CAC Presents “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”

CAC’s drama department will present the musical comedy “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” March 12-14. This satire follows ambitious J. Pierpont Finch as he rises from the ranks of a window washer to a corporate bigwig.

Drama Director Jenna Thomas said she was drawn to the production because of the opportunity to delve into the history and culture of the 1960s. “For the last few years, we’ve been living in magical lands in “Beauty and the Beast” and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” so I was very interested in picking a time period the students hadn’t had the chance to explore.”

Of the 22 cast members, the lead roles are senior Shane Almond (as the crafty young businessman J. Pierpont Finch) and senior Caroline Leverett (as Finch’s love interest Rosemary Pilkington). In addition to a talented ensemble, Thomas said the audience can expect cameos by a few unnamed faculty members. CAC’s Band Director James Wilhite will conduct the orchestra which will tackle difficult musical pieces from the era. 

While one of the challenges of the show will be recreating the hair, makeup, colors and energy of the 1960s business world, Thomas said she’s confident her cast and crew have the vigor to bring the set to life. “I feel like our student body has the talent that’s needed for it, and the music is so much fun — there’s a lot of fast-paced, high-energy dancing.”

“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” opens Saturday, March 12 at 7 p.m. with a matinee on Sunday, March 13 at 2 p.m. The musical concludes Monday, March 14 with a final showing at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students.