JCHS takes on Broadway — And Succeeds!
Ben Robinow as J. Pierrepont Finch
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying humorously tells the story of how a young man named J. Pierrepont Finch (played by Ben Robinow, a junior), climbs the ladder of success in the business world...without really knowing what he is doing. His secret strategy for success in the corporate realm? A book titled “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” that serves as the namesake of the play. This classic Broadway musical was first brought to the stage in 1961, but is still just as relevant today. However, despite being relevant, why was this show so fantastic, so different from all others performed here at JCHS?
One thing comes to mind almost immediately: the superb acting chops of the cast. However, while these played a significant role, the work that went on behind the glitz-and-glam of the stage was just as important. After all, what’s an actor if he (or she) can’t be heard? And for, that we have tech to thank. From the lights and scenery, to the costumes, music, sound effects, and incredible hair styles, the people behind the stage put so much effort into making How to Succeed amazing. Maya Menachem, a junior, who played ”Smitty” wonderfully, said with candor how “getting ready for the show was mostly teasing our hair and using TONS OF HAIRSPRAY!” I could only imagine how much work was put into making this production happen behind the scenes.
Remember the amazing music? Even though you couldn't see the band (because they were in the tech booth), they played a huge role in making this musical a success. Why? Live music certainly made the already superb singing and dancing of How to Succeed exponentially better — and a huge shout out goes to the members of the jazz band; and to Mr. Kuchar; their conductor.
Overall, How To Succeed was a wonderful, polished, and well-acted piece of JCHS theatre that I can truly say was a pleasure to see. The theatre department, while demonstrating their excellence, showed that How To Succeed was more than just well-acted — it was well-written. Ben Robinow, a junior who played the lead role, summed my feelings up best when he remarked that “[How to Succeed] is already such an incredible play because it has everything. The writing is genius, the music is beautiful, and the lyrics are as catchy as they are hilarious. I truly cannot think of a better show for this cast, and I’m so excited to get to show the school everything we’ve done!”
I was impressed and truly proud of all my classmates who performed so well on the stage. It takes a lot of chutzpah to speak, sing, or dance in front of an audience! Clearly, Ms. Russell made an excellent choice for 2017’s fall musical.
Cast of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”
