By Gina Greco
Town of Webb school’s Music Teacher, Valerie Gaudin, has announced that her students will be performing ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ for their spring play in March.
The musical, by Frank Loesser, was first performed on Broadway in 1961. It won seven Tony Awards, the New York Drama Critics Circle Award and the 1962 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
It is about a 27-year-old New York window washer, J. Pierrepont Finch, who buys into the title of the book, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” believing he can find his way to the top of the corporate world.
“We saw it on broadway about four years ago. It was really exciting because we saw Daniel Radcliffe from Harry Potter play the lead role and John Larroquette in another big role,” Valerie said.
“The play was so good. The music was fantastic, and it was very funny,” she said.
“There are so many shows out there to chose from; I think this works; the kids need something happy and fun to do,” she said.
Factoring the current crop of students’ personalities, ages and talent, Valerie talked it over with stage director Anne DeFilipps and decided this work to be a perfect fit.
She said the auditions went well. “We bring in the voices of the community,” she said.
This year, the Audition Panel consisted of Anne Defilipps, Jeff Craig, Sue Murray-Russell, Patrick Russell, Town of Webb band teacher Emily Herrmann, former Town of Webb student Chelsea Hanford, who has performed in previous school plays.
“It brings in more personalities, more opinions, and I totally trust their decisions,” she said.
The play is a week earlier this year, but it is smaller than previous productions with only 24 students. This should allow cast member to learn their parts quicker, Valerie said.
“Having a smaller group will showcase the kids more; they will all be seen and heard.”
“We a have a lot of strong talent this year,” she added.
Valerie thinks performing in the play is one of the most important things the kids do in school.
“I really think they learn a lot from it.
“There’s so much they will gain—confidence, working together—and you really get a chance to see a side of the kids you never knew existed,” she said.
Jeff Evans will be returning this year as set director.
“He’s incredible, and I’m so grateful that he wants to do this for us,” Valerie said.
Webb teacher, Diane Amos will be helping with costumes and Emily Herrmann will be producing the programs.
“The community is so supportive; it’ll be fun, I look forward to it,” Valerie said.
The full cast is Tyler Fenton as J. Pierrepont Finch, Ally Cooper as Rosemary Pilkington, T.J. Hulser as J.B. Biggley, Nick Olsen as Bud Frump, Melissa Murphy as Hedy LaRue, Nicole Redpath as Miss Jones, Carter Kelly as Bratt, Ryan Johnston as Twimble/Womper, Olivia Phaneuf as Smitty, David Ehrensbeck as Gatch, Robin Smith as Miss Krumholtz, Shawn Hansen as Ovington, Josh Huber as Jenkins, and Josh Kelly as Tackaberry/ Peterson/ Johnson/ Matthews/ Davis.
The female supporting cast is Allyson Brosemer, Mackenzie Kelly, Chloe Brosemer, Vicky Franco, Mara Gaffney, Caroline DeFilipps, Lexie Beal, Rachel Smith, Alex DiOrio and Fern Bailey.
The play will be at the school gymnasium on March 13th and 14th at 7pm. Ticket prices are adults $7, seniors (62+) $6, and students $5.