Washington Art Reporter--February 1987--5

by Sharon Kennedy

Art Reporter Staff Wrrter

"How To Succeed at Comedy"

 

Burn Brae Dinner Theatre', production of the hit musical "How to Succeed in Business Without Really
Trying," a musical comedy satire about the male-dominated corporate business world, retaim the popularity of the original version, which premiered more than a quarter of a century ago. The play is rich with in-jokes about corporate business and boasts two musical hits: "A Secretary Is Not A Toy" and "I Believe In You."

Though this musical could be updated to include the struggles of Ivy League womem MBA's, rather than only secretaries, the satire still has a strong punch. J.B. Blggley's Wicket manufacturing firm has all the Vibrant truisms common to corporate enterprise, right down to the pin-stripe suits.

Andy Clemence convincingly plays J. Pierpont Finch, mail room clerk working his way to the top of the corporate ladder. Clemence has the natural attractive and intelligent look of a young man destined to succeed. Janet Davidson
as Rosemary, the attractive secretary, stands by ready to help Finch succeed.

Going by the book, Finch avoids an affair with the boss's favorite secretary and evades attempts by the boss's nephew to upset his rise to the top, marrying the nephew's secretary, Rosemary, in the process.
"How To Succeed In Business Without Redlly Trying" is well worth really trymg to attend...

-Sharon Kennedy