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James Madison High School How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying

By • May 10th, 2012 • Category: Cappies

Everyone knows climbing the ladder in business is a difficult task. Not for J. Pierrrepont Finch, a young window washer, longing to be a successful business man. With the assistance of a little book, Mr. Finch rises to the top of the World Wide Wicket Company without really trying. How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, a musical based on the satirical book, was performed by James Madison High School last weekend. From the opening of the curtain, to the last bow, Madison High School’s production was certainly impressive.

Starting off as just an ambitious window washer, J. Pierrepoint Finch, portrayed by Daxx Wieser, eases his way to executive status of a huge company. Combining wit and charm, Wieser succeeded in creating a likeable manipulator. The upbeat music allowed for his vocal ability to shine. In the high energy number “Brotherhood of Man,” Wieser exemplified his outstanding dance ability. Wieser’s performance was attention grabbing throughout the span of the show.

Portraying the role of the mischievous, undesirable Bud Frump, Josh Culhane, mastered the role through his knack for physical comedy and amusing delivery of each line. With a delightfully senseless tone of voice, and tremendous sex appeal, Samantha Ross portrayed the role of the alluring temptress, Hedy LaRue. Ross portrayed the role perfectly by air-headedly delivering her lines. Her silly and sensual attitude made her a character adored by the whole audience.

The ensemble of executives was remarkable, bursting with constant energy especially in the number, “Brotherhood of Man.” The mirthful executives had the audience in amazement and side-splitting laughter with their surprisingly astounding dancing and physical comedy. Also featured in the number was Julia Meadows portraying the role of Miss Jones. Her astonishing, jaw-dropping vocal talent had the audience surprised, yet incredibly pleased.

With each step, turn, and kick, the synchronization in each dance number, was impeccable. Playing the role of secretary, Miss Krumholtz, Morgan Miller frequently led the company in the dances with her sky-high energy and fantastic technique. The engaging, innovative choreography for each number was unbelievable. With the instruction from Daxx Wieser and Selena Garcia-DuBar, the cast wowed the audience with complex moves, and advanced dance routines. In the notable numbers “Coffee Break,” “Grand Old Ivy,” and “Brotherhood of Man,” the choreography as well as the execution of the routines was superb.

Incorporating the phenomenal lighting design (Chris Fertal ,Mairin Haley), the incredibly constructed set including the innovative elevators (Andrew Barat, Christopher Chandler-Liu, Morgan Miller), and the practically flawless sound (Chris DiBlasi), technically, the show was close to professional quality. The hair, absolutely appropriate for the time period was carefully styled and varied amongst the ensemble of secretaries.

Overall, the show was excellent, however just like all shows, this production had its minor flaws. With the abundance of props and set pieces, some scene changes were rather lengthy, but nonetheless resulted in an extraordinary new setting. James Madison High School knows how to succeed in putting on a phenomenal performance.

by Madeline Defreece of Oakton High School

Photo Gallery

Mr. Twimble and ensemble, played by Wesley Diener, Emily Jennings, Sofia McKewen, Jenna Robinson and Noah Calderon Samantha Ross and Patrick Shaughnessy as Hedy LaRue and J. B
Mr. Twimble and ensemble, played by Wesley Diener, Emily Jennings, Sofia McKewen, Jenna Robinson and Noah Calderon
Samantha Ross and Patrick Shaughnessy as Hedy LaRue and J. B
Pirates- played by Noah Calderon, Sallieu Fallah, Andrew Barat, and Matt Goodson Julia Meadows
Pirates- played by Noah Calderon, Sallieu Fallah, Andrew Barat, and Matt Goodson
Julia Meadows
Daxx Weisner and Shannon Michelson as Finch and Rosemary
Daxx Weisner and Shannon Michelson as Finch and Rosemary

Photos by Tracy Meadows

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