The storyline of this play is set around the fictitious Wide World Wickets Company (WWC), its office dynamics and the complexities of wicket production (although the exact definition of a wicket is never established). Like many corporations, WWC is fraught with inefficiency and petty office politics, including everything from nepotism to sexual harassment. Based on the book "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" by Shepherd Mead, playwright Abe Burrows successfully displays the significance of each of the office's flaws.
Perhaps the strongest aspect of this play is the humorous and realistic construction of its characters. The principal role, the lazily ambitious but thoroughly charming J. Pierpont Finch (Brian Clowdus '03) unites the storyline, making his way up the corporate ladder thanks to the sound advice of a trusty book entitled, "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," whose words of wisdom were voiced by Dean of Students Ben Lieber.
Naturally, a romance ensues between "Finchy" and an attractive office secretary, Rosemary, who is played by Smith College senior Alexandra Kissell. A stream of different characters become both obstacles and expedients for Finchy's ambitious quest, in some form or another, such as the nephew of the president of the company, Bud Frump, and the president himself, J.B. Bigley.
What made this performance memorable, however, transcended the storyline. The actors' creative and imaginative execution of their roles and their powerful voices were certainly memorable. Clowdus did a terrific job of capturing the mischievous and yet genuine nature of Finchy. He was animated, energetic and engaging.
Kissell's portrayal of Rosemary was endearing and comical, which made for great chemistry and believable romance. Other noteworthy actors included the scheming nephew of Bigley, played by Chad Mills '04, and Miss Jones, Bigley's secretary, played by Molly Corkern, a senior at Hampshire College. Both of these characters added humor as well as tinges of reality in corporate office politics.
The character with whom I was most swept away, however, was J.B. Bigley, played by Jon Wemette '05. Wemette captured the spirit of the role about as perfectly as I could imagine one ever doing. He sang well, acted well and made me laugh more than any other character. In the first act, he and Clowdus sang "Old Ivy" a song about their supposedly shared college, which madly entertained the audience. My hat goes off to this actor and the hard work and effort that surely went into mastering his performance.
Another momentous scene took place in the second act, when Finch, various exectuives and Bigley's secretary sang "Brotherhood of Man." Magnificently choreographed, all the actors were bursting with energy and excitement, making for a strong near-ending to the musical.
The technical elements of the musical were also quite engaging. The set was neat and colorful. The actors' costumes, 1950s attire and hairdos, were well done. The music was vibrant and carried the actors' voices well.
The choreography was strong, although vastly stronger during certain scenes, like "Brotherhood of Man," than others. Overall, I was impressed with the aesthetic elements of this musical which gave it a very professional and accomplished feel. Contrary to the title of this musical, all those involved clearly set forth an impassive effort which resulted in a remarkable and pleasant product.