Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Knight Raymond, PhD
The only other time I’ve seen How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying was a theatre-department production when I was an undergraduate at the University of Arkansas. Back then, I was as naive as the play’s central character, young window washer J. Pierrepont Finch (compellingly portrayed by Ben Nadler and no doubt inspired by J. Pierpont Morgan). Finch reads and executes on the advice in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (an actual book from 1952 with the musical adaptation in 1961). Like Finch, I’ve always sought answers and expertise from books. His ambitious path feels natural.
Seeing this at South Park Theatre a couple of decades into my own career in business reminds me how theatre is enriched by your own experiences. Any seasoned working professional will have witnessed (or perhaps participated in) office romances, experienced the collective horrors of an empty coffee pot, and worked with versions of play-it-safe employee Trimble (Eric Thomas) and nepotistic hires like executive president J.B. Biggley’s nephew, Bud Frump (the excellent Johnny Terreri).
In his South Park debut, director and choreographer Ashton Guthrie infuses the production with vivacious energy. Even though the play is long, it never drags. Guthrie wisely keeps Sabrina Hykes-Davis’ mid-century set upstage. It’s dominated by an almost cartoonish backdrop that’s as appropriately oversized as the musical’s office stereotypes. This keeps the action flowing and also maximizes the small stage for Guthrie’s spirited and well-choreographed dance numbers.
Carina Iannarelli is a stand-out as Hedy LaRue. As Biggley’s mistress, she channels a vapid and coquettish red-headed Betty Boop energy. She’s transparent about the fact corporate life is not as good as her former job as a cigarette girl, calling into question the very corporate ladder Finch is trying to climb.
As Finch, Nadler is an energetic chameleon who follows the book and plays the game. In Nadler’s most memorable scene, Guthrie nearly transforms him into a rhythmic gymnast. As Finch, he artfully unfurls receipt tape and gleefully strews papers around the office. He makes it look like he’s just pulled an all-nighter right before J.B Biggley (Joe Joyce) comes in on a Saturday morning to grab his golf clubs.
As president of World Wide Wicket, Joyce exudes the archetype of a distinguished, silver-haired executive. He’s patriarchal towards Finch, who pretends to have attended Biggley’s alma mater. Nadler hilariously fumbles his way through the university fight song as he lags behind Joyce’s crisp arm motions. In both Groundhog school spirit and business acumen, Finch is the earnest but struggling manifestation of “fake it til you make it.” Mr. Biggley is so caught up in his own nostalgia and the delight of a shared experience that he fails to notice Finch’s obvious foibles.
Frank Loesser composed the music and lyrics. In his song “Cinderella, Darling,” an ensemble of female employees serenade Rosemary Pilkington (Rachel Parsons). Parsons captures a gilded age edge – outwardly sweet, but cunning behind the scenes. They implore her not to leave Finch and “mess up a major miracle” as she’s their inspiration having risen from secretary to Finch’s fiancee. This marrying up song was actually swapped in the 1995 revival. However, this week’s wedding of billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez (who met via work) suggests “don’t turn down the prince” and the trophy wife trope is still just as relevant 60 years later. Some chapters in how to succeed remain evergreen.
-TKR, Ph.D.
South Park Theatre’s production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert) runs through July 13, 2025 at South Park Theatre, South Park Township, PA, 15129. Purchase tickets online here.
