to advance her prospects. It was certainly enough to put all the males into a frenzy until they were reminded that A Secretary is Not a Toy. A lesson not learned by Gatch (Kaemon Wilcox) whose suave, man of the world approach to Hedy La Rue led to his banishment to Venezuela. Hands off the boss’s mistress!

There were so many wonderful gems produced by the performers, and impossible to name them all.  Miss Jones (Bree Hall) showing just what she could do at the end. Mr Twimble (Damian Lee) explaining the Company Way, the Pirate Dance;  all highlights in their own right. Suffice to say that the cast brought a joyous enthusiasm to the musical which captivated the audience. 

All credit to Erin James as Executive Producer, and Peter Johns, Production Manager and Stage Manager, as well as to Simon Greer, Set Designer, Christopher Snape, Costume Designer, although I had some reservations about Hedy la Rue’s pirate get up, and James  Mensforth, Audio Designer.

As this was their last production before graduating from the three year course it did also set out to show the wealth and breadth of talent, expertly guided through those three years. I suspect, indeed hope, that we will be seeing more of many of these performers on stage, screen, or television. in the future.

Elder Conservatorium Music Theatre  

Scott Theatre 2-5 October