A romantic comedy

Westosha Central High School junior Danny Persino, who plays Bud Frump, the nemesis of main character Finch is the life of the party during dress rehearsal of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." (Earlene Frederick/The Report).
Westosha Central High School junior Danny Persino, who plays Bud Frump, the nemesis of main character Finch is the life of the party during dress rehearsal of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” (Earlene Frederick/The Report).

Central presents ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.’

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

Set in the 1960s, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” promises to deliver a witty and satirical glimpse into the business world of that era, according to Westosha Central High School Drama Director Michael Klimzak.

The musical production, scheduled to open Friday, features a total of 80 actors, band members and a few cameo appearances by school faculty.

“The audience should expect a fun, witty evening of great songs and scenes. There is very little seriousness to the show,’ said Klimzak. ‘Everything is lighthearted and is the target for satire. It’s a great escape in pure entertainment.’

The entertainment features the character Finch, who works his way up the corporate ladder, going from a window washer to chairman of the board.

Along the way, Finch, played by junior Braden Gere, meets Rosemary Pilkington, who is portrayed by junior Cassie Schneider.

“His business skills are limited,” said Klimzak. “But what he lacks in office know-how, he makes up with charm and sly tactics, using the guidance of a self-help book.”

Challenging barriers
Noting the time period, Klimzak said, women’s roles in the workplace have evolved.

“The show originally premiered in 1961 and roles of women in the workplace have greatly changed,” Klimzak said. “So it has been a balancing act to be true to the period, but continue to give a positive model of the female business persona.”

The balancing act left producers at a recent show held at the Marriott Lincolnshire Dinner in Illinois to convey an important note in the program.

“The show was recently produced at Marriott Lincolnshire Dinner Theatre in Illinois and the director stated in his program notes that women’s positions in big business have come along way,” said Klimzak.

A different style
Unlike last year, when the department produced “Annie Get Your Gun,” this year’s musical production delivers a polished style.

Additionally, Klimzak said, this year’s production features isolated movements and a different physical delivery, compared to last year’s rough and ragged edges production.

“Based on setting alone, the style of the show is slick and polished,” said Klimzak. “The original production had staging by Bob Fosse and features much of his signature isolated movements and broken doll physicality.”

Fosse directed Broadway shows “Cabaret” and “Chicago.”

“Getting students to understand this concept and adapt to its style is a bit of challenge,” said Klimzak.

If you go…
WHO: Westosha Central High School Drama Department
WHAT: “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”
WHEN: Friday and Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.
WHERE: High School Cafetorium, 24617 75th St., Salem
HOW: General admission tickets can be purchased at www.showtix4u.com for $9.

Students find similarities
While Gere admitted his personality is similar to his character, Finch, the junior said the challenge is conveying it to the masses in the school cafetorium.

“Our personalities are not much different, but if there was a difference, I would say he is definitely a lot more ambitious than I am,” said Finch. “I am more closed off and reserved than he is.”

Like Gere, Schneider stated her traits are similar to Rosemary, but said the theatrical and artistic presentation is a challenge.

“Trying to get into character was a little bit hard. You have to learn to let go in this musical because it is supposed to be kind of funny,” Schneider said. “You have to be theatrical about things.”

She hopes to rely on the genuine quality in Rosemary’s character.

“Rosemary is a sweetheart kind of girl. She dreams of love as a secretary,” Schneider said. “Then comes along Finch, and she falls in love with him.

“I am usually known as a sweet hearted kind of girl,” Schneider said. “That is what Rosemary is.”

Gere, meanwhile, said getting out of his comfort zone is another barrier.

“Finch is a very big character, and he is big motions,” said Gere. “So I just have to step out of my comfort zone.”

Faculty jumps on board
According to Klimzak, teachers and school administrators plan to take on small roles throughout the production, including social studies teachers Dan Bender and Tyson Mengel.

“We have cast faculty members in the cameo role of Wally Womper, the chairman of the board,” said Klimzak. “Each performance, a different faculty member will be taking on the role.”

Along with Bender and Mengel, teacher Jeff Tracy, and Principal Lisa Albrecht plan to put in time on the show.

“Our principal and assistant principals have lent their voices as The Voice of the Book,” said Klimzak.

Additional roles
As Gere and Schneider play the key roles, the musical other cast members include: sophomore Kaitlyn Shaffer, who will present the character of Smitty, Rosemary’s friend; Junior Daniel Persino, who presents the character Bud Frump, who is the boss’ nephew and Finch’s enemy on the show; playing J.B. Biggley is sophomore Curtis Vineyard; while senior Sheena Derzler is Miss Jones, the boss’ secretary; and Junior Anna Kurzer is Hedy La Rue, the new secretary.


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