Musical a delightful romp up the corporate ladder
BUTLER TWP — It was at times sweet, at times silly, sometimes zany and sometimes sentimental. The Butler Musical Theatre Guild opened the Tony Award-winning "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" Friday night at the Succop Theatre.
The show opened with a rousing upbeat score under the direction of Karen O'Donnell and hit the ground running with Phil Ball out front as J. Pierpont Finch, a window washer with a penchant for power and titles.
Ball was his usual talented self and handled the role well. He shared several notable duets with cast members.
"The Company Way" was a nicely done duet, with Mr. Twimble played by Ron McKissik, and "Grand Old Ivy," complete with Ground Hog motions, was a real crowd pleaser duet with Mr. Biggley, president of the "World-Wide Wicket Company," portrayed by Dean Weiland.
Ball's leading lady, Rosemary, was played quite capably by the gifted Whitney Angeloni. Her big vocals and comfortable stage presence combined with her chemistry with Ball to make for a convincing performance. One of her best scenes was "Paris Original" a scene where she sings about a dress to impress only to find out she wasn't the only gal with that idea or fashion sense.
The other leading lady, Hedy, played by Megan Flannery, was a delight. She was funny and trampy with long legs and a penchant for men. Flannery was relentlessly funny and bold. She seemed comfortable in the role and genuinely at ease. She had a sweet voice in her one brief number, "Love from a Heart of Gold," with Weiland.
Some great scenes were also had by Brad Griffiths, who played Bud Frump, the nephew who despised Finch for his tenacity. Davlin Smith played Miss Jones and bided her time until she could cut loose on the vocals in the second act.
Connie Roger also turned in a fun performance in her role of Smitty the secretary.
The large cast moved well and kept momentum throughout the show. It was long but good, only earning two glances at the watch all evening.
It is a fun show guaranteed to afford an escape from our crazy lives into the life of Finch. It was a bit of a cheese ball show but definitely worth a look. Ken Schreffler Jr. did a great job in managing the large cast and multiple scene changes during the show.
It runs this weekend, and tickets are still available at the door.
<B>WHAT: </B>The Musical Theatre Guild's "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying."<B>WHEN: </B>8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday<B>WHERE:</B> The Succop Theatre on the campus of Butler County Community College<B>TICKETS:</B> $17 for adults and $15 for students. Tickets available at the door<B>INFO:</B> 724-287-8243
