'How to Succeed in Business' opens at GHS

Thursday, November 17, 2011
Smitty (senior Alice Moore, center) plays matchmaker for Finch (Alex Asbell) and Rosemary (Olivia Humphreys) in the Greencastle High School production of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," opening Thursday night at Parker Auditorium.

Greencastle High School will present Frank Loesser's popular show "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" as its fall musical this week.

The show opens Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and runs through Saturday in Parker Auditorium at GHS.

Based upon a book of the same title published in 1952 by Sheperd Mead, the musical follows the rise of young J. Pierrepont Finch (played by Alex Asbell) as he progresses from window washer at the World Wide Wicket Company, climbing, as the Book Voice says, "rung by painful rung" up the corporate ladder.

Along the way, he befriends all of the people he needs to make it up to the top: Mr. Twimble (Lucas Eckrich) who is head of the mailroom; Mr. Bratt (Keith Cooper), the personnel manager; Miss Jones (Alison Howard) who is the boss Mr. Biggley's secretary; and Mr. Biggley himself (played by George Howard). He even ends up charming Wally Womper (Cy Spencer) who is chairman of the board.

Finch also meets three secretaries who take an interest in his ambition: Rosemary (Olivia Humphreys), Smitty (Alice Moore) and Miss Krumholz (Brookelyn Edgar).

Rosemary and Finch fall in love, but problems occur in Act 2 thanks to Bud Frump (Ethan Gill), Biggley's sneaky nephew who also works for the firm.

Other students playing major and supporting roles are Kaeli Gray as Mr. Biggley's girlfriend Hedy LaRue; Elijah Brattain as Mr. Gatch, an executive whose penchant for the ladies becomes his downfall; and Mr. Ovington (Tanner Brannam) who is head of advertising for a very short time.

The cast also includes a large chorus of executives, secretaries, and other office workers. The show is directed by Bethany Bax with Carrie Hamilton serving as music director.

Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for adults. Tickets may be purchased in advance from the GHS bookstore or at the door.

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  • This looks like a great show! I am huge fan of both the movie and the most current Broadway show. I can not wait to see the show. Greencastle always has superb shows and this one will not be any different.

    -- Posted by aber0713 on Thu, Nov 17, 2011, at 8:13 AM
  • The cast, crew and directors have been preparing for this show for several weeks. GHS always seems to put together a great quality show. Please try to get out and support them.

    -- Posted by Abigailone on Thu, Nov 17, 2011, at 11:22 AM
  • Saw the show 2 nights on parent's night. I highly recommend this show. The acting and singing from Finch and Hedda LaRue are spot on, they both steal this show, and make it one not to miss. One of the best shows I have seen in a long time.

    -- Posted by mcmj on Thu, Nov 17, 2011, at 11:33 AM
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