How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying

I had never seen this musical before so looked forward to seeing something new. I wasn't disappointed. The frothy, light hearted script combined with catchy music and energetic tap dancing routines was very well presented and received. Adam Pringle was in excellent form as Finch, the young, ambitious window cleaner who, by following the guidelines in his book "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying" manages to reach the top of the tree. Vocally strong and with a chirpy personality he appeared totally at ease in his role and was a most believable and amiable character. David Docherty's performance as Bud Frump, also trying to reach the top of the business ladder but through family connections, was most amusing as he expertly punched out the comical one liners and appeared physically crushed when things didn't go as he would have liked. Along the way, Finch falls for the love struck Rosemary (Emily Good) who was delightfully naive and sang beautifully. Her number "Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm" was one of the many high points. Kenneth Pinkerton as always gave a very strong performance as Biggley the boss of the company, determined to be in control of his executives one minute then doing his knitting the next! His duet with Finch "Rip the Chipmunk" was another of my favourites. Josephine Heinemeier made a  most striking and sexy Hedy LaRue. This was an entire cast of talented performers whose standard of singing and dancing was top notch. The company secretaries with their colourful, co-ordinated costumes made an immediate impact and tap danced their way throughout the show with energy and precision while the male members of the cast showed off their dancing skills in the fabulous "Brotherhood of Man".

A quirky, eye catching set with larger than life cut out desks, telephones and typewriters were cleverly used and worked really well. A stylized production with secretaries striking poses was most effective.

This was a real contrast to recent productions by E.M.T. and again they pulled off a real winner with a production of a very high standard. A most enjoyable show which was exactly what was needed to brighten up a cold Saturday afternoon.

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