When people are looking for tips on how to get ahead in the business world, they can turn to such books as “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” and “Who Moved My Cheese.”
Back in the early 1960s, lyricist Frank Loesser had his own take on self-affirmation when he wrote the music and words to “I Believe in You,” one of the memorable songs from the Broadway musical “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”
“I hear the sound of good solid judgment whenever you talk,” sings J. Pierpont Finch, staring at his own reflection in a bathroom mirror.
“Yet there’s the bold, brave spring of the tiger that quickens your walk. Oh I believe in you, I believe in you.”
Finch, the ambitious young window-washer with his eye on the corner office, is the star of “How to Succeed,” which opens tonight in Everett, a production of the Village Theatre.
The plot outline of the Broadway show has Finch using a guidebook titled “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” which offers a blueprint on how to reach the top in the business world.
Finch is an unlikely candidate for corporate management, but he follows the book’s instructions and begins his climb up the corporate ladder, with comic results.
The musical, with book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert, introduced America to more great songs by Frank Loesser (“Guys and Dolls”), including “The Company Way,” “Coffee Break” and “Brotherhood of Man.”
It also introduced audiences to the gapped-toothed charms of Robert Morris, who starred in a later film version.
The original production ran for 1,417 performances and went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for drama; a 1995 Broadway revival starred Matthew Broderick.
“How to Succeed,” which was the Village Theatre’s first show when it opened 25 years ago, closes the company’s anniversary season.
In another neat bit of symmetry, Jason Collins, the actor who plays J. Pierpont Finch, is the son of Nora Collins, one of the stars of the Village Theatre’s 1979 production.
The role was that of Rosemary, a pretty young secretary who catches Finch’s eye when he gets a job in the mailroom. Kati Tomlinson, a veteran of many Village Theatre productions, has the role now.
Steve Tomkins directs the show, which runs through July 25 at the Everett Performing Arts Center.
Village Theatre photo
J. Pierpont Finch (Jason Collins, center) gives himself a pep talk as his co-workers plot against him in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”
Village Theatre photo
Kati Tomlinson and Jason Collins in the Village Theatre production.
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”
A Village Theatre production tonight through July 25 at the Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett. Performances at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 7 p.m. Sundays, with 2 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets, $24 to $40 at the box office, 425-257-8600.
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”
A Village Theatre production tonight through July 25 at the Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett. Performances at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 7 p.m. Sundays, with 2 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets, $24 to $40 at the box office, 425-257-8600.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
