By Linne Marsh
Grab your coworkers and make it a company event at Brigham’s Playhouse in Washington, Utah and see How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. It’s like watching the television show The Office as a musical set in 1960s corporate America.
This delightful production follows J. Pierrepont Finch (Aaron Naylor) as he uses a self-help book to climb the corporate ladder from a window washer to an executive. Finch must defeat his foe, Bud Frump (Caleb Christensen), and cleave to his love, Rosemary Pilkington (Angie Naylor), all while impressing his boss, J.B. Biggley (John Blaskco). What ensues is a hilarious story of business success in an unlikely situation.
Music director Kris Barber capitalizes on the strong vocal talent of various characters to bring the toe-tapping tunes to life. Aaron Naylor commands the stage with his strong yet playful vocals. Angie Naylor infuses a sweetness to Rosemary Pilkington while Mckenna Hodge is a perfectly sassy Smitty. Jasmine Anderson (Miss Jones) surprises with a strong feminine addition to “Brotherhood of Man.” Danica Sanders (Hedy LaRue) and Caleb Christiansen (Bud Frump) give stand out performances. Sanders’ ability to sing while in character as LaRue is both impressive and hilarious, and Christiansen’s “Elevator Dance” is one of the funniest parts of the show.
The innovative set design transports us to the Worldwide Wicket Company. I am in awe of set designer Tonya Christiansen’s engineering prowess to create the setting of Naylor on a swing washing windows, sliding windows “embossed” with company logos, and rotating wings for quick set changes. Each aspect of the set is easily transported or twisted to present entirely new scenes. For me, the scene changes were a bit too long and distracted me a bit. But it is not so much that I didn’t enjoy the show very much and encourage everyone to attend.
One of my favorite aspects of attending a show at Brigham’s Playhouse is the intimacy of the theater. It is on the small side, which makes every seat a good seat, but it also poses a challenge for blocking and choregraphing the show. I am impressed by the talent of both director Kelly Olsen, and choreographer Christine France to include cast members on the stage in a way that did not feel crowded. France developed clever dance numbers that not only enhance the entertainment value of the how, but also fit on the stage. Aaron Naylor and Blaskco’s groundhog imitation in “Grand Old Ivy” leaves the audience in stitches.
While clad in vibrant colored dresses and plaid suits designed by Emily Holt, the male and female ensembles represented a picture perfect 60’s office space. They each work well together to lend their individual elements of humor and voice talent to a Pulitzer Prize winning book.
The cast and crew at Brigham’s Playhouse do comedic justice in their rendition of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. If you want to spend an evening laughing, go see it before it closes on June 15th, 2019.
While the content is suitable for an audience of all ages, younger children will not understand the humor. Additionally, children under five are not permitted to attend the show.
Brigham’s Playhouse presents How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert. Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser.
Brigham’s Playhouse 25 N 300 W, Washington, UT 84780
May 9–June 15, 2019, Thurs–Sat 7:00 PM, Sat matinee 2:00 PM
Tickets: $17–23
Contact: 435-251-8000
Brigham’s Playhouse Facebook Page
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying Facebook Event **Children under five are not permitted.
One of the best and most enjoyable shows we’ve seen at Brigham’s Playhouse. Keep up the great work!!