‘How To Succeed In Business’

Takes To The NHS Stage This Weekend

Following two years of performing Broadway classics, Les Miserables in 2004 and Show Boat in 2005, Newtown High School musical theater will showcase veteran student performers in this weekends performance of the light hearted musical comedy How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

The 1960s musical written by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, opened on Broadway for the first time in 1961 and ran for more than 1,400 performances. The satirical musical made a strong comeback on Broadway in 1995 with Matthew Broderick in the starring role.

“The past few NHS musicals have had more serious themes in a period setting,” says producer/director Chris Canfield of Newtown High School. “This show is a more modern and lighthearted 1960s musical, with a variety of really fun musical numbers,” he added.

The whimsical musical portrays the story of J. Pierpont Finch, a young, ambitious window washer who climbs the corporate ladder with the help of an instructional handbook titled How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. The twists and turns of corporate shenanigans force Finch into relying on his own instincts in the end.

The NHS production features veteran student performers in the key roles. Window washer Finch is played by junior Nathaniel Basch-Gould, who portrayed the lead role of James Thurber in the school’s fall production of A Thurber Carnival. Nathaniel also appeared in last year’s production of Show Boat.

Senior Samantha Mitchell, who has appeared in musicals at NHS, Summer Theatre Connections, Musicals at Richter, and the Sherman Playhouse for more than six years, plays secretary Rosemary Pilkington, Finch’s romantic interest.

The show features a variety of appealing songs such as “The Company Way,” “A Secretary is Not a Toy,” and “I Believe in You.” NHS choral director John Harned serves as musical director for the production, and Judy Abbatiello directs choreography. Set construction was supervised and designed by NHS alumnus Erin Thomas. To add intrigue to the production, audience members are invited to guess the identity of the well-known local personality who provides the book voice throughout the performance.

Performances will be held on Thursday, April 6, at 7 pm; Friday, April 7, at 7:30 pm, and Saturday, April 8, at 2 and 7:30 pm. Ticket prices range from $8 to $17. For further ticket information call 426-7983.